Hygienic Sensor Mounting via Nested Elastic Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor fastening systems in industries with high hygiene requirements, such as food and pharmaceuticals, face issues with water, dirt, and germ accumulation due to exposed corners, edges, and thread sections, leading to complex cleaning challenges and adaptation needs.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a housing with an elastic element, where the housing is prestressed against a carrier component's pressure surface to securely anchor the sensor within the elastic element, eliminating the need for a groove on the carrier component and providing a hygienic encapsulation effect through a two-part design with a non-elastic housing and elastic element, along with sealing features to prevent residue collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is fastened using an elastic element clamped between pressing elements, then the sensor is securely held in the elastic element, but exposed corners, edges and thread sections are created where water, dirt and germs can collect
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element is nested within a housing that encloses it completely. The housing acts as an outer shell containing the elastic element, similar to nested dolls, thereby hiding the exposed surfaces of the elastic element and preventing contamination while maintaining the securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing membrane is introduced as a flexible barrier that covers the opening of the housing where the elastic element is exposed. This thin film seals off the interface between the housing and carrier component, preventing water and dirt from reaching the elastic element while allowing the securing mechanism to function.
2Device complexity
If the elastic element is used both for anchoring to the carrier component and for holding the sensor, then the structure is simplified, but complex adaptation of the carrier component is required with grooves and recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is segmented into two separate components: the elastic element for sensor holding and the housing for carrier component anchoring. This separation allows the housing to provide the anchoring interface while the elastic element maintains its sensor-holding function, reducing the need for complex carrier component adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it anchors the assembly to the carrier component, encloses and protects the elastic element, and provides a mounting interface for the sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized carrier component features, enhancing versatility.
3Reliability
If the elastic element is compressed to reduce the cross-section of the recess for sensor anchoring, then the sensor is securely clamped, but the elastic element requires complex fastening to the carrier component
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element is nested within the housing, which provides the external fastening structure. This allows the elastic element to focus on sensor clamping through compression while the housing handles the anchoring to the carrier component, separating the two functions and reducing overall complexity.
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 enables a simple, flexible, and hygienically superior method for attaching sensors, reducing residue accumulation and simplifying cleaning processes by eliminating exposed areas and requiring no complex adaptation of the carrier component, while ensuring secure sensor anchoring and easy cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (13), in which a bushing (15) for receiving a sensor (17) to be fastened is trained
Implementation Method 2
A sealing element made of elastic material is provided at the opening of the housing. The housing is thus in sealing engagement with the pressing surface, so that no unwanted deposits can collect in slots or cavities between the housing and the pressing surface.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device has an elastic element (13) comprising a recess (15) for receiving a portion of a sensor to be fixed. A housing (19) receives the elastic element, and a fixing unit is provided for fixing the housing at a supporting component (11). The elastic element is designed, such that the housing is additionally pre-stressed in a direction of a pressing surface (35) of the supporting component. Projecting sections (23) of the elastic element protrude from an opening (21) of the housing in an area of the pressing surface and are pressed together under reduction of cross section of the recess.