Sensor Shield Sealing Assembly for Liquid-Tight Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors, particularly those with sensitive electrical components, are difficult to clean effectively due to their reusable configuration, leading to product carryover and inefficient manual cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

A liquid-tight sealing assembly comprising an end cover, a sleeve, a sealing gasket, and a clamp, designed to protect electrical components during cleaning while being compatible with standard parts washers and easily removable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If sensors are configured for reusable operation, then sensor lifespan is extended, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to sensitive electrical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor lifespanVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into two segments: a reusable sensor body containing electrical components and a disposable sensor tip or protective cap that can be removed and replaced. This allows the sensor body to be cleaned and reused while the disposable portion handles the cleaning challenge, resolving the contradiction between reusability and cleanability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A protective barrier or intermediary component is introduced between the cleaning liquid and the electrical components. This intermediary protects the sensitive electronics during cleaning operations, enabling both effective cleaning and preservation of the sensor for reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual cleaning is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but cleaning efficiency deteriorates and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment costVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor or its protective component is designed to be self-cleaning through features such as flush-mounted surfaces, removable caps that facilitate automated cleaning cycles, or integrated cleaning ports. This enables the system to clean itself without requiring manual intervention, improving efficiency while avoiding expensive automated cleaning equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If electrical components are exposed during cleaning, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but component protection deteriorates leading to product carryover

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidproduct carryover

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of exposing electrical components to cleaning liquids, the approach is inverted by placing the electrical components inside a protected enclosure or housing that can be sealed. The cleaning is then performed on the external surfaces of this enclosure, which can be effectively cleaned without exposing the internal electronics, preventing product carryover while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4028727B1Sensor shield

Publication Date: 2025.01.29 LONZA BIOLOGICS INC

Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A sealing assembly for forming a liquid-tight seal around a component is provided. The sealing assembly includes an end cover, a sleeve, a gasket, and a sealing clamp. Provided is also a holder that cooperates with an end cover of the sealing assembly to maintain the component and sealing assembly in a generally horizontal position for a period of time.