Modular Measuring Device Shielding via Conductive Film

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular measuring devices face challenges in manufacturing efficiency due to complex assembly processes and inadequate shielding, which can lead to increased production costs and potential signal interference.

Innovation Solution

A modular measuring device design featuring a two-part housing with an electronics capsule and coupling sleeve, incorporating integral shielding through a metal cage encapsulated in plastic and a conductive film, ensuring effective shielding with minimal assembly effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional modular measuring devices are assembled with separate shielding components, then shielding effectiveness is achieved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interferenceVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shielding function with the housing structure by integrating a conductive film into the plastic housing wall during manufacturing. This merging of functions eliminates separate shielding components and simplifies assembly, while maintaining effective shielding against signal interference through the integrated conductive layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding structure is prepared in advance during housing manufacturing, with the conductive film already embedded in the plastic housing wall. This preliminary integration of the shielding function into the housing structure eliminates the need for separate assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If integral shielding is implemented through manufacturing integration, then assembly is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidshielding integration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin conductive film integrated into the plastic housing wall during manufacturing. This thin film approach allows for effective shielding with minimal impact on housing structure, while the flexibility of the film enables integration during standard manufacturing processes without requiring extreme precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If separate shielding components are used, then shielding effectiveness is ensured, but production time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the shielding function into the housing structure through integrated conductive film, the patent eliminates separate shielding components and assembly steps. This integration maintains electromagnetic interference protection while significantly improving manufacturing efficiency by reducing assembly operations and production time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding function is preliminarily integrated into the housing during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate shielding component assembly. This preliminary integration streamlines production, reduces assembly time, and improves overall manufacturing efficiency while maintaining shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 simplifies the assembly process, enhances signal protection by effectively shielding high-impedance signals, and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining device performance.

Implementation Method 1

The housing (30) is in two parts. It includes an electronics capsule (31) and a coupling sleeve (32). Both the electronics capsule and the coupling sleeve have a shield according to the invention.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

The electronics module contains an inductive interface 6 for exchanging data and receiving energy via a modulated AC signal.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2118644B1Modular measuring device
Publication Date: 2013.09.18 ENDRESS HAUSER CONDUCTA GESELLSCHAFT FUER MESS UND REGELTECHNIK MBH CO KG
  • EP2118644B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular measuring device, comprising a sensor module (1) which is substantially cylindrical in at least some sections and has at least one sensor for outputting a primary electrical signal, depending on the measurement variable, to a sensor output (7); an electronic module (2) which is substantially cylindrical in at least some sections and has an input (5) on the sensor side which is connected to the sensor output (7) by means of an electrical connection. The electronic module comprises a housing (3) which has an electrically non-conducting plastic material, the sensor module (1) and the electronic module (2) being interconnected via the housing (3). The invention is characterized in that a shielding element is integrated into the housing.