Segmented Tubular Guard for Sensor Apparatus Debris Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guards for sensor apparatuses in tilting arrangements are large, costly, and ineffective in preventing debris accumulation and damage, as they do not conform to the shape of the sensor apparatus and allow debris to get wedged between the guard and the tilt lever support, hindering operation.
Innovation Solution
A guard with a tubular structure that partially encloses mounting studs and lever members of the sensor apparatus, featuring a reduced size and improved deflection characteristics, allowing debris to slide off and maintaining the relative motion between tilt components, with a removable adapter for easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional fender-shaped guard is used to cover the sensor apparatus, then the sensor apparatus is protected against falling debris, but the guard becomes large in size, increases manufacturing cost, and allows debris to wedge between the guard and tilt lever support
Solution Approach 1:
The guard is divided into multiple segments including a first tubular portion, a longitudinal portion, and a second tubular portion. Each segment serves a specific protective function for different components of the sensor apparatus, allowing the guard to provide comprehensive protection while maintaining a compact size and reducing material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard segments are designed to nest around the sensor apparatus components, with the first tubular portion enclosing the first mounting stud, the second tubular portion enclosing the second mounting stud, and the longitudinal portion connecting them. This nested configuration provides protection while minimizing the overall guard size.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional enclosure-shaped guard is used to cover the sensor apparatus, then the sensor apparatus is protected against falling debris, but the guard allows debris to accumulate and wedge between the guard and tilt lever support, hindering operation
Solution Approach 1:
The guard incorporates tubular portions with curved surfaces instead of flat enclosure walls. The curved geometry of the first and second tubular portions prevents debris from accumulating in corners or flat surfaces, allowing debris to slide off easily and maintain smooth operation of the tilt components.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard design accommodates the dynamic motion of the tilt components during operation. The tubular portions are positioned and sized to allow the mounting studs and lever members to move freely within the protected space, ensuring that the relative motion between tilt components is not hindered while maintaining protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a large conventional guard is used to cover the sensor apparatus, then the sensor apparatus is protected against falling debris, but the guard increases weight and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The guard is segmented into three distinct portions (first tubular portion, longitudinal portion, and second tubular portion), each providing protection for specific components. This segmentation allows the guard to provide comprehensive protection while using minimal material, significantly reducing weight compared to a solid conventional enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular portions of the guard are designed as thin-walled structures that provide adequate protection against falling debris while minimizing material usage. The tubular geometry provides structural strength with minimal wall thickness, reducing the overall weight of the guard.
Data Source
AI summary
A guard for a sensor apparatus in a tilting arrangement. The guard includes a first tubular portion supported on the tilting arrangement, a longitudinal portion extending from the first tubular portion, and a second tubular portion extending from the longitudinal portion. The first tubular portion provides a first cavity adapted to partially enclose a first mounting stud of the sensor apparatus. Similarly, the second tubular portion provides a second cavity adapted to partially enclose a second mounting stud of the sensor apparatus. And, the longitudinal portion provides a recess adapted to partially enclose a lever member of the sensor apparatus.