Amorphous Metal Alloy Membrane for Pressure Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crystalline materials used in pressure sensors for dive watches have limited elastic deformation and a low elastic limit, leading to restricted measurement ranges and potential plastic deformation, which results in noise and inefficiency in pressure detection.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor membrane made from an at least partially amorphous metal alloy, such as gold, platinum, or other precious metals in an amorphous form, which offers a higher σe/E ratio, allowing for greater deformation amplitude and improved mechanical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If crystalline materials (e.g., Cu-Be) are used for the membrane, then the membrane has sufficient strength, but the elastic deformation range is limited and plastic deformation occurs under low stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material state parameter from crystalline to amorphous. This fundamental parameter change transforms the material's mechanical properties, specifically increasing the elastic limit and enabling larger elastic deformation ranges without plastic deformation, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and measurement range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material design by creating an amorphous metal alloy comprising multiple elements (precious metal elements like Au, Pt, Pd combined with other metal elements). This composite approach achieves both high strength and extended elastic deformation capability that neither pure precious metals nor conventional crystalline alloys can provide alone
2Reliability
If the membrane deformation is restricted to avoid plastic deformation, then the membrane maintains its initial form, but the transmission movement must be amplified resulting in noise
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the material from crystalline to amorphous state, the patent fundamentally alters the stress-deformation relationship. The amorphous material's superior elastic properties eliminate the need for deformation restriction, allowing larger membrane movements that directly transmit pressure signals without requiring amplification, thus eliminating noise generation
3Reliability
If precious metals are used in crystalline form, then the membrane has adequate corrosion resistance, but the elastic limit is low (0.5 GPa) resulting in inadequate mechanical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter change by transforming precious metals from crystalline to amorphous state. This transformation dramatically increases the elastic limit from 0.5 GPa to 1.5-2.0 GPa while preserving the inherent corrosion resistance of precious metals, thereby resolving the contradiction between corrosion resistance and mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite amorphous metal alloys combining precious metal elements with other metal elements. This composite structure achieves both high elastic limit (1.5-2.0 GPa) and excellent corrosion resistance, properties that cannot be achieved with pure crystalline precious metals
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 amorphous metal alloy membrane provides increased reliability, a larger measurement range, and the ability to optimize dimensions, reducing the risk of plastic deformation and enhancing the precision of part shaping, while maintaining precision and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane is capable of deforming mechanically under the effect of external pressure... the higher this ratio is, the greater the elastic deformation of the material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure sensor (6). This pressure sensor (6) comprises a flexible membrane (11) cooperating with a transmission device (10) that enables a value representing the pressure to be supplied on the basis of the deformation of the membrane (11). The membrane (11) is made from an at least partially amorphous material in order to optimise the dimensions of the sensor (6).