Sensor Clip Latch Structure for Flask Access During Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-sensor components require removal of the sensor unit from the container during culture medium replacement, disrupting the measurement process.

Innovation Solution

A sensor attachment member with a mounting portion, bent portion, and wiring portion that allows the sensor to be attached to the container opening while maintaining access, enabling tasks like medium replacement without disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sensor unit is removed from the container during culture medium replacement, then the accommodation opening can be accessed for medium replacement, but the measurement process is interrupted and usability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveusabilityVSAvoidmeasurement interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor attachment member is divided into two functional parts: a mounting portion that holds the sensor and a bent portion that acts as a latch. This segmentation allows the latch mechanism to be operated independently to remove the attachment member from the opening, enabling medium replacement without removing the sensor itself, thus maintaining continuous measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bent portion is designed as a flexible latch mechanism that can be dynamically opened and closed. When the bent portion is deformed, it releases the locking engagement with the opening, allowing the attachment member to be removed. This dynamic latch enables quick access for medium replacement while keeping the sensor attached during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the housing portion is inserted into the accommodation opening to hold the sensor unit, then the sensor can be secured to the container, but the housing must be removed to access the opening for culture medium replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor attachment stabilityVSAvoidaccessibility for medium replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment member is segmented into a mounting portion for sensor attachment and a bent portion for latching to the opening. This allows the latching function to be independently controlled, enabling the opening to be accessed for medium replacement without compromising sensor attachment stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bent portion extends beyond the opening to form a latch that can be operated from the outside. This partial extension allows the latch to be engaged and disengaged without removing the entire attachment member, providing partial access for medium replacement while maintaining sensor stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20260110560A1Sensor attachment member and sensor unit provided with same

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 PHC HLDG CORP

AI summary

A sensor clip is a member that attaches a sensor used in a state of having been inserted into a flask to an opening, and includes a mounting portion and a bent portion. The sensor has an end portion including an electrode, an end portion including a contact, a main body portion that couples the end portions, and a wiring portion that is provided to the main body portion and connects the electrode to the contact. The main body portion of the sensor is mounted on the mounting portion. The bent portion is coupled to the mounting portion and is bent along the outer peripheral surface from the inner peripheral surface of the opening and thereby latched to the opening of the flask.