Sensor Housing with Vulcanized Elastomer Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors used in high-moisture environments face challenges with traditional sealing elements, which increase the risk of leakage under extreme conditions, and require additional openings for display elements, complicating the sealing process.
Innovation Solution
A sensor housing made of metallic material with a vulcanizable elastomer layer that completely covers the opening, acting as a molded seal, reducing the number of sealing points and allowing for both sealing and display functionality without additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If classic sealing elements like O-rings are used to seal housing openings, then sealing functionality is achieved, but the number of sealing points increases and reliability decreases under extreme environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer layer is vulcanized directly onto the housing interior surface, merging the sealing function with the housing structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate sealing elements like O-rings, reducing the number of sealing points while improving reliability through direct integration of the sealing function into the housing-wall connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining metallic housing material with a vulcanized elastomer layer. The elastomer provides sealing functionality while being chemically bonded to the metal housing, creating a reliable seal that withstands extreme environmental conditions without requiring additional sealing components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional openings are made in the housing for display elements, then display functionality is enabled, but the tightness of the housing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the housing opening, provides structural support, and allows light transmission for display elements. By making the elastomer transparent or translucent, the housing maintains its tightness while enabling display functionality through the same material layer, eliminating the need for separate openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical properties of the elastomer material, which can be transparent or translucent. This allows the elastomer layer to function as both a sealing barrier and a light-transmitting medium for display elements, enabling versatility without compromising housing tightness.
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
Minimizes sealing points, ensures a strong and stable connection, and allows light emission from display elements while maintaining environmental sealing, eliminating the need for classic sealing elements like O-rings.
Implementation Method 1
The housing is made of a metallic material with which an elastomer can be vulcanized, with an inner body made of a vulcanizable elastomer being attached at least partially to the surfaces of the interior of the housing
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3e
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor (1) consisting of a housing (2) with an inner chamber for at least partly receiving and/or surrounding electronic and/or electromechanical components and/or display elements, said housing consisting of a metal material, for example steel. The housing has at least one opening (4) for leading out at least one connection of the electronic and/or electromechanical components and/or the display elements. The material of the housing (2) is such that the material can be vulcanized with an elastomer, and an inner body (3) which is in the form of at least one layer and which is made of a vulcanizable elastomer is at least partly vulcanized onto the surfaces of the inner chamber of the sensor housing, said layer completely covering the inner surfaces of the opening (9) in a circumferential manner and being capable of sealing the opening of the housing with respect to the connection. The elastomer geometry facing the connection, said elastomer being vulcanized onto/into the housing, is directly formed as a molded seal with respect to the connection.