Pressure Sensor Tapered Stub Decouples Torque Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure sensors used in hydraulic applications experience mechanical deformation and zero-point shifts due to high screw-in torques, leading to signal calibration requirements when connected to hydraulic control blocks, especially in mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor design featuring a sleeve-shaped connector stub with a tapered portion between the flange and carrier sections, which decouples mechanical stress, preventing deformation of the sensor element and eliminating the need for zero-point calibration, and incorporating a one-piece construction with a pedestal for enhanced mechanical decoupling and easy sensor element attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector stub is screwed into the control block with high torque, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the connector stub deforms mechanically causing zero-point shifts in the sensor signal
Solution Approach 1:
The connector stub is divided into functionally distinct sections: a threaded section for screwing into the control block, a flange section for bearing against the control block surface, a tapered portion for stress decoupling, and a carrier section for mounting the sensor element. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally while isolating the sensor element from mechanical stresses generated during tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered portion acts as a mechanical intermediary or stress decoupling element between the flange section and the carrier section. It transmits only axial forces while blocking rotational and bending moments from reaching the sensor element, thereby protecting the sensor from torque-induced deformation while maintaining secure connection to the control block.
2Strength
If the connector stub is made robust to handle high screw-in torques, then the connection stability is improved, but the sensor element experiences mechanical deformation requiring calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered portion serves as a mechanical intermediary that decouples the high-stress flange section from the sensor-mounted carrier section. It allows the connector stub to be robust and handle high torques while preventing these stresses from deforming the sensor element, thus maintaining manufacturing precision without sacrificing connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the connector stub are designed with locally optimized properties: the flange section is robust for bearing loads, the tapered portion provides stress decoupling, and the carrier section is designed to precisely mount the sensor element without transmitting harmful stresses. This local quality differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally.
3Measurement precision
If the connector stub is designed with a tapered portion for stress decoupling, then the sensor element remains free from deformation, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector stub integrates multiple functions into a single monolithic component: threading for connection, flange for bearing, tapered portion for stress decoupling, and carrier section for sensor mounting. This merging of functions into one piece reduces assembly complexity while achieving the desired stress decoupling effect that protects the sensor element.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensor for determining a pressure of a medium is configured to be screwed into a hydraulic control block, and includes a sleeve-shaped connector stub and sensor element. The stub has a plurality of axial sections, and an axial through bore configured to receive the medium. The axial sections include a threaded section, flange section, carrier section, and tapered portion. The flange section has an annular face facing the threaded section and configured to bear against a surface of the control block. The carrier section includes an inner opening that opens into the bore. The sensor element is positioned on the opening to sealingly close the opening, and is configured to measure the pressure of the medium. The tapered portion defines a reduction in a radial external diameter of the stub between the flange section and the carrier section.