Sensor Segmented Sealing for Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing area sensors face performance and durability issues due to exposure to high humidity or water, leading to degradation in their waterproof structure and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
The sensor design incorporates an elongated and hollow housing with a cap and cover system, featuring a front and side sealing member arrangement that enhances waterproofing, while reducing production costs through improved structural characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing structures are used in area sensors, then the sensor can be manufactured with standard procedures, but the sensor performance deteriorates due to moisture penetration in high humidity or water environments
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into multiple independent sealing members (first sealing member and second sealing member) positioned at different locations. The first sealing member seals the front surface opening while the second sealing member seals the side surface opening, creating segmented barriers against moisture penetration that collectively protect the sensor internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible sealing members made of elastomeric materials that can deform and conform to the housing surfaces. These flexible sealing members create effective seals at the openings by utilizing their elastic properties to maintain contact pressure and prevent moisture ingress while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If enhanced waterproof structures with multiple sealing members are implemented, then moisture resistance is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sealing functions into a unified sealing system where the first and second sealing members work together as a coordinated waterproof barrier. By combining the sealing of the front surface opening and side surface opening in a single integrated design, the patent achieves enhanced waterproof performance without requiring separate assembly processes for each sealing location, thereby controlling production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members are designed to perform multiple functions: sealing the openings, preventing moisture penetration, and providing structural support at the openings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and assembly steps, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving superior waterproof performance.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If complex sealing mechanisms are used to prevent moisture deterioration, then sensor durability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the main housing structure and implements it through separate, dedicated sealing members. This separation allows each sealing member to be optimized for its specific sealing location (front surface opening and side surface opening) while keeping the overall housing structure simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies sealing members specifically at the locations where moisture penetration is most likely to occur (front surface opening and side surface opening), rather than providing uniform sealing throughout the entire housing. This localized approach to sealing provides effective moisture protection while maintaining structural simplicity in non-critical areas.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes: an elongated and hollow housing having a first opening formed in a longitudinal direction of the housing, and a second opening formed at one end thereof; a cap closing the second opening; an elongated cover covering the first opening and having one end coupled to the cap; a first receiving groove formed on the housing at a position adjacent to the first opening and facing the cover; a second receiving groove formed on the cap at a position facing the cover; a front sealing member inserted into the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove, and coming into contact with the cover; a groove formed on the cap at a position adjacent to the second opening and facing one end of the housing; and a side sealing member inserted into the groove and coming into contact with the one end of the housing.