Pressure Measuring Glow Plug Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure-measuring glow plugs for internal combustion engines are complex in assembly due to separate sensor and connector housings, requiring intricate connections and increasing manufacturing complexity and assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A modular design for the pressure-measuring glow plug, where the glow module and electronic module are pre-assembled as structural units with exposed contacts for simplified electrical contacting, and a split electronics module housing for easier assembly and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensor housing and connector housing are used, then functional separation is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor housing and connector housing into a single integrated housing structure. The sensor unit and connector are arranged within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate housings and their complex interconnections. This integration maintains functional separation while simplifying the overall assembly structure and reducing assembly complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then functional specialization is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a single integrated component that accommodates both the sensor unit and connector. This unified housing structure simplifies manufacturing processes by reducing the number of separate parts that need to be produced and assembled, while still providing specialized functional areas for each component within the housing.
3Manufacturing precision
If intricate connections are required, then precise positioning is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sensor housing and connector housing into a single structure, the patent eliminates intricate inter-housing connections. The sensor unit and connector are positioned within the same housing, allowing for simpler assembly operations and reduced assembly time while maintaining precise positioning through internal housing features.
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 easier assembly and reduces manufacturing complexity by allowing pre-assembled modules with exposed contacts, enhancing the integration of pressure-measuring functionality within the internal combustion engine.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor assembly containing a piezoresistive element. This element is located between the rod and the glow plug body. When the sensor structure is acted upon during operation, by the pressure prevailing in the combustion chamber of the cylinder, and the rod transmits this pressure to the sensor structure, an axial movement of the rod occurs relative to the glow plug body, thus exerting a force on the sensor structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pressure-measuring glow plug is proposed having a housing, in which a glow plug (21) for igniting a combustion mixture of an internal combustion engine and a pressure sensor (30) for detecting a combustion-chamber pressure of the internal combustion engine are arranged. The pressure-measuring glow plug has a connecting unit (40) which comprises a support (41) for receiving a signal processing unit (60) and a plug connection (52) with connector contacts (54) in a plug housing (50). At least one glow-module housing (20) for receiving the glow plug (21) and the pressure sensor (30) and an electronic-module housing (80) for receiving the support (41) are provided. The electronic-module housing (80) is connected at a glow-module-side connecting point (85) to the glow-module housing (20) and at a plug-side connecting point (86) to the plug housing (50).