Hook-Locked Oil Level Sensor Cover for Impact and Leak Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oil level sensor covers are prone to damage from external impacts and require separate tools for attachment, leading to potential engine oil leakage and reduced fastening force due to bolt deformation.
Innovation Solution
An oil level sensor cover with a hook that fits into a locking groove on the sensor, allowing for secure attachment without external tools and absorbing impacts to prevent transmission to the sensor, featuring a seating portion on a nut to keep the nut hidden and a rib for reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bolt and nut are used to fasten the oil level sensor cover, then the fastening strength is improved, but the device complexity increases and separate tools are required for attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the traditional bolt-nut system and integrates it into the sensor cover structure itself through hooks. This eliminates the need for separate fastening components and tools while maintaining secure attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening function is merged with the sensor cover structure by forming hooks directly on the cover. This combines the protective cover and fastening mechanism into a single integrated component, reducing device complexity and eliminating separate fastening parts.
2Strength
If a bolt is used to fasten the oil level sensor cover, then the fastening strength is improved, but the bolt may deform under load causing sealing face deformation and engine oil leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover with integrated hooks acts as a disposable or replaceable component that absorbs mechanical stress and impact loads, protecting the permanent sensor. The cover can be replaced if damaged, while the sensor remains intact and sealed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cover structure with hooks provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing impact loads before they reach the sensor. The cover acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct transmission of external forces to the sensor body, maintaining sealing integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the oil level sensor is made of plastic material to reduce cost, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the sensor is easily damaged by external impact
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover acts as a protective shell that surrounds and protects the plastic sensor body from external impacts. This flexible or rigid cover (depending on material) provides mechanical protection while allowing the sensor to maintain its cost-effective plastic construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cover provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and dissipating impact energy before it reaches the plastic sensor. This protective layer enables the use of inexpensive plastic materials while maintaining impact resistance through the cover structure.
4Length of stationary object
If the bolt length is increased to accommodate thicker sensor covers, then the fastening capability is improved, but the bolt deformation increases under load
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from long bolts and replaces it with short integrated hooks on the sensor cover. This eliminates the need for long bolts that are prone to deformation while maintaining secure attachment for thicker covers.
Data Source
AI summary
An oil level sensor cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be mounted below an engine oil pan to protect an oil level sensor that measures an oil level. The oil level sensor cover may be formed with plates of predetermined sizes, including an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, wherein a plurality of seating portions and a plurality of hook are formed on the upper surface. An engine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the above-described oil level sensor cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an engine oil fan, and an oil level sensor mounted below the engine oil fan to measure the oil level. The oil level sensor cover can be separated from or coupled to the oil level sensor without the use of a separate tool.