Sensor Clamping Unit for Anchoring Groove Fixation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor fixation methods in anchoring grooves often result in play between the sensor housing and the device component, leading to malfunctions under unfavorable conditions like vibrations, and require increased manufacturing effort or additional snap-in connections.

Innovation Solution

A sensor design with a clamping unit comprising two separate components that can be rotated relative to each other, with the actuating part supported by the sensor housing's underside, allowing for secure clamping within the anchoring groove by pressing against undercut steps and the groove base, ensuring reliable anchoring without protrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a two-part clamping unit with threaded engagement is used, then the clamping part can be shifted into position, but the sensor housing is not securely held, requiring an additional snap-in connection device that increases manufacturing effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping part and actuating part are merged into a single integrated clamping unit that performs both clamping and securing functions. The actuating part's threaded engagement with the clamping part enables simultaneous clamping action and secure positioning of the sensor housing within the anchoring groove, eliminating the need for separate snap-in connection devices and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the actuating part is rotatably mounted on the sensor housing without thread engagement, then the clamping part can be rotated relative to the sensor housing, but the actuating part must be supported without protruding beyond the support surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping rotationVSAvoidactuating part positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating part is nested within the sensor housing structure, with its rotational axis aligned to the recess axis. The actuating part's support surface is positioned at or below the sensor housing's support surface, allowing it to rotate freely while remaining contained within the housing boundaries and not protruding beyond the external轮廓 of the sensor.

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 provides a simple, reliable, and detachable fixing method that prevents sensor movement during vibrations, maintaining secure anchoring without additional manufacturing complexity, by utilizing thread friction and stop means to engage and release the clamping unit effectively.

Implementation Method 1

the actuating part and the clamping part are in threaded engagement with one another, with the actuating part being rotatably mounted on the sensor housing without thread engagement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThread friction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2002221B1Sensor and working machine equipped with the latter
Publication Date: 2010.03.31 FESTO AG & CO KG
  • EP2002221B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2002221B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2002221B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention deals with a working device (1) and a sensor (2) which can be fixed in an anchoring groove (17) which is undercut in a step-like manner and is part of the working device, said sensor having an elongate sensor housing (36) with a recess (44) in which a clamping unit (37), which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (55) and has a clamping part (56) with two diametrically opposite clamping wings and an actuating part (57) which is used to rotationally actuate the clamping part (56), is arranged. The clamping part (56) can be moved between a clamping position, in which its clamping wings are extended with respect to the two side surfaces of the sensor housing (36), and a release position, which is retracted further with respect to said clamping position, by rotating the actuating part (57). The clamping part (56) and the actuating part (57) are two separate components which can be rotated relative to one other with respect to the axis of rotation (55) and are in threaded engagement with one another, wherein the actuating part (57) is rotatably mounted on the sensor housing (36) without threaded engagement and is simultaneously supported towards the bottom without projecting beyond a supporting surface (54) which is formed from the underside of the sensor housing (36) and is used for support on the groove bottom (27) of the anchoring groove (17).