Vibration Reducing Sleeve for Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Temperature sensors in internal combustion engines face degradation due to harsh conditions such as vibration, debris, moisture, and extreme temperatures, leading to performance issues and reduced suitability for their intended purpose, and existing solutions are cumbersome to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A temperature sensor system that includes a vibration reducing and/or modifying sleeve, a temperature sensing element, and a filler material within the housing to provide thermal conductivity and flexibility, along with a cable and mounting features for secure installation, which reduces mechanical and thermal stresses, and is designed for easier manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vibration reducing and/or modifying sleeve is added to the temperature sensor system, then the sensor stability and longevity are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration reducing sleeve is positioned within the housing structure, nesting the vibration protection function inside the existing housing. The sleeve is received by the housing and works in conjunction with existing components like the diaphragm and filler material, rather than adding completely separate external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration reducing sleeve combines multiple functions: it reduces vibrational stresses, provides additional structural support, and works synergistically with the filler material and diaphragm to create a comprehensive vibration protection system within a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a vibration reducing and/or modifying sleeve is added to the temperature sensor system, then the sensor longevity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor longevityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensor system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the sensing element, the housing, the vibration reducing sleeve, and the filler material. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimized processes and then assembled, improving overall manufacturability despite the additional component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration reducing sleeve is constructed as a flexible or semi-flexible component that can be easily formed and assembled. The sleeve's flexible nature allows it to be installed over the sensing element and secured within the housing using simple retention features, facilitating straightforward manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the sleeve is positioned between the stop flange and temperature sensor, then the vibrational stress reduction is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibrational stress reductionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration reducing sleeve is positioned between the stop flange and the temperature sensor to provide cushioning before vibrational stresses can reach the sensitive sensing element. This proactive placement absorbs and dampens vibrations from the exhaust system before they can damage the sensor, extending its life without requiring complex active protection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 system enhances the stability and longevity of temperature sensors by reducing vibrational stresses and maintaining thermal accuracy, while simplifying the manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

a filler material within the housing to provide thermal conductivity and flexibility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conductivity: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

vibration reducing and/or modifying sleeve... configured to provide stability and reduce vibrational stress to the temperature sensor system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration reduction: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2748570B1Exhaust gas temperature sensor including a vibration reducing and/or modifying sleeve
Publication Date: 2017.05.17 STONERIDGE INC
  • EP2748570B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2748570B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2748570B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A temperature sensor system includes a temperature sensor, a cable having an end coupled to the temperature sensor, and a stop flange coupled to the cable. The temperature sensor system further includes a vibration reducing and/or modifying sleeve positioned against the stop flange. The sleeve includes a body portion defining a through passage configured to receive and retain at least a portion of the cable. The sleeve is configured to provide stability and reduce vibrational stress to the temperature sensor system. The sleeve is configured to be added to the temperature sensor system during assembly of the system and/or to be added after the temperature sensor system is fully assembled.