Rail Temperature Sensor Assembly With Spring-Locked Quick Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for attaching temperature sensors to rails are complex and require multiple components, making installation and replacement cumbersome, especially due to the need for specialized tools and recesses.
Innovation Solution
A simplified sensor arrangement with only two components - a holding device and a temperature sensor unit - that can be easily attached and detached without additional tools, using a locking mechanism and spring element for secure contact with the rail, allowing for quick and reliable installation and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wedge-shaped tool and recess are used to insert the temperature sensor with minimal force, then the temperature sensor can be inserted without force, but the joining method becomes complex and the tool becomes difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex tool and recess mechanism from the design by using adhesive mounting instead. The temperature sensor is simply applied to the holding device surface without requiring any specialized insertion tools or structural features, thereby eliminating the complexity while maintaining ease of insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring element and tool-based insertion system with an adhesive bonding system. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical spreading tools and complex recess structures, achieving simple insertion through adhesive application while reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of repair
If multiple components (mounting device, temperature sensor, spring element) are coupled together, then the temperature sensor can be easily replaced, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting device and temperature sensor replacement processes by using adhesive bonding that allows the sensor to be easily detached and reattached. The holding device with adhesive surface enables quick sensor replacement without requiring disassembly of multiple components, reducing assembly time while maintaining ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the temperature sensor from the holding device through adhesive bonding, allowing the sensor to be independently replaced. The adhesive creates a bond that is strong enough for operation but easy to break for replacement, enabling quick sensor changes without affecting the holding device structure.
3Device complexity
If adhesive mounting is used instead of a mounting device with spring element, then the assembly process is simplified, but the temperature sensor cannot be easily replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adhesive parameters (type, amount, curing characteristics) to achieve optimal balance between bond strength and replaceability. By selecting appropriate adhesive properties, the sensor can be easily replaced when needed while maintaining a simplified assembly process, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and ease of repair.
4Loss of substance
If a compact design with minimal components is used, then material and resource consumption is reduced, but the reliability of temperature sensor attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite adhesive materials that combine multiple properties: strong bonding capability, thermal conductivity for accurate temperature sensing, and controlled detachability. This composite approach allows minimal components while maintaining reliable attachment, as the adhesive performs multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive material serves multiple functions: mechanical bonding, thermal conduction, and electrical insulation. This multi-functionality allows the compact design to achieve reliable sensor attachment without additional components, reducing material consumption while maintaining or enhancing reliability.
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 a compact, cost-effective, and efficient attachment of temperature sensors to rails with minimal assembly time, providing reliable temperature measurement and easy replacement, while reducing material and resource consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element which presses the temperature sensor section (21) against the rail (2)
Implementation Method 2
The sensor arrangement is characterized by a compact design and allows for easy replacement of the temperature sensor unit (20)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A sensor assembly comprises a holding device (10) for attachment to a rail (2) and a temperature sensor unit (20), which is clamped and releasably held to the holding device (10). The temperature sensor unit (20) in turn comprises a temperature sensor section (21), a locking section (22), and a spring element (23) and can be inserted as a unit into a receiving chamber (11) of the holding device (10). When the temperature sensor unit (20) is inserted, the locking section (22) is engaged with a latching hook (12) of the holding device (10). The spring element (23) is arranged between a side wall (13) of the receiving chamber (11) and the temperature sensor section (21), bears against said side wall (13) of the receiving chamber (11), and pushes the temperature sensor section (21) toward the opposite side wall (14) of the receiving chamber (11).