Removable Sensor Housing for Quick Connector Fluid Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of separate sensing elements in fluid systems, such as vehicular fuel systems, increases the number of components and potential leakage paths, complicating design and increasing costs, while existing quick connectors do not efficiently accommodate sensing mechanisms without adding complexity.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector system with a removable sensor housing that can be securely attached to the connector body, housing various sensors like pressure or temperature sensors, and providing a fluid-tight seal, allowing for easy maintenance and upgrade by integrating the sensor directly into the connector without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensing elements are introduced into the fuel system, then diagnostic and control functions are enhanced, but the number of components and potential leakage paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated directly into the quick connector body, merging the sensing function with the existing connector structure. This eliminates the need for separate sensing elements and their associated mounting hardware, thereby enhancing diagnostic capabilities while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connector is designed to perform multiple functions: fluid connection and sensing. By incorporating the sensor housing and electrical receptacle into the connector body, a single component serves both mechanical connection and diagnostic monitoring purposes, reducing the total number of components required
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensing elements are introduced into the fuel system, then diagnostic and control functions are enhanced, but the number of connections and potential leakage paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is integrated into the quick connector body with fluid-tight sealing. By combining the sensing function within the existing sealed connector structure, the design adds sensing capability without introducing additional external connections or potential leakage paths into the fuel system
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensing elements are added to components such as the fuel tank flange, then diagnostic functions are enhanced, but design requirements and cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connector is designed to perform multiple functions: fluid connection and sensing. By incorporating the sensor housing and electrical receptacle into the connector body, a single component serves both mechanical connection and diagnostic monitoring purposes, reducing the total number of components required
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing is integrated into the quick connector body with fluid-tight sealing. By combining the sensing function within the existing sealed connector structure, the design adds sensing capability without introducing additional external connections or potential leakage paths into the fuel system
Data Source
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AI summary
A removable sensor housing for connection to a structure in a fluid system such as a quick connector body. The sensor housing removably attaches to a mating portion on the other structure. It includes a shaft inserted in a bore on the other structure with an interposed seal. An attachment mechanism is used to secure the sensor housing to the structure. Alternative mechanisms are disclosed. In certain forms, the sensor housing is configured to be positioned in fixed relation to the other structure.