Air Mass Flow Meter Conical Positioning Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern air mass meters relying on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) face challenges in achieving precise positioning of the sensor element within the air duct path, leading to inaccurate measurement results due to manufacturing tolerances and potential contamination effects.
Innovation Solution
A conical positioning element is integrated into the air mass meter housing or sensor element carrier, which engages with a corresponding receptacle to ensure precise alignment of the sensor element within the air duct path, utilizing smaller manufacturing tolerances of the sensor element carrier for improved accuracy and minimizing signal drift from contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sensor element is positioned using the circuit carrier, then the device structure is simplified, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to larger manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning function into two separate components: the circuit carrier provides electrical connections and structural support, while the sensor element carrier provides precise positioning through its own dedicated positioning elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element carrier acts as an intermediary between the circuit carrier and the sensor element. It receives the sensor element and positions it precisely relative to the air duct, while also providing electrical connections to the circuit carrier. This intermediary component enables both simplified overall structure and high positioning accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sensor element carrier has smaller manufacturing tolerances, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different manufacturing tolerance requirements to different parts of the device. The sensor element carrier requires high precision (smaller tolerances) only in the positioning elements that contact the air duct, while other parts of the carrier and the circuit carrier can be manufactured with standard tolerances. This localized approach to quality control achieves high positioning accuracy without uniformly increasing manufacturing costs throughout the entire device.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an air mass flow meter comprising a housing which has an air conducting path in which an air mass sensor element is arranged. The air mass sensor element is arranged on a sensor element support which is arranged in the housing of the air mass flow meter and which is electrically connected to a circuit support by means of connection wires. The circuit support is likewise arranged in the housing of the air mass flow meter. The aim of the invention is to provide an air mass flow meter with a sensor element, wherein the air mass sensor element is positioned in the air conducting path in a simple and inexpensive manner. This is achieved in that a positioning element is formed on the housing of the air mass flow meter, said positioning element engaging into a positioning element receiving area which is formed in the sensor element support, whereby the air mass sensor element is positioned in the air conducting path in a precise manner.