Snap-Lock Sensor Shield Retention Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen attachment methods for microphones and sensors are inadequate, as they often require specialized tools, are prone to damage or loss, lack positive positioning, and fail to maintain a consistent gap between the windscreen and sensor, leading to noise and reliability issues in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A snap-lock device with radially distributed petals that flex upon pressure and return to their original position, featuring an overtravel prevention mechanism and apex cam member, which securely attaches and detaches the windscreen from a sensor mounting shaft with a raised boss, ensuring a consistent gap and preventing direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If frictional fit attachment is used to hold windscreens in place, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when subjected to high wind, rain, jolting, or rough handling
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into multiple independent petals (typically 4-8) that can flex and latch independently. Each petal acts as a separate retention unit, distributing the holding force around the windscreen perimeter rather than relying on a single complex mechanism, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The petals are designed to be dynamic rather than static - they flex under pressure during attachment and then spring back to latch position. This dynamic behavior allows the simple petal structure to adapt to varying forces from wind, rain, and handling while maintaining secure retention, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If simple plastic cable ties are used to attach windscreens, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to poor UV resistance and inability to be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent rejects the disposable cable tie approach by designing a reusable petal mechanism. The petals are made from durable material that can withstand UV exposure and repeated use, eliminating the need to discard after one use while maintaining the simplicity of the attachment method.
Solution Approach 2:
The petal mechanism utilizes composite construction combining flexible polymer material with integrated adhesive traps and cam members. This composite design provides both the simplicity of a single-component system and the durability of multi-functional construction, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
3Reliability
If ball lock devices are used to provide snap-lock feature, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase, and substantial housings are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex ball lock mechanism, the patent segments the snap-lock function across multiple simpler petal elements. Each petal contains its own cam member and latching surfaces, distributing the complexity across many simple units rather than one complex system, thereby achieving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional ball lock approach by using flexible petals that snap together rather than a rigid ball mechanism. The petals flex outward during attachment and then spring back to create the snap-lock, achieving the same reliability through an inverted, simpler mechanism that requires no substantial housing.
4Ease of manufacture
If frictional fit is used for attachment, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates regarding axial location of windscreen
Solution Approach 1:
The petal mechanism is designed to be self-positioning through its elastic deformation and cam member geometry. As the petals flex and spring back during attachment, they automatically locate the windscreen at the correct axial position without requiring external positioning tools or complex manufacturing precision, achieving both ease of manufacture and precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the petals - specifically their elastic modulus and dimensions - to achieve precise positioning. The petals are designed with specific thicknesses and material properties that cause them to flex to a precise degree, thereby establishing accurate axial location through material parameter control rather than complex manufacturing.
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 snap-lock device allows for quick and tool-free attachment and detachment of windscreens, maintains a consistent gap to prevent noise, and provides reliable retention in harsh conditions, improving windscreen retention and sensor performance.
Implementation Method 1
a base which may include multiple petals radially distributed around the base, where the petals may flex upon pressure and return to their original position on release when the pressure is released
Implementation Method 2
The petals may also include one or more adhesive traps on the top of the longitudinal shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A system and device that provides for the retention of a sensor shield for a sensor such as a microphone, hydrometer, chemical sensor, or other detector. This invention provides for the quick attachment and release of a reduced visibility and reduced bulk shield retention assembly. In a battlefield environment, a smaller profile sensor shield presents less visibility as a prospective target of interest to enemy forces. Also, the sensor shield may be readily replaced without the use of any tools. The snap-lock feature provides a positive means for holding, for example, a windscreen in its respective position, requiring reasonable, but yet not objectionable force to install and remove the windscreen from the sensor's mounting shaft. Furthermore, the snap-lock feature, when engaged, may provide positive location of the sensor shield's sweet spot by maintaining a slight air space between the sensor shield and the sensor, and thereby precluding direct physical contact.