Sensor Sliding Block for Groove Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors are limited to attachment in T-shaped attachment grooves and are prone to electrical or electronic faults, lacking versatility in groove geometries and electromagnetic compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A sensor with a rotatable metallic sliding block and grub screw connected to a defined electrical potential, ensuring no insulation between the sensor and attachment body, allowing secure attachment in various groove geometries and improving electromagnetic compatibility by creating an electrical connection through the sliding block's oxide layer penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sensor is attached in a T-shaped attachment groove with undercut using conventional clamping devices, then the sensor can be securely anchored, but the sensor is only suitable for specific groove geometries and cannot be attached in other groove types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment groove geometry compatibilityVSAvoidclamping device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor housing is designed with a universal attachment interface that can accommodate various groove geometries (T-shaped grooves, C-shaped grooves, and other configurations) through a single standardized sliding block mechanism, eliminating the need for different clamping devices for different groove types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional attachment methods are used without electrical connection, then the mechanical attachment is simple, but electrical or electronic faults can occur due to insulation between sensor and attachment body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical fault resistanceVSAvoidelectrical connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment function and electrical connection function are merged into a single integrated solution: the metallic sliding block simultaneously provides mechanical clamping in the groove and establishes electrical connection between the sensor housing and attachment body, eliminating the need for separate electrical connection components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The metallic sliding block acts as an intermediary element that bridges the sensor housing and attachment body, providing both mechanical support and electrical conductivity. The grub screw penetrates the oxide layer of this intermediary to ensure reliable electrical contact

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

The solution enables simpler, fault-resistant sensor attachment in diverse groove geometries, enhancing electromagnetic compatibility by ensuring a consistent electrical potential and secure mechanical fixation.

Implementation Method 1

When mounting the sensor, the sliding block breaks through an oxide layer of the fastening body in the fastening groove and creates an electrical connection between the sliding block and the fastening body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3029430B1Sensor with sliding block

Publication Date: 2017.11.01 SICK AG

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Figure 3~4

AI summary

Sensor with a sensor housing (2), wherein the sensor housing (2) or a part of the sensor housing (2) projects into a mounting groove (4) in a metallic mounting body (6) for mounting the sensor (1), wherein a rotatable metallic T-nut (8) is provided on the sensor housing (2), wherein the T-nut (8) is held by a threaded pin (10), characterized in that the T-nut (8) is connected to a defined electrical potential of the sensor (1).