Pressure Sensor Mounting Structure with Elastic Snap Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensor mounting structures require significant workspace and can be difficult to detach due to resilient snap fit portions that obstruct removal, especially in confined spaces like a vehicle's fuel tank.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure featuring elastic snap fit portions on the mounting member or case that deform to facilitate easy attachment and detachment of the pressure sensor, allowing for one-touch operation without needing large workspace, with engagement protrusions and portions designed to engage and disengage with minimal force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snap fit portions are used to securely mount the pressure sensor, then mounting reliability is improved, but detachment becomes difficult requiring large workspace and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The snap fit portion is segmented into a body and a protrusion that can move relative to each other. The protrusion can elastically deform independently from the main body, allowing the engagement force to be released during detachment while maintaining secure mounting during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap fit portion transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The protrusion can elastically deform during detachment, changing the mechanical state from engaged to disengaged, enabling easy removal without tools or large workspace.
2Strength
If snap fit portions are designed to be rigid for secure engagement, then mounting strength is improved, but flexibility during detachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the snap fit portion have different mechanical properties. The body maintains rigidity for secure engagement, while the protrusion is designed with flexibility to elastically deform during detachment. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between strength and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap fit portion can be constructed using composite materials or structures that combine rigid and flexible characteristics. The body uses rigid material for mounting strength, while the protrusion uses flexible material or structure that allows elastic deformation during detachment operations.
3Reliability
If traditional snap fit structures are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but workspace requirements increase making detachment difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic elastic deformation capability of the protrusion allows the snap fit to be released without requiring large manual manipulation space. The flexibility is built into the structure itself, eliminating the need for external tools or large workspace that would be required for traditional rigid snap fit detachment.
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
Enables simple and efficient attachment and detachment of pressure sensors with reduced workspace requirements, preventing damage to snap fit portions during detachment and ensuring secure mounting.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic snap fit portion that is formed on the mounting member so as to protrude from a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting structure for a pressure sensor serves to facilitate easy attachment of the pressure sensor as well as easy detachment thereof without requiring any large work space. A pair of elastic snap fit portions (8) are formed on a surge tank (4) so as to protrude from a surface thereof, and have engagement protrusions (8a) formed at their one end, respectively, so as to protrude to a side opposite to a case (2). A pair of engaged portions (2b) are formed on the case (2) so as to be engaged with the engagement protrusions (8a), respectively. The snap fit portions (8) are forced to flexibly deform to the pressure sensor (1) when the pressure sensor (1) is attached to and detached from the surge tank (4).