Mounting Device Integrating Pressure Equalization for Sensor Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sensor housings in dusty and splash-loaded environments require a dust-tight and splash-tight design with integrated pressure equalization, which complicates their construction and increases costs due to the need for additional components within the housing.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with an engagement area, a connection area for a splash-proof and dust-proof connection, and a pressure compensation line that integrates pressure equalization between the sensor housing and the environment, eliminating the need for a separate pressure equalization line within the housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pressure equalization line is integrated within the sensor housing to enable pressure equalization between the interior and environment, then pressure equalization function is achieved, but the housing volume increases and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure equalization functionVSAvoidsensor housing volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pressure equalization function with the mounting device by integrating a pressure equalization line into the mounting device's air channel. This merging eliminates the need for a separate pressure equalization line within the sensor housing, thereby reducing housing volume and manufacturing costs while maintaining the pressure equalization function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical mounting of the sensor housing and pressure equalization between the housing interior and environment. The air channel in the mounting device serves dual purposes as both a structural component for mounting and a pressure equalization pathway, reducing the need for additional dedicated components.

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

2Reliability

If a pressure equalization line is integrated within the sensor housing to enable pressure equalization, then pressure equalization function is achieved, but manufacturing costs and construction complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure equalization functionVSAvoidhousing construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure equalization line is merged with the mounting device structure, utilizing the existing air channel of the mounting device for pressure equalization. This eliminates the need for separate pressure equalization components within the housing, simplifying construction and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure equalization function is extracted from the sensor housing and relocated to the mounting device. This extraction removes the complexity of integrating pressure equalization lines within the housing itself, as the function is performed by the externally mounted device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the mounting device provides splash-proof and dust-proof connection, then protection against contamination is improved, but the design flexibility of the sensor housing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against splash and dustVSAvoidhousing shape adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device acts as an intermediary between the sensor housing and the mounting surface, providing the splash-proof and dust-proof connection. The connection area with sealing elements (such as O-rings) creates the protective barrier, while the mounting device's modular design allows it to adapt to various housing shapes without compromising the sealing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution allows for a smaller, cost-effective sensor housing design with improved functionality, as the pressure equalization is handled by the fastening device, reducing the risk of contamination and enhancing the durability of the sensor housing.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure equalization line is designed to allow pressure equalization between the interior of the sensor housing and the environment surrounding the mounting device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3660466B1Mounting device for a sensor housing
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 DRAGER SAFETY AG & CO KAAA
  • EP3660466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3660466B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3660466B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a mounting device for a sensor housing comprising an engagement area, a connection area, and a pressure equalization line. The engagement area is designed to provide a grip for an external fastening element for securing the mounting device. The connection area is designed to provide a splash-proof and dust-proof connection between the mounting device and the sensor housing.And the pressure equalization line is designed to enable pressure equalization between the interior of the sensor housing and the environment of the mounting device, wherein the pressure equalization line in the connected state has at least one environmental opening to the environment of the mounting device and at least one housing opening in the connection area such that pressure equalization via the environmental opening and the housing opening is possible through the pressure equalization line.