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

A sensor module comprising:

• a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, the second major surface having a plurality of electrical contact pads;
• a sensing element disposed on the first major surface of the PCBA and in electrical communication with one or more of the plurality of electrical contact pads;
• and
• a flow tube at least partially defining a flow path for conveying a flowing media therethrough, the flow tube comprising an elongated main body affixed to the first major surface of the 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;
• wherein one or more of the plurality of electrical contact pads are adapted to complete an electrical connection between the sensing element and a device to which the sensor module is selectively attached via physical contact with at least a portion of the device;
• wherein the PCBA is configured to be aligned with a fluid-resistant seal when the sensor module is selectively attached to the device via a twist-lock mechanism;
• wherein the sensor module is selectively removable from the device via the twist-lock mechanism;
• and
• wherein the fluid-resistant seal comprises a compression-type electrically conductive membrane.

A method for mechanically and electrically coupling a sensor module to a device for delivering at least one flowing media, the method comprising:

• providing a device for delivering at least one flowing media, the device comprising:
• (i) a housing defining an opening;
• (ii) a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) disposed within the housing;
• (iii) a fluid-resistant seal occluding the opening;
• and
• (iv) first and second twist-lock arms proximate opposing edges of the fluid-resistant seal;
• providing a sensor module comprising:
• (i) a second printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, the second major surface having a plurality of electrical contact pads;
• (ii) a sensing element disposed on the first major surface of the second PCBA and in electrical communication with one or more of the plurality of electrical contact pads;
• and
• (iii) a flow tube at least partially defining a flow path for conveying a flowing media therethrough, 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;
• positioning the sensor module such that the second PCBA is aligned with the fluid-resistant seal and the flow tube is insertable between the first and second twist-lock arms;
• pushing the sensor module against the device;
• and
• rotating the sensor module such that at least a first portion of the flow tube is captured by the first twist-lock arm and at least a second portion of the flow tube is captured by the second twist-lock arm;
• wherein one or more of the plurality of electrical contact pads complete an electrical connection between the sensing element and the device via physical contact with at least a portion of the device.