Sensor Marking Component Position Change for Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching sensors to motor vehicles, such as pressure or airbag sensors, rely on visual confirmation and written documentation, which are prone to human error and do not ensure correct installation.
Innovation Solution
A method and sensor design where a marking component is moved to a visibly different position only if the sensor is correctly attached, ensuring correct installation, and an electrical plug can only be coupled when the sensor is securely attached, providing a visual and operational check for correct attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual confirmation and written documentation are used to document sensor attachment, then the process is simple and easy to perform, but human error occurs and correct installation is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a marking component that changes its visual appearance (color or position) to indicate the attachment state of the sensor. When the sensor is correctly attached, the marking component assumes a second position or displays a specific color that is visibly different from the first position, providing immediate visual confirmation of correct installation without requiring complex documentation systems or human judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly itself performs the documentation function through the marking component. The marking component automatically indicates whether the sensor is correctly attached or not, eliminating the need for separate visual inspection and written documentation by workers. The system documents its own attachment status through the position or appearance of the marking component.
2Reliability
If a marking component position change is used to indicate correct attachment, then human error is eliminated and installation correctness is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the marking component with the sensor assembly, integrating the indication function into the sensor structure itself. The marking component is part of the sensor assembly and moves together with attachment-related components, merging the sensing function and the indication function into a single integrated unit rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking component indicates attachment status by changing its position from a first position to a second position, or by changing its appearance in a visually detectable dimension. This dimensional change (position or appearance) provides a clear, unambiguous indication of correct attachment that is easily observable without complex instrumentation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sensor is locked to prevent detachment, then the sensor remains securely attached, but the marking component cannot be returned to indicate potential issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the locking mechanism and marking component interaction such that the marking component's position is determined in advance by the attachment state. The marking component is positioned in the second position (indicating correct attachment) before any detachment attempt occurs, and the locking mechanism prevents return to the first position, ensuring the marking reflects the attachment status at all times.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method involves transferring a marking component of a sensor, particularly pressure sensor (1) from one position to another position visibly different from the former position. The two positions of the marking component are used for documenting a progress of an assembly of the sensor. The sensor is locked when the marking component is transferred from the former position into the latter position so that the sensor is not disengaged from the vehicle without transferring the marking component again in the former position or without destructing the marking component. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a sensor with a mobile element; and (2) a motor vehicle containing a wall with a hole.