Sensor assemblies and methods of assembling same

Abstract

A method for assembling a sensor assembly includes providing a sensing device configured to measure at least one variable. The method also includes at least partially enclosing a magnetic material within an enclosure. At least a portion of the enclosure is manufactured from a material having a permeability that facilitates forming a magnetic field therein. The method also includes coupling the sensing device to a first portion of the enclosure. The enclosure includes at least one second portion that is movable with respect to the first portion of the enclosure such that a magnetic coupling force is induced external to the enclosure to facilitate coupling the sensor assembly to a magnetic surface.

1 . A method for assembling a sensor assembly, said method comprising:
 providing a sensing device configured to measure at least one variable;   at least partially enclosing a magnetic material within an enclosure wherein at least a portion of the enclosure is manufactured from a material having a permeability that facilitates forming a magnetic field therein;   coupling the sensing device to a first portion of the enclosure, wherein at least one second portion of the enclosure is movable with respect to the first portion of the enclosure such that a magnetic coupling force is induced external to the enclosure to facilitate coupling the sensor assembly to a magnetic surface.   
     
     
         2 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein providing a sensing device comprises providing a visual sensing device that transmits video signals to at least one of a monitoring device and a video recording device. 
     
     
         3 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein at least partially enclosing a magnetic material comprises at least partially enclosing one of Halbach array magnets and alternating-polarity magnets within the enclosure. 
     
     
         4 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein coupling the sensing device comprises coupling an actuation device to a movable shielding device. 
     
     
         5 . A method in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein coupling an actuation device to a movable shielding device comprises coupling at least one linkage member to an actuating protrusion. 
     
     
         6 . A method in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein coupling at least one linkage member to an actuating protrusion comprises assembling a longitudinally translatable linear keeper. 
     
     
         7 . A method in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein coupling at least one linkage member to an actuating protrusion comprises assembling a laterally translatable split-shield keeper. 
     
     
         8 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A sensor assembly comprising:
 a sensing device configured to measure at least one variable; and   at least one adhesive coupling device coupled to said sensing device, said at least one adhesive coupling device configured to channel an adhesive material from said at least one adhesive coupling device to a surface.   
     
     
         19 . A sensor assembly in accordance with  claim 18 , wherein said at least one adhesive coupling device comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured to be coupled to an electric power source. 
     
     
         20 . A sensor assembly in accordance with  claim 19 , wherein said plurality of electrical terminals are further configured to receive electric current to:
 facilitate attachment of the sensor assembly to the surface; and   facilitate detachment of the sensor assembly from the surface.