Sensor Unit Connector Self-Positioning Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The inefficiency in assembling processes due to the need for precise positioning of inertial sensor units, which complicates the integration of these units into electronic devices and moving bodies.

Innovation Solution

A sensor unit with a connector system that includes a fixed-position connector and a memory unit for calibration, allowing the sensor unit to be easily positioned and calibrated relative to a reference plane, thereby simplifying the assembly process and ensuring accurate measurement axis alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the inertial sensor unit is positioned on the circuit board with scrupulous attention to positioning, then the measurement axes can be accurately determined, but the assembling process efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of sensor unitVSAvoidassembling process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor unit is equipped with a connector that has a fixed positional relationship with the sensor, allowing the sensor unit to self-position on the circuit board through the connector connection. The connector's guide surface automatically aligns the sensor unit with the receiver connector, eliminating the need for external positioning tools or complex positioning procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connector serves as an intermediary element between the sensor unit and the circuit board. It provides a standardized interface with a fixed positional relationship to the sensor, enabling accurate positioning through the connection itself rather than requiring direct positioning of the sensor on the board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the connector position is fixed with respect to the sensor and calibration information is stored, then the measurement axis direction can be accurately specified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement axis direction accuracyVSAvoidsensor unit structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration information specifying the measurement axis direction is predetermined and stored in the sensor unit before installation. The fixed positional relationship between the connector and sensor is established during manufacturing, so that when the connector is connected to the receiver connector, the measurement axis orientation is automatically determined without requiring additional calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positional relationship information between the connector and sensor is merged into the calibration data stored in the sensor unit. By combining the physical fixed positioning structure with the digital calibration information, the system achieves accurate measurement axis specification without requiring separate positioning mechanisms or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9523702B2Sensor unit, electronic device, and moving body

Publication Date: 2016.12.20 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A sensor unit includes sensors. Each of the sensors provides a measurement axis. A connector is electrically connected with the sensors. The position of the connector is fixed relative to the sensors. A memory unit stores calibration information which specifies the respective directions of the measurement axes with respect to a reference plane established for the connector.