Fluid Sensor Cap With Articulating Levers for Compact Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid sensor assemblies for tanker trailers face challenges in installation and maintenance due to limited space and restricted access, particularly when multiple components are mounted on a single man-lid, requiring a robust yet space-efficient fastening system for the cap and flexible wiring routing.
Innovation Solution
The fluid sensor assembly incorporates articulating levers that rotate to lock the cap to the base, reducing the space required for cap attachment and detachment, and a rotatable base/flange assembly for improved wiring access, along with a dual-sensor design for compact installation and toolless servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening systems are used for the cap, then secure connection is achieved, but space requirements and access difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates articulating levers that can rotate between locked and unlocked positions, transforming a static fastening system into a dynamic one. This allows the cap to be securely fastened during operation while enabling easy access when needed, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and space requirements for attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating levers utilize rotational motion in a different dimension rather than linear movement, allowing the cap to be secured through rotation rather than translation. This dimensional change reduces the linear space required for cap attachment and detachment operations.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple components are mounted on a single man-lid, then space efficiency is improved, but access and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into modular components including the cap, base, and articulating lever mechanism. This segmentation allows for easier installation and maintenance of individual components while maintaining compact overall size, resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic articulating lever mechanism provides easy access to the sensor components through simple rotational motion, making installation and maintenance operations straightforward even when multiple components are mounted on a single man-lid.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed wiring routing is used, then installation simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable base allows the wiring to be dynamically repositioned to different angles and orientations, providing flexibility in wiring routing while maintaining installation simplicity through a single rotational adjustment rather than complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable base provides more wiring routing options than a fixed installation, allowing partial adjustment to achieve optimal wiring paths without requiring complete reinstallation, thus balancing installation simplicity with wiring flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables easier installation, maintenance, and reduced space requirements for fluid sensor assemblies, ensuring secure connections and efficient wiring management, even in constrained environments, while maintaining a compact design that does not interfere with adjacent components.
Implementation Method 1
The cap can include a plurality of articulating levers configured to rotate about a respective central axis
Implementation Method 2
Each of the articulating levers can include a latching feature configured to be inserted into one of the plurality of receiving apertures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A fluid sensor assembly is provided. The fluid sensor assembly includes a base and a cap. The base is configured to receive a fluid sensor, the base forming a plurality of receiving apertures positioned about a perimeter of the base. The cap is configured to fit on the base and form a fluid-tight seal between the cap and the base, the cap including a plurality of articulating levers, each articulating lever of the plurality of articulating levers being configured to rotate about a central axis and including a latching feature configured to be inserted into a receiving aperture of the plurality of receiving apertures when the cap is fitted on the base and to lock the cap to the base upon rotation of the articulating levers.