Support device for sensor, temperature measuring or monitoring device for liquid container and container comprising same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature measuring and monitoring devices for thermoregulated liquid containers, such as hot water tanks, face issues with condensation and burrs due to the absence of closure on the outside of the plunger finger and expansion of insulating foam, requiring additional covers and fixing means.

Innovation Solution

A support device for temperature sensors featuring a plastic, elongated, profiled body with a plate-shaped part and through-orifices, providing a single-piece cover, stop, and cable guide, which includes elastic retention and a peripheral seal to prevent condensation and burrs, ensuring secure and aesthetic installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional temperature measuring devices are installed on containers, then temperature monitoring function is achieved, but additional covers and fixing means are required, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoring functionVSAvoidadditional covers and fixing means
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the elongated body provides sensor retention and cable housing, the plate-shaped part serves as both cover and fixing means, and the peripheral seal integrates sealing functionality. This eliminates the need for separate covers and fixing means, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the plunger finger structure is used without closure, then sensor retention is achieved, but condensation phenomena occur on metal parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor retentionVSAvoidcondensation phenomena
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of open structure (which causes condensation) by adding a plate-shaped part with peripheral seal that closes the structure. This maintains the sensor retention functionality while preventing condensation on metal parts, transforming the harmful condensation effect into a beneficial sealed environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If insulating foam is expanded between container walls, then thermal insulation is achieved, but burrs appear on the container surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidsurface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support device acts as an intermediary element between the insulating foam and the container surface. The plate-shaped part with peripheral seal contains the expanding foam within the dip tube assembly, preventing it from contacting and creating burrs on the container surface, thus maintaining surface quality while preserving thermal insulation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate parts are used for sensor support and cable management, then functional requirements are met, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor support and cable managementVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support device combines sensor support, cable management, covering, sealing, and fixing functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need to install multiple separate parts, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining all required functional adaptabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a mechanically wedged, watertight, and aesthetically pleasing assembly that prevents condensation and burrs, while simplifying installation and maintaining sensor position without additional parts.

Implementation Method 1

receiving, preferably with retention by elastic stress and/or friction, at least one sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic stress: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

receiving, preferably with retention by elastic stress and/or friction, at least one sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a peripheral seal to prevent condensation and burrs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP4607164A1Support device for sensor, temperature measuring or monitoring device for liquid container and container comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 VIESSMANN HOLDING INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • EP4607164A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP4607164A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5B
  • EP4607164A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7B

AI summary

The invention relates to a support (1) for temperature measuring or monitoring sensor(s) (2), intended to be mounted at least partially in a dip tube (3), said support device (1) comprising an elongated and profiled body (4) made of plastic, with at least one housing (5) in the form of a longitudinal groove for receiving, preferably with retention by elastic stress and/or friction, at least one sensor (2) and for housing at least one adjoining part of its connection cable (6). Support device (1) characterized in that the elongated and profiled body (4) comprises, at one of its ends, a part (7) in the form of a plate formed in one piece with it, extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL) of said body (4) and comprising at least one through-orifice (8) aligned with said at least one groove (5).