Quick-Connect Sensor Coupling for Pipe Attachment Without Sensor Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching sensors, such as hydrophones, to utility systems like water utilities often result in damage to the sensor or interference with utility services, making them inefficient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect sensor coupling system that includes a housing with a sensor portion and a gripping portion, featuring a gripper stop with a tapered surface, allowing for secure and rapid attachment to pipes without rotating the sensor or housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment methods are used to secure sensors to utility systems, then the sensor can be firmly attached, but the sensor may be damaged or utility services may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate components: a coupling body with internal threading and a separate sensor assembly. This segmentation allows the sensor to be attached through a standardized interface without direct contact between the attachment mechanism and the sensor, reducing damage risk while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body acts as an intermediary component between the utility system and the sensor. It provides a secure attachment point through internal threading while isolating the sensor from direct contact with the utility system, thereby preventing both sensor damage and interference with utility services.
2Reliability
If sensors are securely attached to utility systems, then data collection is reliable, but the attachment process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is pre-configured with internal threading and attachment features that enable quick connection. The sensor assembly can be rapidly attached by simply screwing it into the pre-prepared coupling body, eliminating the need for complex preparation steps and reducing attachment time while maintaining reliable data collection.
3Reliability
If complex attachment mechanisms are used to ensure secure sensor coupling, then the connection is reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex attachment mechanism is extracted from the sensor itself and placed in the separate coupling body. This allows the sensor to remain simple while the coupling body handles all attachment complexity through its internal threading and structural features, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect sensor coupling is described. The sensor coupling comprises a housing defining a first portion and a second portion; a sensor captured within the first portion; and a gripper stop comprising a taped surface and captured between the second portion and a pipe.