Building Sensor Fitting With Dual Mounting and Adjustable Shield
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building control sensors face challenges in adjusting the field of view and require multiple types of fittings for surface and hole mounting, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and installation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A fitting that combines both surface and hole mounting options through removable spring retaining clips and adjustable shield attachments, allowing for flexible installation and field of view adjustment without the need for multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate surface-mounted fittings and hole-mounted fittings are used, then each fitting type is optimized for its specific mounting method, but the number of different parts that need to be manufactured increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both surface-mounted and hole-mounted fitting types into a single integrated fitting. The fitting includes a mounting plate with mounting holes for surface mounting, and a retaining clip mechanism for hole mounting, allowing one fitting to perform both mounting functions that previously required separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both surface mounting and hole mounting methods. The mounting plate provides surface mounting capability while the retaining clip enables hole mounting, making the fitting universal and adaptable to different installation scenarios without requiring multiple specialized parts.
2Device complexity
If a single fitting is used for both surface and hole mounting, then the number of parts to manufacture is reduced, but the fitting must accommodate multiple mounting methods which may compromise optimization for each method
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is segmented into distinct functional components: a mounting plate with mounting holes for surface mounting, and a separate retaining clip mechanism for hole mounting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while being part of an integrated assembly, resolving the conflict between simplicity and optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip is designed as a dynamic component that can be engaged or disengaged based on the mounting method used. The clip can be deformed to release the sensor, providing adaptability and optimization for both mounting scenarios within a single fitting structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sticky labels or cut shields are used to adjust field of view, then field of view adjustment is possible, but installation complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable sticky label applied to the lens to adjust the field of view. This eliminates the need for precision-cut permanent shields, as the label can be easily applied and removed without requiring manufacturing precision or specialized tools, thus reducing both manufacturing complexity and precision requirements.
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
Simplifies installation by reducing the number of parts required and enabling adaptable mounting configurations, while also allowing for easy adjustment of the sensor's field of view based on installation needs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring retaining clip adapted to retain the fitting within a hole formed in the surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a fitting (2) for mounting a building control sensor (3) to a surface. The fitting (2) comprises a mounting hole (4) for screwing the fitting (2) to the surface. The fitting (2) also comprises a spring retaining clip (5) adapted to retain the fitting (2) within a hole formed in the surface. The fitting (2) can therefore be surface mounted, or hole mounted. The present disclosure also provides a shield attachment (29) for a building control sensor (3) having a housing (22) and a lens (23). The shield attachment (29) comprises a frame (30) attachable to the building control sensor (3) and a shield element (24) movably mounted to the frame (30) and movable relative to the lens (23) of the building control sensor (3) to adjust a field of view of the building control sensor (3). Accordingly, the field of view of the building control sensor (3) can be adjusted according to the specific installation site.