3-Point Contact Sensor Element for Automotive Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for motor vehicles, like pressure sensors, often require complex mounting procedures and are limited to single measuring devices, which complicates their use in detecting pressure differences in various systems such as brakes, exhaust, or intake systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a sensor element featuring multiple measuring devices and a 3-point abutment system where all support points are formed by electrical contact areas, allowing secure and automatic connection during mounting, and incorporating elastic sealing elements and a latching connection for media-tight and tool-free assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor element with multiple measuring devices is used, then the device can detect pressure differences in multiple systems (brakes, exhaust, intake), but the mounting complexity and electrical connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measuring devices into a single sensor element that is mounted once in the housing. This single mounting action simultaneously connects all measuring devices to the housing, eliminating the need for separate mountings for each device and reducing overall mounting complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of measuring devices (pressure sensors for brake, exhaust, and intake systems). This multi-functional sensor element can be used across different automotive systems, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
2Ease of operation
If a 3-point abutment system using electrical contact areas is used, then automatic contact during mounting is achieved, but the risk of electrical interruption due to tilting may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element performs self-alignment during mounting through its three contact areas that automatically engage with corresponding abutment surfaces in the housing. The geometry of the contact areas ensures that the sensor element self-corrects minor misalignments and achieves proper orientation without external intervention, while the elastic deformation provides continuous contact pressure to maintain reliable electrical connections.
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
Enables the use of multiple measuring devices for detecting pressure differences while ensuring secure and reliable electrical connections and media isolation, improving mounting simplicity and preventing electrical interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
an arrangement or formation of the two measuring devices in such a way that the two measuring devices are arranged with sensor surfaces on opposite end faces of the sensor element
Implementation Method 2
it is provided that the housing element can be connected to a housing main part of the housing by means of a latching connection, and that a further sealing element is arranged between the housing element and the housing main part
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device (10) for use in a motor vehicle includes a housing (11) for receiving a sensor element (1). The sensor element (1) has contact surfaces (21 to 23) electrically conductively connected with electrical plug connections (27) arranged in the housing (11), in the region of contacts (24 to 26), wherein the sensor element (1) is applied with force by a housing element (13), in the direction of the contacts (24 to 26) for the purposes of electrical contacting. A support in the form of a 3-point contact is formed between the sensor element (1) and the housing (11). The sensor element (1) has at least two measuring devices (5, 6), and the at least two measuring devices (5, 6) have three contact surfaces (21 to 23) that form the 3-point contact.