Acoustic Resonator Sensor for Fluid Pressure and Temperature
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors for measuring barometric pressure and temperature of fluids lack efficiency, accuracy, and versatility, particularly in compact and cost-effective designs that can operate across extreme conditions and require minimal maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising an acoustic resonator unit and an electronic unit that generates and processes standing acoustic waves to determine fluid pressure and temperature, utilizing transducers and a processor to derive measurements with high selectivity and accuracy, and can be integrated with existing fluid flow meters with minimal complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pressure and temperature sensors are used, then measurement function is provided, but accuracy and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic resonance (a form of mechanical vibration) to measure pressure and temperature. An acoustic resonator generates standing acoustic waves in the fluid, and the resonance frequency and quality factor of these waves are used to determine temperature and pressure respectively. This vibration-based approach provides both high accuracy and fast response, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures pressure and temperature by detecting changes in acoustic parameters (resonance frequency and quality factor) rather than using conventional sensing elements. By converting physical quantities (pressure, temperature) into acoustic parameter changes, the system achieves high measurement accuracy and efficiency simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor operates in extreme environments, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic resonator serves multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement medium and the sensing element. The same acoustic cavity used to generate standing waves provides the measurement signal for both pressure and temperature. This multi-functionality allows the sensor to operate in extreme environments without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid being measured serves as the medium for acoustic wave propagation. The fluid itself provides the measurement signal through its acoustic properties, eliminating the need for separate sensing elements that would require maintenance in extreme environments. The system uses the measured object to perform the measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sensor provides accurate, fast, and sensitive measurements of pressure and temperature with minimal power consumption and disturbance, suitable for a wide range of applications, including extreme environments, and can be integrated with existing systems with minimal additional complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the resonator unit being operable to convert an electrical excitation signal into an acoustic signal in the acoustic resonator to establish the standing acoustic waves
Implementation Method 2
the resonator unit being operable to convert the acoustic signal in the acoustic resonator into an electrical response signal
Implementation Method 3
the acoustic resonator being operable to support standing acoustic waves
Implementation Method 4
Thermometers that measure temperature of a gas by sensing transit time of an acoustic signal in the gas
Implementation Method 5
a sensor for measuring barometric pressure, or more generally pressure and/or temperature of fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor (2) is provided, having an acoustic resonator (18) for containing a fluid such as air and at least one transducer (22, 24) arranged to emit an acoustic signal into the acoustic resonator (18) in response to an excitation signal provided to the transducer (22, 24) by an electronic unit (4). The electronic unit (4) receives a response signal from at least one transducer (22, 24), and processes the excitation signal and the response signal to derive the acoustic signal response of the acoustic resonator. The pressure and/or temperature of the fluid may be derived from the acoustic signal response. More specifically, the electronic unit (4) may derive the temperature of fluid inside the acoustic resonator (18) by obtaining the resonant frequencies of the acoustic signal inside the acoustic resonator (18), or may derive the barometric pressure from the acoustic signal response in the vicinity of the fundamental frequency and its harmonics.