Replaceable Gas Sensor Module Tray Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices equipped with electrochemical or semiconductor gas sensors face performance degradation issues due to non-replaceable sensors, leading to inaccurate gas component measurement.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design featuring a replaceable sensor module with a tray and connector system, allowing for the insertion and removal of a sensor module that includes a gas sensor, sensor chamber, and pipe for gas introduction, enabling precise gas analysis and easy replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a non-replaceable gas sensor is used in the electronic device, then the device structure is simple, but the sensor performance degrades over time and cannot be restored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor performanceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas sensor is separated from the main device body and placed on a detachable tray, allowing the sensor to be replaced independently without affecting the rest of the device structure. This segmentation enables sensor replacement while maintaining overall device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, replaceable one. The tray can be inserted and removed, allowing the sensor to be dynamically replaced when performance degrades, thereby maintaining reliability while keeping the replacement mechanism simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the gas sensor is made replaceable, then the sensor performance can be maintained through replacement, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor performanceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tray serves multiple functions: it holds the sensor module, provides electrical connections through contacts, and enables mechanical insertion and removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection components are merged with the tray structure itself, rather than being separate elements. The tray's contact elements directly interface with the sensor module, combining mechanical support and electrical connection functions into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the sensor module includes separate components (sensor, chamber, pipe), then the gas analysis precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas component measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module is segmented into distinct functional components: the gas sensor, sensor chamber, and pipe. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into a complete module that can be replaced as a unit, balancing manufacturing complexity with measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe is nested within or connected to the sensor chamber, which in turn contains the gas sensor. This nested arrangement integrates multiple components into a compact module that maintains precise gas analysis capability while reducing the overall footprint and simplifying the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 allows for accurate gas component measurement and maintenance of sensor performance by enabling the replacement of the sensor module, ensuring continuous reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

An electrochemical gas sensor mounted on an electronic device according to the related art analyzes the component of gas by using an electrolyte

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection: Electrochemiluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a pipe forming a path allowing gas, which is introduced through the hole, to move into the sensor chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow through conduit:

Data Source

PatentEP3486649B1Electronic device including replaceable sensor
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3486649B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3486649B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3486649B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display disposed toward a first surface, a housing including an opening formed toward a second surface, a tray including a hole formed toward the second surface, a sensor module that is able to be seated on the tray, a connector disposed adjacent to the opening inside the electronic device to receive the tray and the sensor module, and a processor configured to control the sensor module when the sensor module is inserted into the connector. The sensor module includes a gas sensor, a sensor chamber, and a pipe forming a path allowing gas, which is introduced through the hole, to move into the sensor chamber.