Reconfigurable Fluid Sensor Housing for Tight Mounting Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sensing devices face challenges in being mounted in limited spaces due to their fixed form factors, which restricts their installation in various orientations and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sensing device comprising two housing portions that can be connected in geometrically different configurations using mechanical fastening and electrical interconnection means, allowing for flexible mounting orientations and separation of electrical components from the fluid to facilitate installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed form factor is used for the fluid sensing device, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot be mounted in limited or varied spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separate portions: a first housing portion that accommodates the sensing element and a second housing portion that accommodates electrical connection components. These portions can be connected in different geometrical configurations using mechanical fastening means and electrical interconnection means, enabling flexible mounting in various spaces while maintaining simple individual component structures.
2Reliability
If electrical connection components are exposed to the fluid, then the device structure is simple, but the electrical components are subjected to harmful substances and influence from the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a first housing portion for the sensing element and a second housing portion for electrical connection components. The second housing portion is substantially shielded from the first housing portion, separating electrical components from the fluid while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is made compact to fit limited spaces, then the device volume is reduced, but the available configurations for mounting are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two housing portions that can be connected in multiple geometrical configurations. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to various mounting spaces without requiring a large fixed volume, as the portions can be arranged in different orientations and positions to fit available spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic configurability through multiple possible geometrical arrangements of the housing portions. The mechanical fastening means and electrical interconnection means enable the device to be configured in different ways during installation, providing adaptability to various space constraints without increasing the base device volume.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for sensing a fluid, such as in a ventilation duct, comprising a sensing element (6), a first housing portion (27) adapted to be arranged outside said object and accommodating the sensing element (6), a supply opening (13) and an outlet opening (37), which openings provide communication between the said first housing portion (27) and the object containing the fluid that is to be sensed. The device (1) further comprises a second housing portion (28), adapted to be arranged outside said object and accommodating electrical connection components, wherein said first and second housing portions (27, 28) are arranged and configured such that they may be connected to each other in geometrically different configurations by use of mechanical fastening means (22) and electrical interconnection means (19, 26).