Modular Measurement Device Housing Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measurement devices face instability and incompatibility issues due to mechanical and electrical couplings, which can lead to loose connections and faulty data transmission, especially when used with various communication devices having different configurations.

Innovation Solution

A measurement device with a mechanical coupling system between the measurement module housing and the communication module housing, featuring a locking mechanism and interchangeable interfaces, allowing for secure and robust connections independent of the communication device's design, and enabling both wired and wireless data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a loose mechanical and wireline interface (e.g., USB socket) is used to connect the sensor to the communication device, then the device can be easily connected and disconnected, but the connection lacks stability and robustness, leading to components becoming damaged or transmission becoming faulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical coupling and electrical coupling into a single integrated connection interface. The sensor housing and communication device housing are mechanically coupled together while simultaneously establishing electrical contacts, so that one unified connection action achieves both mechanical stability and electrical connectivity, eliminating the problems of loose connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor is nested within the communication device housing, with the sensor housing inserted into and mechanically coupled with the communication device housing. This nesting arrangement provides structural support and stability while maintaining easy connectability through a single insertion motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different configurations of device housings are used by communication device manufacturers, then each device can have optimized design, but a unified sensor design cannot be connected with all communication devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different devicesVSAvoidinterface configuration variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device housing is designed with a universal mechanical coupling interface that can accommodate different sensor configurations. The housing structure serves multiple functions: providing mechanical support, establishing electrical contacts, and enabling easy connection/disconnection, making it compatible across different device designs while maintaining a unified sensor interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into independent functional modules: the sensor module with its own housing, and the communication device housing with integrated coupling and electrical contact elements. This segmentation allows the sensor to be a standardized, universal component that can be connected to various communication devices without requiring each device to be customized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11274947B2Measurement device, design series, and use of a communication device

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 TESTO SE & CO KGAA

AI summary

A measurement device (1) including a measurement module (2) and a communication module (3), in which the measurement module (2) has at least one sensor (4) for measuring a physical or chemical quantity. In the position of use, an interface (5) is provided for the communication between the measurement module (2) and the communication module (3). The measurement module (2) has a measurement module housing (6) and the communication module (3) has a communication module housing (7), which can be interconnected in a mechanically releasable manner and form in the connected state a closed measurement device housing (15).