One-Time Snap Connection System for Tamper-Resistant Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for components like heated ports or sensors on motor vehicle air intake ducts lack tamper-resistance, allowing for potential manipulation and reconnection, which is a concern for environmental protection standards.
Innovation Solution
A one-time snap connection system that securely fastens components together with a locking mechanism that self-destructs upon disconnection, preventing reassembly by critically damaging the locking mechanism, ensuring tamper-resistance and compliance with environmental standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reusable mounting system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but tamper-resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The snap connection system is designed as a disposable, single-use mounting solution. The mounting bracket and sensor assembly are connected through a snap-fit mechanism that permanently deforms upon installation, rendering the connection irreversible. This disposable approach ensures tamper-resistance while maintaining ease of initial installation, as the system is optimized for one-time use rather than repeated assembly and disassembly cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap connection mechanism is pre-designed with inherent tamper-resistance features built into the mounting bracket structure. The irreversible snap-fit geometry and material properties are predetermined during manufacturing, ensuring that once connected, the assembly cannot be separated without damage. This preliminary design approach eliminates the need for additional anti-tamper modifications while preserving ease of installation.
2Ease of operation
If a snap connection system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the snap connection system as a disposable, single-use solution, the patent eliminates the reliability issue of potential disconnection. The irreversible nature of the snap-fit connection ensures permanent attachment during the sensor's operational lifespan, while the low cost of the mounting bracket allows for replacement rather than repair if issues arise.
3Reliability
If a tamper-proof system is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable snap connection system achieves tamper-resistance through simple, inherent design features rather than complex active mechanisms. The irreversible geometric interlock and material deformation provide passive anti-tamper protection without requiring sensors, locks, or electronic controls, thereby maintaining low system complexity while ensuring high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the anti-tamper function from the overall sensor system and embeds it directly into the mounting bracket design. By integrating the tamper-resistance mechanism into the mounting structure itself rather than adding separate security components, the system achieves reliable protection with minimal additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An enforced one-time snap connection system mounts a first component to a second component. The first component has a circumferentially extending groove formed into an exterior surface. The second component has an annular mounting adapter having an internal bore. An annular retainer is secured on an end of the second component at the internal bore, the annular retainer includes an axially extending annular portion having a radially inwardly projecting annular locking rib received into the circumferentially extending groove during installation of the first component into the second component such that the annular locking rib or locking tabs and/or the circumferentially extending groove are critically damaged or destroyed if the first component is removed from the second component, thereby preventing re-assembly and re-locking of the components together again.