Self-retaining pressure sensor assembly having notched seal retention flange

Abstract

An improved self-retaining pressure sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor having a housing, a depending ported stem terminated in an enlarged foot, and a flanged resilient seal disposed about the stem between the pressure sensor housing and foot, with the seal flange having one or more notches about its circumferential periphery to ease insertion and extraction of the assembly with respect to a circular opening formed in a pressure vessel. The notches reduce the effective area of the flange, proportionately decreasing the force (insertion force) needed to insert the assembly at the time of installation and the force (extraction force) needed to subsequently remove the assembly for repair or replacement. The number and size of the notches can be adjusted to provide acceptable insertion and extraction forces, without lubricant, while not significantly compromising the self-retention capability of the assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.