Actuating and Sensing Module with Partitioned Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas sensors in portable devices face inefficiencies due to slow gas flow rates and heat interference from actuators, leading to inaccurate monitoring results, as the gas characteristics are altered and interfering substances are introduced during operation.
Innovation Solution
An actuating and sensing module with a main body, actuator, and gas sensor, featuring a partitioned compartment design with one-way gas flow, where the actuator drives gas through a communicating hole from the inlet to the outlet, isolating the gas sensor from heat and ensuring accurate monitoring of ambient gas characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an actuator is provided to increase gas flow rate to the gas sensor, then sensing efficiency is improved, but heat is generated that interferes with gas sensor monitoring accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into two separate compartments: a first compartment housing the gas sensor and a second compartment housing the actuator. This segmentation physically isolates the heat-generating actuator from the gas sensor, allowing the actuator to operate at high speed for efficient gas transport without its heat interfering with the sensor's monitoring accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition with a communicating hole serves as an intermediary structure between the actuator and gas sensor compartments. This intermediary allows gas to pass from the second compartment to the first compartment while preventing direct thermal contact between the actuator and the gas sensor, thus enabling efficient gas transport without heat transfer.
2Speed
If gas is continuously transported through the module, then monitoring speed is improved, but interfering substances from the portable device may be introduced into the sensing chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into a first compartment for gas sensing and a second compartment for gas transport, separated by a partition. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones that prevent interfering substances generated within the portable device from contaminating the gas sensor compartment while maintaining efficient gas flow through the dedicated transport compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas transport function is extracted into a separate second compartment with the actuator, while the gas sensing function remains in the first compartment. This extraction allows the gas transport system to operate independently at high speed without introducing interfering substances into the sensitive sensing environment.
3Quantity of substance
If the actuator operates at high speed continuously, then gas flow rate to sensor is improved, but heat generation increases affecting surrounding gas characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into two separate compartments: a first compartment housing the gas sensor and a second compartment housing the actuator. This segmentation physically isolates the heat-generating actuator from the gas sensor and surrounding gas, allowing the actuator to operate at high speed for efficient gas transport without its heat affecting the characteristics of the gas to be monitored.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition with a communicating hole serves as an intermediary structure that allows gas to pass from the actuator compartment to the sensor compartment while blocking heat transfer. This intermediary enables high-speed gas transport through the actuator without the generated heat being transferred to the sensor or surrounding gas.
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 gas sensing efficiency by rapidly transporting gas to the sensor while maintaining the gas's original characteristics, reducing heat interference and ensuring accurate monitoring of ambient gases in portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator drives the resonance plate to transport the gas
Implementation Method 2
the actuator drives the resonance plate to transport the gas
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating and sensing module includes a main body, an actuator and a gas sensor. The main body includes a partition, an inlet and an outlet. The space inside the main body is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment by the partition. The inlet and the outlet are in fluid communication with the first compartment and the second compartment respectively. The inlet, the first compartment, a communicating hole, the second compartment and the outlet form a gas channel within the main body. The actuator is sealed and disposed between the main body and the partition in the second compartment, wherein gas is introduced into the first compartment through the inlet, transported to the second compartment through the communicating hole, and discharged through the outlet by the actuator. The gas sensor is disposed in the first compartment and separated from the actuator for monitoring the gas on a surface thereof.