Gas Sensor Terminal Insulation with Ventilation Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas sensors in humid environments are prone to moisture accumulation, leading to corrosion of metal terminals, which disrupts signal transmission and voltage application.

Innovation Solution

A gas sensor design featuring a terminal insulation member with side ventilation paths and specific terminal disposition holes to facilitate moisture discharge, reducing corrosion and ensuring reliable signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a terminal insulation member is used to electrically insulate metal terminals, then electrical insulation is achieved, but moisture accumulates within the terminal insulation member causing corrosion of metal terminals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidmoisture accumulation and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal insulation member incorporates a porous structure that allows moisture to pass through while maintaining electrical insulation properties. The porous material enables moisture discharge pathways without compromising the insulating function, thus preventing corrosion of metal terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate structure (ventilation path or porous layer) within the terminal insulation member that acts as a mediator to allow moisture escape. This intermediate pathway enables moisture discharge while the overall insulation member maintains its electrical insulation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the terminal insulation member is made as a single integrated component, then manufacturing is simplified, but moisture discharge pathways are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of insulation memberVSAvoidmoisture discharge capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal insulation member is segmented into multiple functional zones: an insulating portion for electrical insulation and a porous ventilation portion for moisture discharge. This segmentation allows the single integrated member to simultaneously provide both insulation and moisture discharge functions through distinct structural regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal insulation member is designed as a multi-functional component that combines electrical insulation and moisture discharge capabilities within a single integrated structure. The insulating portion and porous ventilation portion work together to achieve both protective functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10520463B2Gas sensor

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 NITERRA CO LTD

AI summary

An insulating separator of a gas sensor is formed to be dividable into a forward separator having a terminal disposition hole, and a rear separator having four terminal disposition holes. The insulating separator has a ventilation path formed between the forward separator and the rear separator. As a result, moisture and the like which enter the insulating separator from a forward side of the forward separator through the terminal disposition hole can be discharged outward of the insulating separator through the ventilation path. As a result, corrosion of metal terminals caused by entry of moisture can be reduced, whereby transmission of a sensor signal and application of current or voltage through the metal terminals can be appropriately implemented.