Modular Electronic Unit for Fluid Sensors Using Stacked Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic units for fluid sensors and valves are not universally usable and require significant construction effort due to their complexity and variability in properties and expansion stages.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronic unit with a cylindrical housing and interchangeable spacers that can be stacked to accommodate various electronic components, allowing for customizable assembly and retrofitting, with latching hooks for stability and electrical contacts for reduced cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic units are designed with fixed configurations for specific fluid sensors or valves, then the functional requirements for particular applications are met, but the construction effort increases and universal usability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic unit is divided into modular spacers that can be individually selected and stacked. Each spacer can contain specific electronic components, allowing the system to be segmented into functional modules that can be reconfigured for different applications without redesigning the entire unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and spacer structure are designed as universal components that can accommodate different electronic component configurations. The same basic housing and spacer design serves multiple functions across different fluid sensors and valves, reducing the need for application-specific designs and lowering construction effort.
2Ease of operation
If multiple electronic components are integrated into a single electronic unit, then functional requirements are met, but the assembly complexity and cabling effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electronic components are merged onto single spacers or integrated into the housing structure. Electrical contacts are combined with mechanical mounting features, allowing components to be electrically connected and mechanically secured simultaneously, thereby reducing separate cabling operations and simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers serve as intermediary elements between the housing and electronic components. They provide integrated mounting surfaces, electrical contact points, and structural support, mediating the connection between various components and eliminating the need for separate cabling and mounting operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spacers are designed with latching hooks for stable stacking, then connection stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching hooks are merged into the spacer structure as integral features rather than separate components. The hooks are formed directly during spacer manufacturing (e.g., as part of the injection molding process), combining the mounting function and latching function into a single manufacturing step, thereby maintaining stacking stability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic unit of a fluid sensor or fluid valve has a substantially cylindrical housing with a longitudinal axis and an open end face, which can be closed by a lid, several spacers formed as separate parts, which can be introduced into the housing in direction of the longitudinal axis and are directly stacked on top of each other. At least one spacer at least one electronic component is attached, which together with the spacer forms a premounted unit to be introduced into the housing.