Sensor Fastening Unit Torque Rigidity via Toothed Form-Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening units for sensors lack sufficient torque rigidity, particularly in intermediate joints, leading to instability and potential unintentional adjustments due to external factors.

Innovation Solution

The integration of toothing in fastening units that form a form-fit connection, with a non-positive frictional locking mechanism and adjustable adapters, ensuring a stable and torsion-proof arrangement without notches or deformations on mounting rods, and allowing for precise sensor positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fastening units are used to attach sensors to mounting rods, then the sensors can be installed at the required positions, but the torque rigidity is insufficient leading to instability and unintentional adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of sensor fasteningVSAvoidtorque rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening unit is divided into separate components: a fastening element with toothing for form-fit connection, a clamp holder for frictional locking, and optional adapters. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in providing specific mechanical properties (form-fit stability + frictional holding force) that together resolve the torque rigidity issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening unit combines different connection mechanisms (form-fit toothing connection and frictional non-positive connection) into a composite fastening system. This composite approach integrates both rigid positioning (from toothing) and secure holding (from friction), achieving the required torque rigidity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the fastening unit uses a form-fit connection with toothing, then torque rigidity increases, but the toothing may be visible and susceptible to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque rigidityVSAvoidcontamination of toothing
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The toothing is extracted from the outer surface and integrated into the internal structure of the fastening element. The toothing engages with corresponding features inside the clamp holder or mounting rod, removing it from external exposure while maintaining its torque-rigidity-providing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The toothing mechanism is nested within the fastening unit structure, with the fastening element containing toothing that engages with internal features of the clamp holder or mounting rod. This nesting conceals the toothing from external view and protects it from contamination while preserving its mechanical function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a non-positive frictional locking mechanism is used, then the mounting rod is secured without notches or deformations, but the torque rigidity may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrity of mounting rodVSAvoidtorque rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two connection mechanisms: form-fit toothing connection (for torque rigidity) and non-positive frictional connection (for securing the rod without deformations). The fastening element with toothing provides rigid positioning, while the clamp holder applies frictional force to secure the rod, and their combination resolves both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 significantly enhances torque rigidity and prevents unintentional adjustments, providing a stable and adjustable fastening system for sensors while maintaining the integrity of the mounting rods.

Implementation Method 1

the toothing is integrated in at least one of the fastening units, directly meshing with one another and generating the form fit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForm-fit connection: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the assembly rod is fixed in the fastening element in a non-positive and frictional manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3153823B1Fixing unit
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 SICK AG
  • EP3153823B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3153823B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3153823B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening unit for attaching a sensor to a mounting body or system. In a particularly rotationally rigid fastening unit, the fastening unit consists of two disc-like fastening elements (1, 2) which are positively connected to each other via a toothed connection (3, 4, 62, 64), wherein the toothed connection is integrated into at least one of the fastening units (1, 2), is directly in mutual engagement and generates the positive locking, and the first fastening element (1) has a continuous opening (5) axially for encircling a mounting rod (6), wherein the opening (5) transitions into a gap (7) which partially separates the fastening element (1) radially to the outside.