Modular Sensor Apparatus with Stackable Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor apparatuses have limited expansibility and higher costs due to custom design requirements for specific types and numbers of sensors, hindering flexibility and economic viability.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus design featuring a box with a clamping base and shell, a mounting stem, and stackable sensor units with a fixture for easy expansion and cost reduction, including features like protective housing, heat dissipation, and sealing components for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom design is used for specific sensor types and numbers, then sensor functionality is tailored, but expansibility deteriorates and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus is divided into modular sensor units that can be independently designed and assembled. Each sensor unit contains a sensor module mounted on a partition, allowing individual sensors to be replaced or added without redesigning the entire apparatus. This segmentation enables customized sensor configurations while maintaining a standardized base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure with mounting stem and fixture is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different types and numbers of sensor units. The standardized mounting interface and modular design allow the same base structure to support various sensor configurations, eliminating the need for custom designs for each sensor type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom design is used for specific sensor types and numbers, then sensor functionality is tailored, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sensor apparatus into standardized base components and modular sensor units, mass production of base structures and sensor units can be performed separately. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to custom-designing complete sensor assemblies for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal base structure with standardized mounting interfaces can be produced in large quantities at lower cost. Different sensor units can be attached to this standardized base, reducing the overall manufacturing cost compared to producing custom-designed sensor assemblies for each specific sensor type and number.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor units are stacked through mounting stem, then expansibility improves, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus is segmented into stackable sensor units that can be added or removed independently. Each sensor unit is a self-contained module with sensor module mounted on partition, allowing linear stacking along the mounting direction without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor units are designed to stack along the mounting stem in a nested arrangement, with each sensor unit containing its own partition and sensor module. This nested stacking approach allows multiple sensors to be integrated in a compact linear configuration, providing expansibility while maintaining relatively simple structural relationships.
Data Source
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AI summary
The utility model relates to a sensor apparatus which comprises a box (10), a mounting stem (20), a plurality of sensor units (30) and a fixture (40). The box has a mounting direction (A), and the box comprises a base (12) and a shell (14) along the mounting direction. The shell is connected with the base in a clamping manner. The mounting stem is arranged on the base along the mounting direction. Each of the sensor units comprises a partition and a sensor module. The partition sleeves the mounting stem and stacked along the mounting direction, and the sensor module is arranged on the partition; and the fixture is capable of fixing the sensor units in cooperation with the mounting stem. According to the sensor apparatus provided by the utility model, the box comprises the base and the shell which are connected in a clamping manner, and thus, is convenient to open. The sensor units are stacked through the mounting stem, which facilitates the direct addition of the sensor units, so the expansibility is high and the cost is effectively lowered.