Devices for delivering at least one flowing media, associated sensor modules, and associated methods of mechanically and electrically coupling a sensor module to a device for delivering at least one flowing media
Inventors
Smith, Jessica Nicole • WADE, Richard Andrew
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12629464-B2
Publication Date
2026-05-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device for delivering a flowing media is provided. For example, a device for delivering a flowing media may include a housing defining an opening, a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), a fluid-resistant seal occluding the opening, and a sensor module. The sensor module comprises a second PCBA having a plurality of electrical contact pads; a sensing element in electrical communication with one or more of the electrical contact pads; and a flow tube at least partially defining a flow path for conveying a flowing media therethrough. The flow tube comprises an elongated main body disposed proximate the first major surface of the second PCBA such that the flow path is disposed proximate the sensing element such that at least a portion of the flowing media makes direct contact with the sensing element. The sensor module is selectively mechanically and electrically attachable to the device.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a device for delivering at least one flowing media, including a housing defining an opening, a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) disposed within the housing, and a fluid-resistant seal occluding the opening. A sensor module is selectively attachable to the device such that a second PCBA is aligned with the fluid-resistant seal when selectively attached, and one or more electrical contact pads complete an electrical connection between a sensing element and the device via physical contact with at least a portion of the device.
The sensor module includes a second PCBA having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, with a plurality of electrical contact pads on the second major surface. A sensing element is disposed on the first major surface of the second PCBA in electrical communication with one or more of the electrical contact pads, and a flow tube at least partially defines a flow path for conveying a flowing media through the flow tube.
The flow tube comprises an elongated main body disposed proximate the first major surface of the second PCBA so that the flow path is disposed proximate the sensing element such that at least a portion of the flowing media makes direct or indirect contact with the sensing element. In embodiments, the fluid-resistant seal comprises a compression-type electrically conductive membrane, and the sensor module is selectively removable via a twist-lock mechanism.
The device includes twist-lock arms proximate opposing edges of the fluid-resistant seal that receive and capture portions of the flow tube during rotation, thereby mechanically and electrically coupling the sensor module to the device while aligning the second PCBA. Additional disclosed configurations include first and second sensing elements with first and second flow tubes defining first and second flow paths so that a second flowing media contacts the second sensing element.
Claims Coverage
The document includes four independent claim sets: one directed to the overall device with a selectively attachable sensor module, one directed to the sensor module itself, and one directed to a mechanical and electrical coupling method. Across the independent claims, four inventive features are emphasized.
Selectively attachable sensor module aligned with fluid-resistant seal
The sensor module is selectively attachable to the device such that the second PCBA is aligned with the fluid-resistant seal when selectively attached.
Flow tube positions flow path proximate sensing element
The flow tube comprising an elongated main body disposed proximate the first major surface of the second PCBA such that the flow path is disposed proximate the sensing element such that at least a portion of the flowing media makes direct or indirect contact with the sensing element.
Electrical connection via physical contact between electrical contact pads and device
One or more electrical contact pads are adapted to complete an electrical connection between the sensing element and the device via physical contact with at least a portion of the device.
Mechanical and electrical coupling using twist-lock arms capturing the flow tube during rotation
The sensor module is positioned with the flow tube insertable between first and second twist-lock arms, pushed against the device, and rotated such that portions of the flow tube are captured by the twist-lock arms.
The inventive concept is a selectively attachable sensor module for a flowing-media delivery device that aligns a sensing-element flow path proximate a sensing element and enables electrical connection through physical contact with electrical contact pads. Twist-lock mechanisms and fluid-resistant sealing support alignment with a fluid-resistant seal, including a compression-type electrically conductive membrane, and the method claim further specifies rotational capture of flow-tube portions to mechanically and electrically couple the module.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
Interested in licensing this patent?