Pressure Sensor Module Spring-Loaded Pin Contact

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic pressure measuring devices are complex to exchange, vulnerable to mechanical damage, and susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), with poor contact reliability under harsh conditions.

Innovation Solution

A pressure sensor module with a spring-loaded electrical connecting pin and a mounting plate that connects in a force-locking manner, providing robust electrical contact protection and easy module exchange, while using a sealant for fluid-proofing and multiple sensors for enhanced durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wires are led outside the measuring device with plugs or loose ends, then electrical connection is achieved, but exchanging the measuring device becomes complicated and contact reliability deteriorates under mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of exchanging measuring deviceVSAvoidcontact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connector with the pressure sensor module housing, creating an integrated assembly where the electrical contacts are permanently enclosed within the housing. This eliminates separate wire connections and plugs, allowing the entire module to be exchanged as a single unit while maintaining reliable enclosed contacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary enclosed connection system where electrical contacts are housed within a protective enclosure. This intermediary structure mediates between the need for electrical connection and the need for mechanical protection, allowing reliable contacts without exposed wires.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If electrical contacts are exposed outside the housing, then electrical connection is simple, but vulnerability to mechanical damage and electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of electrical connectionVSAvoidvulnerability to mechanical damage and EMI
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector and housing are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate wire connections. This integration provides inherent mechanical protection and EMI shielding while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an inert enclosed environment within the housing that protects electrical contacts from harmful external factors such as mechanical damage and electromagnetic interference. The enclosed space acts as a protective barrier similar to an inert atmosphere, isolating sensitive components from adverse conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Ease of operation

If the housing is open at the bottom for mounting, then assembly with mounting plate is facilitated, but protection against environmental factors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly with mounting plateVSAvoidprotection against environmental factors
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented with a mounting opening at the bottom that allows assembly access while the rest of the housing remains enclosed and protective. This segmentation enables easy mounting while maintaining environmental protection for the internal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed with pre-formed mounting features and an open bottom configuration that facilitates preliminary assembly with the mounting plate. This preliminary design allows easy installation while the enclosed structure provides ongoing environmental protection once assembled.

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 ensures reliable electrical contact protection against mechanical and EMI, facilitates easy module exchange, and maintains contact integrity under vibrations and high pressures, improving durability and accuracy in measuring hydraulic pressures.

Implementation Method 1

the second end of the connecting pin is pressed, by means of an elastic element, away from the basic area and towards said electrical connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic element spring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3308124B1Pressure sensor module with electrical contacts
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 MOOG GMBH
  • EP3308124B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3308124B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3308124B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention is about an apparatus (10) for measuring a hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic component (200), comprising a pressure sensor module (100) and a mounting plate (210), that is either an outer contour of the hydraulic component (200) or is connectable with the hydraulic component (200) in a substance-to-substance, form-locking and/or force-locking manner, wherein the pressure sensor module (100) comprises a housing (110), at least one pressure sensor (190) for determining the pressure of a fluid, at least one fluid connector (130) for hydraulic connection of the hydraulic component (200), at least one electrical connector comprising a conductive mating surface (125); the mounting plate (210) has a basic area (211) and at least one electrical connecting pin (222), whereby the connecting pin (222) spring loaded and is essentially perpendicular to the basic area (211) of the mounting plate (210), the first end (223) of the connecting pin (222) is oriented towards the basic area (211), the second end (224) of the connecting pin (222) is oriented away from the basic area (211), and the second end (224) of the connecting pin (222) is pressed, by means of an elastic element, away from the basic area (211) and towards the electrical connector (125) when the mounting plate (210) and the pressure sensor module (100) are assembled and the pressure sensor module (100) and/or the mounting plate (210) have at least one guiding element (341). The invention is characterized in that the pressure sensor (190), the fluid connector (130) and the electrical connector (125) are arranged within the housing (110), the mounting plate (210) is connectable with the pressure sensor module (100) in a force-locking manner and when the mounting plate (210) and the pressure sensor module (100) are assembled, the electrical connecting pin (222) is connected with the electrical connector (125) via its second end (224).