Compact Sensor Component for Mobile Gas Flow Speed Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas flow speed measurement devices are too large for integration into mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones, limiting their application in these platforms.
Innovation Solution
A compact sensor component featuring a resistive heater and gas sensitive element enclosed in a package with two openings for gas flow, accompanied by an evaluation circuit to generate a signal indicative of gas flow speed, allowing for wind speed measurement while maintaining a small size suitable for mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thermo-electronic anemometer is used to measure gas flow speed, then the measurement function is achieved, but the device size becomes too large for mobile electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a gas flow sensor (for measuring gas flow speed) and a gas concentration sensor (for measuring reactive gas concentration) into a single integrated sensor component. This merging of functions allows the device to perform both measurements using one compact unit, resolving the contradiction between achieving comprehensive measurement capabilities and maintaining a small device size suitable for mobile electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor component is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring both gas flow speed and reactive gas concentration simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors, thereby reducing the overall device volume while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities required for mobile applications.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact sensor design is implemented, then the device size is reduced for mobile integration, but the measurement accuracy and reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both sensing functions into a single compact component with shared structural elements (such as the common sensor element and packaging), the patent achieves space efficiency without compromising measurement accuracy. The integrated design ensures that both measurements are performed under optimized conditions within a small volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is operated at elevated temperatures (achieved through resistive heating) to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of gas detection and flow measurement. This parameter change (temperature) improves measurement precision while the overall device remains compact due to the integrated design.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor operates at elevated temperature for gas detection, then the gas sensing capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sensor design allows the heating element to serve dual purposes: providing necessary elevated temperature for gas sensing while also enabling gas flow speed measurement through thermal anemometry. This merging of measurement mechanisms ensures that the energy invested in heating contributes to both measurement functions, improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor utilizes the heat generated for gas sensing purposes to simultaneously perform flow speed measurements. The thermal field created for gas detection automatically provides the conditions needed for thermal anemometry, allowing the system to derive additional measurement capability without requiring separate energy-intensive subsystems.
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
Enables accurate and dynamic measurement of gas flow speed, including wind speed, within the constraints of small device dimensions, facilitating integration into mobile communication devices and other electronic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a resistive heater and a gas sensitive element disposed on the resistive heater
Implementation Method 2
The reactive gas may be oxidized or reduced at the surface of the gas sensitive element at an elevated temperature
Implementation Method 3
The reactive gas may be oxidized or reduced at the surface of the gas sensitive element at an elevated temperature
Implementation Method 4
an evaluation circuit to generate an output signal indicative of the speed of the flow of gas in response to electrical power to be supplied to the resistive heater
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor component and a mobile communication device including a sensor component are disclosed. In an embodiment a sensor component includes a subcomponent configured to sense a gas level including a resistive heater and a gas sensitive element disposed on the resistive heater; a package enclosing a cavity and accommodating the subcomponent, the package including a first opening in a position facing the gas sensitive element of the subcomponent and a second opening configured to allow a flow of gas to enter the package through the first opening and exit the package through the second opening; and an evaluation circuit configured to generate an output signal indicative of a speed of the flow of gas in response to electrical power to be supplied to the resistive heater.