Sensor Cable Protective Cover Sealing via Rigid Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting protective covers to sensor cables and sensor housings often result in non-permanent or non-tight connections, especially under harsh environmental conditions, leading to potential damage and sealing issues.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a sensor housing with a flange and a sleeve-shaped connecting part that securely attaches to the protective cover, ensuring a tight and permanent connection between the protective cover and the sensor housing using standard components and a screw connection, preventing dust and water ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the protective cover is attached to the sensor cable using shrink tubing or hose clamps, then the protective cover can be attached to the sensor cable, but the connection is not permanently tight and secure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection tightnessVSAvoidattachment method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A rigid connecting part acts as an intermediary component between the protective cover and the sensor housing. This connecting part features a first end for attachment to the protective cover and a second end for attachment to the sensor housing, providing a stable intermediate structure that enables reliable connection without directly attaching the flexible protective cover to the housing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is divided into separate functional segments: the protective cover, the rigid connecting part, and the sensor housing with flange. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the protective cover for flexibility and protection, the connecting part for structural stability, and the housing for sensor integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If complex special designs with rigid tube and flange are used, then a secure connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection permanenceVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting part serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables attachment of the protective cover, interfaces with the sensor housing flange, and maintains alignment. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces overall system complexity compared to separate rigid tube and flange assemblies

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the protective cover is loosely connected to allow displacement, then the sensor cable can move freely, but the connection lacks permanent tightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable movement flexibilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the flexible protective cover segment from the rigid connection structure. The protective cover remains loosely connected to the sensor cable allowing movement, while the rigid connecting part provides stable attachment to the sensor housing, achieving both flexibility and stability through segmentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3259562B8Device for connecting a protective cover for a sensor cable to a sensor housing
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 SIEMENS MOBILITY AUSTRIA GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for connecting a protective cover (3) for a sensor cable (5) to a sensor housing (1), comprising a sensor housing (1) with a cable opening for a sensor cable and comprising a protective cover (3) which loosely surrounds the sensor cable in the operating state of the sensor. The aim of the invention is to provide a permanently sealed connection between the sensor housing (1) and the protective cover (3). This is achieved in that the sensor housing (1) has a flange (6) which surrounds the cable opening, and a protective cover (3) end facing the sensor housing is connected to a rigid sleeve-shaped connection part (2) in a formfitting matter, said connection part (2) being connectable to the flange (6) of the sensor housing (1) in a formfitting and releasable manner.