Pressure-Sensor Fluid Connector With Nested Sealed Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors for vehicles lack compactness, robustness, and modularity, especially when integrated with pressure sensors, which often increase the bulk and compromise modularity due to overmolding with the duct.
Innovation Solution
A compact, robust, and modular fluid connector design featuring a cylindrical body with an assembly interface that includes an orifice, receiving areas, and attachment regions, integrated with a pressure sensor that uses gaskets for sealing and a cover with side wings for assembly and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a chamber is formed on the external cylindrical wall to house a pressure sensor, then the pressure sensor can be integrated into the connector, but the bulk of the fluid connector significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is nested within the existing cylindrical body structure by forming a recess that receives the sensor. The sensor housing is integrated into the body's wall thickness, allowing the sensor to be housed without adding external bulk. The cover then closes over this recess, completing the nested integration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the electrical connector is overmolded with the duct, then a single-piece structure is achieved, but modularity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: the cylindrical body, the pressure sensor assembly, and the cover. The body and cover are separate pieces that can be assembled and disassembled, providing modularity. The electrical connector is integrated into the body as a separate insert rather than being overmolded with the entire duct, allowing independent replacement and maintenance of different components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If partitions are raised above the outer wall to form a sensor chamber, then the sensor can be mounted, but the connector bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of raising partitions above the outer wall, a recess is formed locally in the cylindrical body wall to receive the pressure sensor. This recess is defined by local modifications to the wall thickness rather than adding external structures. The cover then provides the closing function, allowing the sensor to be mounted without increasing the overall external dimensions of the connector.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector comprises a body, an assembly interface arranged on and in the body, a pressure sensor, a cover, and a resilient element positioned between the cover and one face of the pressure sensor. The body has two fluid connection end pieces and an internal duct. The assembly interface comprises an orifice placing the internal duct in communication with the outside of the body, a first receiving area extending around the orifice, a second receiving area extending around the first receiving area, and attachment regions. The pressure sensor is in contact with the first receiving area via a first gasket. The cover is positioned on the pressure sensor and is in contact with the second receiving area via a second gasket to isolate the pressure sensor from the outside environment. The cover comprises side wings configured to cooperate with the attachment regions.