Sensor Housing with Oblique Thread for Groove Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor housings face challenges in secure attachment, ease of assembly, space efficiency, fastener loss prevention, and compatibility with various groove geometries, particularly with 'drop-in' mounting methods, which are complex, expensive, and often require additional space or increase sensor length.

Innovation Solution

A sensor housing with a ledge-like housing projection featuring flat side surfaces and an obliquely arranged thread for a fastening screw, allowing direct perpendicular insertion and secure fastening without undercuts, enabling easy assembly, secure attachment, and compatibility with diverse groove geometries, while using a conductive thread for electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If drop-in mounting is used with C-slot and round undercut, then installation is simplified, but secure attachment cannot be achieved due to tolerance variance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidattachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mounting interface by replacing the round undercut with a flat-sided housing projection that has flat side surfaces. This parameter change allows the sensor housing to be securely attached to various groove geometries while maintaining simple installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex fastenings like eccentrics or clamping jaws are used, then attachment security is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidfastening complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fastening function directly into the sensor housing structure itself. The housing projection with flat side surfaces and the groove form an integrated attachment system, eliminating the need for separate complex fastening components like eccentrics or clamping jaws.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing projection design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables secure attachment to various groove geometries, and simplifies installation. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized fastening components with a single universal attachment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If clamping jaws or sliding blocks are used for secure attachment, then attachment security is improved, but sensor length increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidsensor length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the attachment functionality within the existing sensor housing structure. The housing projection is an integral part of the sensor housing that extends into the groove, eliminating the need for external clamping components that would increase the overall sensor length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of operation

If conventional fastenings are used, then attachment is achieved, but fasteners can be lost during assembly or disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidfastener retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fastening mechanism with the housing structure itself. The thread is formed directly in the housing projection, and the groove structure retains the fastening screw, eliminating the risk of fastener loss that occurs with separate conventional fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3070439B1Sensor casing
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 SICK AG
  • EP3070439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3070439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3070439B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Sensor housing with at least one sensor element (2), wherein the sensor housing (1) has a strip-like housing projection (3) which is provided for receiving in a groove (4) extending along a linear drive housing, wherein at least one elongated strip-like circuit board (5) is arranged in this housing projection (3) in its longitudinal direction, wherein the housing projection (3) has flat side surfaces (8) so that no undercut is formed, wherein the distance between the side surfaces (8) is less than the distance between a groove opening of the groove (4), wherein the sensor housing (1) has at least one thread (7) arranged obliquely to at least one side surface (8) for receiving at least one fastening screw (23) for fixing the sensor housing (1) in the groove (4).