Magnetic Detection Module Cap Design for Housing Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic detection modules require separate molds and increased production and inventory management for waterproof and non-waterproof housings with different specifications, and there is a risk of damage to magnetic sensors during insertion due to misalignment or tilt.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic detection module with a cap that can be attached or not attached depending on the housing specification, using a common component and sealing member to ensure compatibility with various housing shapes and sizes, and a production method that simplifies the manufacturing process by using a single mold for the case assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate molds are used for waterproof and non-waterproof housings, then sealing performance is improved, but production cost and inventory management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidproduction and inventory management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into two functional parts: a common base housing and a detachable cap. The cap contains the sealing member and can be selectively attached to provide waterproofing when needed, while the base housing remains identical for both waterproof and non-waterproof versions. This segmentation allows a single mold to produce the base housing, reducing production complexity while maintaining sealing performance when the cap is attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap serves multiple functions: it provides sealing when attached to create a waterproof housing, and can be removed to create a non-waterproof version. The same cap design can be used across different housing specifications, making the sealing solution universal and reducing the need for multiple specialized molds and inventory variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the magnetic detection module is inserted without a cap, then assembly is simplified, but magnetic sensors may be damaged due to misalignment or tilt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidsensor protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is designed with positioning structures that are prepared in advance to guide and align the magnetic detection module during insertion. These pre-configured alignment features ensure that when the module is inserted, it is properly positioned and prevented from tilting or misaligning, protecting the magnetic sensors from damage while maintaining a relatively simple assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the cap is attached to the case, then waterproofing is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing configuration is made dynamic and adjustable. The cap can be attached or detached based on the specific application requirements, allowing the housing to transition between waterproof and non-waterproof states. This dynamic design enables a single base housing to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for different housing types while maintaining waterproofing when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 selective attachment to multiple housing specifications with a simple configuration change, reducing production costs and inventory management, while preventing sensor damage during insertion by ensuring proper alignment and sealing.

Implementation Method 1

a sealing member which prevents water from entering a housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

detects magnetic flux generated in the housing by one or more magnetic sensors housed in a case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3816599B1Magnetic detection module, detection device, case assembly, and production method for magnetic detection module
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 DENSO CORP
  • EP3816599B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3816599B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3816599B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A magnetic detection module (901) is provided so as to be selectively mountable in any of housings having a plurality of specifications having different shapes or sizes of mounting portions, and detects magnetic flux generated in the housing. The magnetic detection module (901) includes one or more magnetic sensors (71, 72) that detect magnetic flux, a case (501) in which the magnetic sensors are housed, and a cap (801) that can be attached to an end of the case (501) and is provided with a sealing member (89). The magnetic detection module (901) can be attached to the housing of the first specification with the cap (801) not attached to the case (501), and can be attached to the housing of the second specification through a sealing member (89) with the cap (801) attached to the case (501).