Two-Part Fluid Sensor Housing for Flexible Duct Mounting

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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, especially in ventilation ducts where space constraints vary.

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 such as angular, curved, or transverse displacements, with multiple sets of electrical interconnection means to accommodate various space constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed form factor is used for the sensing device, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot be mounted in limited spaces with varying orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidhousing configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

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 limited spaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the second housing portion is shielded from the first housing portion, then electrical components are protected from fluid exposure and harmful substances, but the device requires more space for separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical component protectionVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into two portions that can be positioned at different locations relative to each other. The second housing portion containing electrical components can be shielded from the first housing portion containing the sensing element, protecting electronics from fluid exposure while allowing compact arrangement that minimizes overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2306158B1Fluid detector with two-part housing
Publication Date: 2015.11.25 CALECTRO AB
  • EP2306158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2306158B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2306158B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

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).