Airflow Sensor Packaging with Isolated Pressure Equalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airflow sensors in electronic cigarettes suffer from false triggering due to short blowback times and contamination issues, where pollutants like cigarette oil can cause film absorption and short-circuiting between the vibrating electrode and the back-pole plate.
Innovation Solution
An airflow sensor with a pressure equalizing structure and an air release channel is introduced, which establishes a continuous flow path outside the sensor, physically isolating the pressure equalizing structure from the gap layer and connecting it to the external space, preventing false triggering and reducing pollutant diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the diaphragm is exposed to the external environment for pressure sensing, then the sensor can detect airflow, but pollutants can diffuse into the gap layer causing film absorption and short-circuiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure equalization function into two separate channels: a first pressure equalization channel that is physically isolated from the gap layer, and a second pressure equalization channel that is open to the external environment. This segmentation allows the gap layer to remain clean while still achieving pressure balance, preventing pollutant diffusion into the sensitive capacitance sensing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pressure equalization channel acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the internal cavity and the external environment. It provides a controlled pathway for pressure equalization without creating direct exposure between pollutants and the gap layer, thus protecting the sensor while maintaining functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pressure equalizing structure is open to the external environment, then pressure balance is achieved, but false triggering occurs due to differential pressure signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure equalization pathways into two distinct channels with different functions: the first channel maintains pressure balance internally while remaining isolated from pollutants, and the second channel opens to the external environment for overall pressure equalization. This segmentation prevents false triggering by ensuring that the capacitance sensing area experiences stable pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pressure equalization channel serves as a protected intermediary that mediates pressure balance without exposing the sensitive gap layer to external pressure fluctuations or pollutants. This intermediary structure filters out harmful differential pressure signals while maintaining necessary pressure equilibrium.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the gap layer is sealed to prevent pollutant diffusion, then contamination is reduced, but pressure equalization is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements two separate pressure equalization channels: the first channel remains physically isolated from the gap layer, providing a clean pressure equalization path, while the second channel opens to the external environment for overall pressure balance. This segmentation allows the gap layer to remain sealed and clean while still achieving necessary pressure equalization through the isolated first channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pressure equalization channel acts as a protected intermediary that provides pressure equalization functionality without creating direct exposure pathways for pollutants. It mediates between the internal cavity and external environment in a controlled manner, maintaining pressure balance while keeping the gap layer sealed and contamination-free.
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
This solution effectively prevents false triggering of the ASIC and reduces contamination-related issues, enhancing the sensor's reliability and service life by maintaining pressure balance and preventing pollutant invasion into the gap layer.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure equalizing channel being connected with the pressure equalizing hole to establish a continuous flow path in a space outside the airflow sensor and the first cavity
Implementation Method 2
the vibrating electrode and the fixed electrode form a variable capacitor
Implementation Method 3
A change in air pressure causes deformation of the diaphragm and a change in the capacitance value between the diaphragm and the back-pole plate
Implementation Method 4
an air release channel passing through the gap between the fixed electrode and the vibrating electrode, the gap layer being connected to the space outside the airflow sensor through the air release channel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed an airflow sensor and an airflow sensor packaging structure. The airflow sensor comprises at least one pressure equalizing structure, and a pressure equalizing structure is physically isolated from a gap layer, so that a continuous flow path is established between a back cavity of the airflow sensor and a space outside the airflow sensor. The airflow sensor also comprises a air release channel that passes through the gap between the fixed electrode and the vibrating electrode. The gap layer is connected to the space outside the airflow sensor through the air release channel.