Vehicle Sensor Snap-Fit Housing for IP6K9K Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle sensors face challenges in withstanding harsh environmental conditions, particularly when submerged in hot and cold fluids, and require improved ingress protection to meet IP6K9K standards without relying on glue for assembly.

Innovation Solution

The sensor employs a ring-shaped snap joint to clip the first and second housings together, eliminating the need for glue and ensuring a tight seal, thereby achieving IP6K9K ingress protection and watertightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glueing is used to assemble the first housing and the second housing together, then the assembly process is simple, but the ingress protection cannot reach IP6K9K standard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveingress protectionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (glueing) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of a snap joint mechanism. The snap joint comprises a protrusion on one housing that engages with a corresponding recess on the other housing, creating a mechanical connection that achieves IP6K9K ingress protection while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing assembly is segmented into distinct components (first housing and second housing) that can be separately manufactured and then joined through the snap joint mechanism. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of individual parts while achieving the required sealing performance through the interlocking joint design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a tight seal is achieved through glueing, then the sensor can withstand environmental conditions, but the assembly becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewatertightnessVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex chemical sealing processes with a straightforward mechanical snap joint system. The joint creates a tight seal through precise mechanical engagement of the protrusion and recess, eliminating the need for additional sealing materials or complex assembly procedures while maintaining watertightness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If glueing is used to join housings, then assembly is straightforward, but the sensor cannot withstand submersion in hot and cold fluids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to fluid submersionVSAvoidassembly method

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces glue-based assembly with a mechanical snap joint that provides superior resistance to fluid submersion. The interlocking protrusion and recess design creates a rigid, sealed connection that prevents fluid penetration even under extreme temperature conditions, while maintaining ease of assembly through simple snap-fit engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4687351A1Sensor for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 VALEO TELEMATIK & AKUSTIK GMBH

Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor (1) for a vehicle, said sensor (1) comprising : - an electronic support (10), - a plurality of electronic components (11) disposed on said electronic support (10), - a first housing (12), - a second housing (13), wherein : - a ring shaped snap joint (14) is arranged on said second housing (13) so as to enable a clipping of said first housing (12) and said second housing (13) together.