Modular Sensor With Twist-Attach Connectors for Element Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Replacing a sensing element in a sensor system can be cumbersome and costly, as it often requires replacing the entire sensor unit, including the receiving circuitry, which is more expensive and wasteful than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A modular sensor design where the sensing element and receiving circuitry are separate components, allowing the sensing element to be easily attached and detached using a twist or sliding motion, ensuring power and signal connectors couple before signal connections are established, and using a hydrophobic or textured surface to manage fluid and prevent electrical issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sensing element is integrated into a single sensor unit with receiving circuitry, then the sensor structure is simplified, but replacement of the sensing element becomes cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is divided into two separable components: a first component containing the sensing element and a second component containing the receiving circuitry. These components can be attached or detached from each other, allowing the sensing element to be replaced independently without replacing the entire sensor unit or the receiving circuitry.
2Ease of repair
If the sensing element is replaced independently, then replacement cost is reduced, but ensuring proper electrical connection during attachment becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The power connector and ground connector are positioned and configured such that when the first component is attached to the second component, the power connector electronically couples to the power connector and the ground connector electronically couples to the ground connector before the signal connector electronically couples to the signal connector. This preliminary coupling ensures proper electrical connection sequence.
3Ease of operation
If connectors are designed for easy attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of fluid contamination and electrical issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components are configured with hydrophobic surfaces that repel fluid, converting the potential harm of fluid contamination into a beneficial protective feature. The hydrophobic surface prevents fluid from reaching and contaminating the electrical connectors, thereby preventing short circuits and electrical issues while maintaining easy attachment operation.
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
Facilitates cost-effective and environmentally friendly replacement of sensing elements without replacing the entire sensor unit, ensuring efficient power delivery and signal transmission while preventing fluid-related electrical issues.
Implementation Method 1
using a hydrophobic or textured surface to manage fluid and prevent electrical issues
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor is disclosed herein. In an example sensor may include a first component including a sensing element, a first power connector, a first ground connector, and a signal connector. The sensor may include a second component including a receiving circuitry, a second power connector, a second ground connector, and a second signal connector. The first and second components may be configured to attach to and detach from each other. Any of the first and second power connectors, the first and second ground connectors, and the first and second signal connectors may be configured such that when the first and second components are attached to each other the first and second power and the first and second ground connectors are electronically coupled before the first and second signal connectors.