Waterproofing Device for Distance Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distance sensors in mobile robots are prone to false readings and interference when exposed to water or liquids, due to lack of effective waterproofing, leading to inaccurate calculations of relative positions and robot movement.

Innovation Solution

A waterproofing device comprising a protection member and cover with securing plates, sleeves, and a sieve plate, which secures the distance sensor components and allows signal transmission while preventing liquid ingress, utilizing a drain hole to discharge any entering liquid, effectively protecting the sensor from water exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the distance sensor is exposed to water or liquid environments, then the sensor can operate in wet conditions, but false readings and interference signals occur leading to inaccurate distance calculations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability in wet environmentsVSAvoidaccuracy of distance measurements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproofing device is divided into multiple functional components: a protection member with signal transmission portions for signal passage, a cover member with securing portions for assembly, and a sieve plate with through holes for liquid drainage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to achieve waterproofing without affecting sensor operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sieve plate acts as an intermediary element between the internal sensor environment and the external liquid environment. It allows liquid to pass through via its through holes while blocking larger particles and providing structural support, thus mediating the interaction between the sensor and wet environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a waterproofing structure is added to protect the distance sensor, then liquid ingress is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from liquid ingressVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member serves multiple functions: it secures the sieve plate in place through securing portions, provides structural closure for the protection member, and contributes to the overall waterproof sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproofing device employs a nested structure where the sieve plate is positioned within the protection member, and the cover member encloses both the protection member and sieve plate assembly. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple functional elements into a cohesive unit, minimizing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20180003528A1Waterproofing device and distance sensor using the same

Publication Date: 2018.01.04 CLOUD NETWORK TECH SINGAPORE PTE LTD

AI summary

A waterproofing device installed on a distance sensor enables outdoor operations of a robot or operations in wet or adverse environments. The distance sensor includes a signal transmitter and a signal receiver. The waterproofing device includes a protection member installed on the distance sensor, and covers installed on the protection member. The protection member includes sleeves aligning with the signal transmitter and the signal receiver. The cover includes a sieve plate covering one end of the sleeve to prevent liquid from entering into the sleeve and a drain plug to discharge any liquid incidentally entering.