Sensor Device Hybrid Threaded Press-Fit Mounting Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The stability of sensor devices for detecting fill levels in containers is compromised by their length, which complicates mounting due to potential forces and moments, especially when cross-sections are limited.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device with a combined fastening principle using threaded and conical press-fit connections, ensuring a stable and detachable attachment of the sensor to the housing, utilizing separate mounting sections for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sensor device length is increased to ensure reliable measurement in large containers, then the measurement capability is improved, but the mounting stability deteriorates due to considerable forces and moments acting on the long sensor device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidmounting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different fastening methods (threaded connection and conical press-fit connection) into a single mounting area, creating a hybrid fastening system that leverages the advantages of both methods to secure the long sensor device reliably

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If simple screw fastening is used for mounting the sensor device, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the mounting stability is insufficient for long sensor devices with considerable forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening ease of manufactureVSAvoidmounting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges threaded connection and conical press-fit connection in a single mounting area, creating a hybrid fastening system that provides enhanced stability while remaining manufacturable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting area is segmented into two separate fastening sections, each handling different aspects of the fastening requirement, allowing the system to meet both stability and manufacturability goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 combined fastening method provides twice the stability of simple screw fastening, allowing secure attachment even with challenging length-to-diameter ratios, particularly relevant for long sensor devices.

Implementation Method 1

a second mounting section, separate from the first mounting section, for forming a conical press fit with a corresponding second mounting section of the sensor device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

forming a conical press fit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNormal force: Force

Data Source

PatentEP4367485B1Sensor device for determining information characterizing the level of a medium in a container
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 BEDIA MOTORENTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4367485B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4367485B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor device (1) for capturing fill level information describing the fill level of a medium in a container, comprising a housing device (2) and a sensor device (3) for detecting fill level information describing the fill level of a medium in a container. The housing device (2) has a fastening region (2.2) for fastening the sensor device (3), which fastening region comprises a first fastening portion (2.2.1) to form a threaded connection to a corresponding first fastening portion (3.2.1) of the sensor device (3) and a second fastening portion (3.2.1), separate from the first fastening portion (2.2.1), to form a press-fit connection, in particular a tapered press-fit connection, to a corresponding second fastening portion (3.2.2) of the sensor device (3); and/or the sensor device (3) has a fastening region (3.2) for fastening the housing device (2), which fastening region comprises a first fastening portion (3.2.1) to form a threaded connection to a corresponding first fastening portion (2.2.1) of the housing device (2) and a second fastening portion (3.2.2), separate from the first fastening portion (3.2.1), to form a press-fit connection, in particular a tapered press-fit connection, to a corresponding second fastening portion (2.2.2) of the housing device (2).