Two-Component Measuring Device Housing Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices face challenges in reliably sealing their housings without additional sealing materials, particularly for openings necessary for electrical contacts, which can lead to critical manufacturing reliability issues and potential moisture or dirt penetration.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a housing composed of two materials, where the second material, often elastic, is used both as a grip element and a sealing element, integrated into the manufacturing process through a combined two-component injection molding, allowing it to seal openings from the exterior while also providing impact protection and sealing the interior without additional sealing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid seals are used to seal openings in the housing interior, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing process reliability deteriorates due to difficult metering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grip element and sealing element into a single integrated component made of elastomer material. The sealing function is merged with the grip function, eliminating the need for separate fluid seals and their associated metering processes. This integration resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable sealing through the elastomer's inherent properties rather than through precisely metered fluid application.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides grip on the housing exterior and seals openings in the housing interior. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing materials and simplifies the manufacturing process, improving both sealing reliability and process reliability by removing the difficult metering step.
2Reliability
If additional sealing materials are used to seal housing openings, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function with the grip element, so that the same elastomer component that provides external grip also seals internal openings. This eliminates additional sealing materials and reduces device complexity while maintaining sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer component is designed to perform multiple functions: providing a soft grip on the housing exterior and simultaneously sealing openings in the housing interior. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Strength
If rigid housing is used to protect electronic components, then mechanical protection is improved, but impact protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a rigid housing material (such as plastic) with an elastomer material. The rigid housing provides structural strength and mechanical protection, while the elastomer coating on the exterior provides impact protection and shock absorption. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining the advantages of both rigid and flexible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer material is applied locally to the housing exterior in regions where impact protection is needed, such as grip areas and edges. This localized application provides impact protection where required while maintaining the overall rigid structure of the housing for mechanical protection of internal components.
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
This approach ensures a reliable seal between the housing interior and exterior without additional sealing materials, enhancing manufacturing reliability and providing both impact protection and a snug connection for electrical contacts.
Implementation Method 1
the second material advantageously also seals at least one opening of the housing interior... The second material is advantageously embodied in the form of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
the housing and the grip region, which are essentially composed of two different materials, can be produced in a combined two-component injection molding process
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to measuring device, particularly a distance measuring device for contactlessly measuring distance, comprising a housing (12) made of at least one first material and with at least one electronic component (56), which is arranged inside an interior (48) of the housing (12), as well as with a second material that at least partially surrounds the housing (48). The invention provides that the second material also seals at least one opening (63) of the housing interior (48). The invention also relates to a method for producing a measuring device of the aforementioned type during which the second material is provided as a sealing element that seals at least one opening of the housing interior.