Pressure-Sensor Fluidic Connector With Nested Sealed Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors for motor vehicles lack compactness, robustness, and modularity, especially when equipped with pressure sensors, as they often increase bulk and compromise electrical connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid connector design featuring a cylindrical body with integrated pressure sensors, sealed via annular and conical flares, and a cover with side wings for assembly, utilizing elastic elements and spring contacts for secure and compact integration of the sensor, while allowing for easy assembly and protection from the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is integrated into the fluid connector body, then pressure monitoring capability is improved, but the size and bulk of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is nested within a cavity formed in the connector body, allowing the sensor to be housed inside the existing structure rather than adding external bulk. The cavity is created by removing material from the body to accommodate the sensor while maintaining the overall compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor is positioned in a recessed cavity that utilizes the radial dimension of the connector body, rather than extending the connector lengthwise. This allows the sensor to be integrated without significantly increasing the overall length of the connector assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the electrical connector is overmolded with the conduit, then integration is improved, but modularity of the fluid connector is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct modular components: the conduit assembly with integrated pressure sensor, the electrical connector portion, and the housing. These segments can be manufactured separately and assembled through overmolding, allowing both integration and modularity. The electrical connector can be detached and replaced independently while the fluid conduit portion remains intact.
3Ease of manufacture
If partitions are raised above the external wall to form a sensor chamber, then sensor housing is improved, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of raising partitions outward to create a sensor chamber, the chamber is formed as a recessed cavity within the existing external wall of the connector body. This nested approach houses the sensor inside the original footprint, eliminating the need for additional external space while still providing a dedicated sensor mounting area.
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 design achieves a compact, robust, and modular fluid connector that effectively monitors fluid pressure while minimizing bulk and enhancing mechanical strength and environmental protection, ensuring reliable operation and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element disposed between the cover and one face of the pressure sensor, the other face of the pressure sensor being in contact with the body, a single contact between the cover and the sensor being established via the elastic element
Implementation Method 2
The pressure sensor establishes contact with the first receiving zone via the first seal, to ensure a sealed connection between the internal conduit and the exterior of the body
Implementation Method 3
The cover is arranged on the pressure sensor and establishes contact with the second receiving zone via the second seal, to isolate the pressure sensor from the external environment
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e~2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluidic connector (1) provided with a pressure sensor (10), comprising: - a body (20) having two fluidic connector end fittings (21, 22), - an assembly interface (200) arranged on and in the body (20), comprising an opening (24) bringing the inner conduit into communication (23) with the external portion of the body, a first receiving area (25) extending around the opening (24), a second receiving area (26) extending around the first receiving area (25), and attachment regions (27), - the pressure sensor (10) making contact with the first receiving area (25) via a first seal (35), - a cover (40) arranged on the pressure sensor (10) and making contact with the second receiving area (26) via a second seal (36) to isolate the pressure sensor (10) from the outside.