Hook-and-Snap Pressure Sensor Assembly Without Metal Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pressure sensors require metallic fasteners that need tooling for installation, leading to increased costs and packaging space, and the AK-LV 29 twist lock standard compliant designs are more expensive and require additional components.
Innovation Solution
A hook and snap pressure sensor assembly using a plastic fastener, a cover assembly with a hook feature, and a gasket that provides an environmental seal, allowing tool-free installation and reduced packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic fasteners are used to attach the pressure sensor, then secure attachment is achieved, but tooling is required for installation and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional metallic fasteners with a plastic fastener that uses a snap-fit mechanical engagement system. The plastic fastener includes a body with a snap feature that engages with a hook feature on the cover assembly, eliminating the need for metallic fasteners and tooling while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic fastener is designed to be installed by hand without requiring external tooling. The snap feature automatically engages with the hook feature when the cover assembly is positioned, allowing the installation process to be self-service oriented and eliminating the need for specialized installation tools.
2Reliability
If AK-LV 29 twist lock standard compliant design is used, then locking mechanism is achieved, but additional locking ring part is required and packaging space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking function directly into the plastic fastener body and cover assembly structure. The snap feature on the fastener body and hook feature on the cover assembly are merged into a single integrated locking mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate locking ring component while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic fastener body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates the locking engagement through the snap feature, and eliminates the need for separate metallic fasteners and locking rings. This multi-functional design reduces overall component count while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a cover assembly, a gasket, and a housing assembly. The cover assembly generally has a hook feature and a first locking feature. The hook feature generally has a first passage in communication with an exterior of the apparatus. The gasket is generally mounted on the cover assembly and has (i) a first sealing region, (ii) a second sealing region, and (iii) a second passage in communication with the first passage. The housing assembly generally has a sealing feature, a second locking feature, and a first cavity configured to hold a sensor. The sealing feature generally mates with the first sealing region of the gasket. The sensor (a) generally seals to the second sealing region of the gasket and (b) may be in communication with the exterior of the apparatus through the first passage and the second passage. The first locking feature of the cover assembly generally cooperates with the second locking feature of the housing assembly to lock the cover assembly to the housing assembly.