Spacer and sensor module for detecting a vibrational behavior of a mechanical component including the spacer

A sensor module configured to detect a vibration of a mechanical component, the sensor module comprising:

• a base configured to be rigidly mechanically connected to the mechanical component such that a mechanical vibration of the mechanical component is transmitted to the base;
• a first spacer and a second spacer extending from the base, the first and second spacers being connected to the base such that the mechanical vibration is transmitted from the base to the first and second spacers;
• and
• a circuit board connected to the base by the first and second spacers such that the mechanical vibration is transmitted from the first and second spacers to the circuit board, the circuit board including a first side facing the base and a second side facing away from the base and further including a circuit, and a first hole and a second hole, the circuit board being configured to detect the mechanical vibration and, based on the detected mechanical vibration, to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of the vibration;
• wherein each of the first and second spacers comprises a body portion having a first end lying in a first plane and a second end spaced from the first end in a length direction and lying in a second plane parallel to the first plane and a pin portion projecting from the second end of the body portion, the pin portion having a circular cross section in a direction perpendicular to the length direction and extending into the first hole or into the second hole and projecting outwardly from the second side of the circuit board, the body portion having at least one side wall extending from the first end and being blocked from passing through the first hole or the second hole by contact with a region of the first side of the circuit board surrounding the first hole or the second hole, the at least one spacer further including a central bore in the first end of the body portion and a curved shoulder connecting the second end of the body portion to the at least one side wall, and a threaded insert on the pin portion having a bottom in direct contact with the second side of the circuit board.

A sensor module configured to detect a vibrational behavior of a mechanical component, the sensor module comprising:

• a base configured to be rigidly mechanically connected to the mechanical component in order to absorb a mechanical vibration of the mechanical component;
• a circuit board including a first side facing the base and a second side facing away from the base and further including a circuit and at least one hole, the circuit board being configured to detect the mechanical vibration of the mechanical component and, based on the detected vibration, to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of the vibrational behavior;
• and
• at least one spacer mechanically connecting the circuit board to the base such that the mechanical vibration is transferable from the base to the circuit board,
• wherein the circuit board and the base are oriented lengthwise along a parallel direction,
• wherein the circuit board is disposed relative to the base along a direction perpendicular to the direction of orientation, and
• wherein the at least one spacer comprises a body portion having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end in a length direction and a pin portion projecting from the second end of the body portion, the pin portion being configured to pass through the at least one hole and project outwardly from the second side of the circuit board, the body portion being blocked from passing though the at least one hole by contact with a region of a first side of the circuit board facing the base and surrounding the at least one hole.