Compressible Element for Pressure Sensor Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure sensors are vulnerable to overload, particularly during phase transitions of fluids, such as freezing, which can lead to damage from excessive pressure and volumetric expansion, and existing technologies do not adequately protect the sensor elements from such overloads.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a compressible element within the pressure sensor that decreases its volume in response to rising pressure, either during or above a limit pressure, to absorb the pressure increase and prevent overload, while maintaining a maximum internal pressure by using a membrane with a stop mechanism to limit further volume reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the chamber is filled with fluid medium to transmit pressure to the sensor element, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but vulnerability to overload during phase transitions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
A compressible element is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid medium and the sensor element. This compressible element absorbs the harmful effects of phase transitions and pressure spikes, protecting the sensor element while allowing the fluid medium to continue transmitting pressure measurements accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible element is pre-installed in the chamber to provide cushioning protection before overload events occur. During normal operation, it remains compressed within safe limits, but during phase transitions or pressure spikes, it automatically compresses further to absorb excess pressure and prevent sensor damage.
2Reliability
If the compressible element is made highly compressible to absorb volume expansion during freezing, then protection against overload is improved, but the internal pressure limit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compressibility parameter of the element is specifically optimized to provide adequate protection during phase transitions while maintaining sufficient internal pressure capacity for normal operation. The element's material properties and geometric parameters are tuned to achieve the right balance between pressure absorption and pressure containment.
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 compressible element effectively protects the pressure sensor and its sensor element from damage by managing pressure increases, ensuring the internal pressure remains within safe limits, even during phase transitions, thereby preventing sensor overload and damage.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible element is preferably formed such that it decreases its volume in the event of a rise in pressure. In particular, the compressibility of the compressible element may be selected such that a considerable reduction in volume occurs as soon as the pressure acting on the compressible element is above a limit pressure.
Implementation Method 2
The change in volume of the compressible element is preferably reversible. In particular, the compressible element may include an elastic material.
Implementation Method 3
the fluid medium is designed transmit a pressure onto a sensor element, in particular to transmit a pressure applied externally to the chamber onto a sensor element arranged in the chamber
Implementation Method 4
A pressure-sensitive region is preferably a region which reacts to pressure fluctuations and which for example deforms in the event of a pressure fluctuation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure sensor (1) comprising a housing (2) and a chamber (3, 31, 32) which is closed off from the exterior and filled with a fluid medium (5, 51, 52). At least one compressible element (6, 7) for overpressure protection is arranged inside the chamber (3, 31, 32).