Actuating and Sensing Module for Protected Airflow Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic devices with integrated environmental sensors face issues of reduced monitoring sensitivity, precision, and prolonged response times due to sensor exposure, embedding within the device, and interference from internal fluids and temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An actuating and sensing module is introduced, comprising a sensor and a fluid transportation device within a compartment of the electronic device, where fluid is pumped and guided at a stable flowrate to the sensor, protecting it from external damage and internal interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the environmental sensor is disposed on the exposed outer portion of the electronic device, then the sensor sensitivity to ambient air is improved, but the sensor is easily collided by foreign matter and suffered from damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into an exposed outer portion and an inner compartment. The sensor is segmented from the exposed area and placed within the protected inner compartment, while still maintaining sensing capability through controlled fluid communication.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid (air) acts as an intermediary to transmit environmental information from the exposed outer portion to the sensor in the inner compartment. The fluid transportation device mediates the transfer of ambient air to the sensor without direct exposure.
2Reliability
If the environmental sensor is deeply embedded within the electronic device, then the sensor is protected from damage, but the sensor is interfered by the fluid and temperature within the device, reducing monitoring precision
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the general internal environment of the electronic device and placed in a dedicated inner compartment. This compartment is separated from the main device interior, preventing interference from device internal fluids and temperature while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid transportation device serves as an intermediary that selectively transports ambient air to the sensor while blocking interference from device internal environment. The compartment acts as an intermediate zone between the external environment and the sensor.
3Reliability
If the environmental sensor is deeply embedded within the electronic device, then the sensor is protected from damage, but the response time is prolonged due to reliance on natural convection
Solution Approach 1:
The natural convection system is replaced with an active fluid transportation device (pump). This mechanical substitution enables controlled, rapid transport of ambient air to the sensor, eliminating the delays associated with passive natural convection while maintaining sensor protection.
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
Enhances monitoring accuracy and reduces response time by stabilizing fluid flow to the sensor, ensuring precise and timely environmental data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid is pumped and introduced into the compartment and guided to the sensor by the fluid transportation device at a stable flowrate
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is disposed within a compartment of the electronic device to directly monitor the fluid in the environment of the present disclosure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An electronic device (10, 10', 10") includes a casing (12), a compartment (16) and an actuating and sensing module. The casing (12) has an opening (121). The compartment (16) is disposed within the casing (12) and in communication with the opening (121) of the casing (12). The actuating and sensing module is disposed within the compartment (16). The actuating and sensing module comprises a fluid transportation device (13) and a sensor (11). The fluid transportation device (13) is driven to transport a fluid from outside the casing (12) into the compartment (16) through the opening (121) of the casing (12) to make the fluid sensed by the sensor (11).