Heat Meter Sensor Sleeve Latching for Precise Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat meters face challenges in quickly and securely installing temperature sensors, as the traditional locking pin method is cumbersome and often leads to incorrect positioning, increasing production costs and complexity during assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A positioning sleeve with latching elements is used to ensure precise positioning and secure the temperature sensor within the housing, eliminating the need for a dowel pin and simplifying the installation and removal processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking pin or cotter pin is used to secure the temperature sensor, then the sensor is secured against being pushed too far into the sensor pocket, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning groove is pre-formed in the sensor sleeve during manufacturing, and the positioning element is integrated into the fastening sleeve structure. This eliminates the need for separate locking pin insertion steps, allowing workers to simply screw in the fastening sleeve to secure the temperature sensor, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining positioning security
2Manufacturing precision
If a locking pin is used to secure the temperature sensor, then the sensor position is fixed, but the correct positioning becomes difficult to achieve during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning groove in the sensor sleeve automatically guides the positioning element of the fastening sleeve into the correct position during assembly. The sensor sleeve's own structure provides the positioning function, eliminating the need for workers to manually align holes or find correct positions, thereby improving both positioning accuracy and assembly ease
3Reliability
If a locking pin is used to secure the temperature sensor, then the sensor is firmly fixed, but the disassembly process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element is designed to be dynamic rather than permanent - it engages with the positioning groove during normal operation to prevent excessive insertion, but allows controlled movement when the fastening sleeve is unscrewed. This enables the sensor to remain securely fixed during use while being easily removable during maintenance by simply unscrewing the fastening sleeve
4Reliability
If a collar is provided to prevent the temperature sensor from being pulled out, then the sensor is secured against unintentional removal, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The collar function is merged with the fastening sleeve structure itself. The fastening sleeve incorporates both the fastening function (securing the sensor against pull-out) and the positioning function (through the integrated positioning element and groove) in a single component, eliminating the need for separate collar and locking pin components, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining retention security
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 allows for rapid and accurate sensor insertion, secure positioning against unintentional removal, and simplified dismantling, reducing production costs and assembly time while maintaining reliable sealing and measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
This sealing ring radially seals the sensor sleeve against the wall of the bore so that no water can escape from the housing to the outside
Implementation Method 2
the tip of the sensor sleeve protrudes into the interior of the housing and there comes into good thermal contact with the heating water
Implementation Method 3
The volume flow of the heated water flowing through the housing is measured by a flow sensor attached to the housing. Impeller meters are usually used
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A heat meter has a housing (1) through which heated water flows, and a sensor pocket formed on the side of the housing (1) with a bore (12) accessible from the outside, which has graduated diameters and forms an annular contact surface (18). A temperature sensor (7) with a sensor sleeve (9) closed at the front by a cap (10) protrudes through the bore (12) into the housing. A positioning groove (11) is provided on the sensor sleeve (9). The temperature sensor (7) has a fastening sleeve (16) through which a sensor cable (8) is passed. A sealing ring (12) rests against the contact surface (18) and seals the sensor sleeve (9) against the wall of the bore (12). A positioning sleeve (15) pushed onto the sensor cap (10) abuts the sealing ring (12) and has latching elements (20) on its inside which engage in the positioning groove (11) of the sensor sleeve (9). The position of the temperature sensor (7) in the longitudinal direction is thus precisely defined.