Patent Filed for Microswitch Based Position Sensor with Harness Relief for Motorized Valve

Strategic Insights -

A patent titled "Microswitch Based Position Sensor with Harness Relief for Motorized Valve" was filed by inventors Piotr Kostanski, Agata Kurowska, and Dariusz Sapija on March 23, 2021. The patent, assigned to Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, was published online on October 14, 2025. The patent aims to address the issues of robustness, resistance to vibrations, and electromagnetic interference in position sensors used in motorized valves. The inventors propose a printed circuit board (PCB) based connector that allows for a more robust connection between wires and microswitches.

The proposed design includes a multi-layered PCB with insulating outer layers and internal signal layers. The PCB has a slot that receives the wire with an interference fit, ensuring a secure connection. The inventors also suggest that the cover around the PCB and wires be made of heat shrink material to make the connection between the PCB and wires rigid. The proposed design is claimed to be more robust, quicker, easier, and cheaper to manufacture than existing position sensors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patent, filed by Piotr Kostanski, Agata Kurowska, and Dariusz Sapija, aims to address the issues of robustness, resistance to vibrations, and electromagnetic interference in position sensors used in motorized valves.
  • The proposed design uses a printed circuit board (PCB) based connector that allows for a more robust connection between wires and microswitches.
  • The PCB design includes a multi-layered structure with insulating outer layers and internal signal layers.
  • The slot on the PCB receives the wire with an interference fit, ensuring a secure connection.
  • The cover around the PCB and wires can be made of heat shrink material to make the connection between the PCB and wires rigid.
  • The proposed design is claimed to be more robust, quicker, easier, and cheaper to manufacture than existing position sensors.
  • The patent was published online on October 14, 2025, and is assigned to Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation.

Statistics:

  • March 23, 2021: The patent was filed by inventors Piotr Kostanski, Agata Kurowska, and Dariusz Sapija.
  • October 14, 2025: The patent was published online.

Sources:

  • Kostanski, Piotr. Microswitch Based Position Sensor with Harness Relief for Motorized Valve. U.S. Patent Number 12446161, filed March 23, 2021, and published online on October 14, 2025. Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(12446161)&db=USPAT&type=ids