Pressure Sensor Assembly With Elastic Mounting and Tolerance Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure sensor devices have complex structures, reliability issues, and are difficult to produce and automate due to their delicate components and small dimensions.

Innovation Solution

The pressure sensor device features an elastically mounted sensor body within a chamber, using a seal element or gasket for association, and a separate positioning body with elastic contact elements to compensate for positioning tolerances, along with a ventilation hole and electromagnetic shielding, allowing for automated assembly without damaging delicate components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the sensor body is rigidly fixed into the chamber, then the structural stability is improved, but the risk of mechanical stress and damage to delicate components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidrisk of mechanical stress and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: the sensor body, the circuit board, and the positioning body. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled with appropriate mounting methods that reduce mechanical stress while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A positioning body acts as an intermediary element between the sensor body and the circuit board. This intermediary component provides precise positioning and electrical connection while isolating the delicate sensor membrane from direct mechanical constraints, thereby reducing stress concentration and damage risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the sensor body is elastically mounted using seal elements, then the risk of mechanical stress is reduced, but the positioning precision and stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk of mechanical stressVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning body serves as a mediator that provides precise positioning features (such as定位 holes and guide pins) while the seal elements provide elastic mounting. This combination achieves both accurate positioning and reduced mechanical stress by distributing forces through the positioning structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the mounting system have different functional qualities: the positioning body provides rigid geometric constraints for precision, while the seal elements provide compliant force distribution for stress reduction. This local differentiation of mounting characteristics achieves both precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the device structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then the manufacturing cost and ease of production are improved, but the functionality and reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidfunctionality and reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into modular components that can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes and assembled through straightforward operations. This segmentation enables simplified manufacturing while maintaining full functionality through proper component integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical positioning, electrical connection support, and structural alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and assembly complexity while ensuring reliable device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If automated assembly is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of damaging delicate components during assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly automationVSAvoidrisk of component damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning body is designed with pre-formed positioning features (定位 holes, guide pins, engagement protrusions) that guide automated assembly equipment. This preliminary preparation of positioning structures enables automated handling and assembly without damaging the delicate sensor membrane or other components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution results in a cost-effective, reliable, and accurate pressure sensor device that can be easily assembled, reducing measurement errors and mechanical stress risks while maintaining stability and accuracy over time.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor body is not rigidly associated to the casing, i.e. it is mounted elastically with respect to the casing and/or to other parts of the device inside the chamber, preferably through at least one seal element or gasket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

operatively interposed between the first portion of the terminals and a circuit support are elastic contact elements, the elastic contact elements being configured and arranged to be in a compression condition between the first portion of the terminals and the circuit support, particularly with the aim of compensating possible positioning tolerances or movements between parts of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic compression: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3696526B1Pressure sensor device
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 ELTEK SPA
  • EP3696526B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3696526B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3696526B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A pressure sensor device comprises a casing (2a, 3a) defining a chamber (20) and an inlet passage (14a, 14b) of the chamber. Accommodated in the chamber (20) is a pressure sensor (17) having a sensor body with a cavity and a membrane capable of deformation under pressure action of a fluid present in the inlet passage (14a, 14b). The device further comprises a circuit arrangement (26, 27, 30) to which the pressure sensor (17) is electrically connected, the circuit arrangement including a circuit support at least partially accommodated in the chamber (20). The sensor body is not rigidly associated to the casing (2a, 3a) and/or to other parts of the device (26, 27, 30, 35), i.e. it is mounted elastically or in a moveable manner with respect to the casing (2a, 3a) and/or to said other parts (26, 27, 30, 35) inside the chamber (20).