Sensor Housing Asymmetric Mistake-Proofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-parameter sensors require precise placement of multiple sensors to avoid incorrect measurements and increased maintenance efforts due to the risk of installing sensors in the wrong slots, leading to prolonged downtime and increased working effort.
Innovation Solution
A sensor housing with distinct geometric mistake-proofing features for each connection point, such as different thread pitches or profiles, ensures that each sensor is inserted into its designated slot, preventing confusion and allowing for reliable and efficient operation and maintenance of the multi-parameter sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If sensors are accommodated exchangeably in the multi-parameter sensor without mistake-proofing features, then the multi-parameter sensor can be maintained by replacing individual sensors, but sensors may be installed at wrong slots leading to incorrect measurements and increased maintenance effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing different geometric mistake-proofing features for different connection points. Each connection point has a unique geometric feature (such as different thread pitches, keyhole shapes, or bayonet connection orientations) that only matches its corresponding sensor. This asymmetric design prevents sensors from being installed in wrong slots while maintaining easy exchangeability of individual sensors.
2Ease of repair
If sensors are accommodated exchangeably in the multi-parameter sensor, then individual sensors can be replaced, but confusion about correct slot assignment leads to prolonged downtime during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric geometric features at each connection point enable maintenance personnel to quickly and unambiguously identify the correct connection point for each sensor type. This eliminates time-consuming confusion about slot assignment during sensor replacement, significantly reducing downtime while maintaining the ability to replace individual sensors independently.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensor housing for a multi-parameter sensor, the sensor housing including: at least two connection points, wherein a first connection point is configured to receive a first sensor, and a second connection point is configured to receive a second sensor different from the first sensor, wherein the first connection point includes a first mistake-proofing feature for the first sensor, and the second connection point includes a second mistake-proofing feature for the second sensor, wherein the first and second mistake-proofing feature are configured such that only the first sensor can be inserted into the first connection point and only the second sensor can be inserted into the second connection point, respectively.