Sensor Housing Debris Sloughing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environment sensing devices face contamination issues due to moisture condensation on supporting structures, which can interfere with sensor accuracy and function by carrying contaminants across the sensor or protective filters.
Innovation Solution
A debris sloughing structure with a channel and inner and outer ridges is integrated around the sensor enclosure, directing condensate and contaminants away from the sensor to the bottom portion, utilizing surface tension and gravity for removal, and potentially incorporating hydrophobic materials to enhance effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is placed directly in the gas environment for measurement, then the sensor can detect gases and particles, but moisture condensation on supporting structures and enclosure surfaces will carry contaminants across the sensor face, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful condensate and contaminants from the sensor area by introducing a debris sloughing structure that actively removes moisture and particles from the enclosure surfaces, preventing them from reaching the sensor face
Solution Approach 2:
The debris sloughing structure acts as an intermediary element between the condensing surfaces and the sensor, intercepting contaminants before they can contact the sensor while allowing gas molecules to pass through to the sensor for detection
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective filter or screen is placed over the sensor to prevent contamination, then the sensor is protected from contaminants, but the filter may interfere with gas diffusion to the sensor and affect measurement function
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing a filter over the sensor, the patent extracts contaminants from the system entirely by using the debris sloughing structure to remove condensate and particles from the enclosure, eliminating the need for protective filtering that would impede gas diffusion
3Ease of manufacture
If the enclosure surfaces are made smooth and flat for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing is simpler, but condensate tends to pool on these surfaces and increase contamination risk to the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a localized debris sloughing structure at specific locations around the sensor area, creating functional surface features that promote condensate removal without requiring changes to the overall enclosure surface geometry or manufacturing processes
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 debris sloughing structure effectively prevents contamination from reaching the sensor, maintaining its accuracy and functionality by redirecting moisture and contaminants away from the sensor area, ensuring clear gas measurement.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing surface tension and gravity for removal
Implementation Method 2
utilizing surface tension and gravity for removal
Implementation Method 3
potentially incorporating hydrophobic materials to enhance effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental sensor device with a sensor enclosure is configured for use in a gas environment. An enclosure support, at least one sensor on a face of the enclosure; and at least one debris sloughing structure is used. The debris sloughing structure is composed of a channel with a set of inner and outer ridges disposed in the enclosure around a periphery of the at least one sensor, wherein a top portion of the debris sloughing structure above the at least one sensor and lateral portions of the debris sloughing structure on lateral sides of the at least one sensor. A shape and arrangement of the debris sloughing structure carries condensate or contaminants forming on non-sensor areas of the enclosure away from the sensor and to a bottom portion of the enclosure.