Cross-beam Axial Accelerometer Asymmetric Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerometers face challenges in reducing cross-axis sensitivity and detecting internal damages while withstanding external forces and impacts, requiring improved structural designs and diagnostic capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The accelerometer features elastic beams with grooves and a diagnostic element, along with a functional layer, to reduce cross-axis sensitivity and detect damages, and buffer external impacts by forming a frame with a central portion and connecting portions, and using a sensing element that converts acceleration into an electrical signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If elastic beams are formed at upper and lower sides of central body, then sensing precision in Z-axis direction is improved, but cross-axis sensitivity reduction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic beams are configured with asymmetric orientations where the first elastic beam extends in a first direction and the second elastic beam extends in a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction. This asymmetric arrangement creates different stiffness characteristics along different axes, enabling the sensor to be highly sensitive to acceleration in the Z-axis direction while being less sensitive to acceleration in cross-axis directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane elastic beam structure to a three-dimensional configuration with elastic beams extending in multiple non-parallel directions from the central body. This dimensional expansion allows the sensor to differentiate between acceleration components in different spatial directions, improving Z-axis sensing precision while reducing cross-axis sensitivity through the geometric arrangement of the beams in three-dimensional space.
2Reliability
If diagnostic elements are added to detect damages, then reliability through damage detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic element is integrated directly into the elastic beam structure, allowing the elastic beam to self-diagnose its own condition. The diagnostic element detects damages such as cracks or breaks in the elastic beam without requiring external monitoring systems, enabling the structure to serve its own diagnostic function and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic function is merged with the structural function of the elastic beam. Rather than adding a separate diagnostic system, the patent combines the elastic beam's mechanical function with a diagnostic capability through the integrated diagnostic element, allowing simultaneous structural support and damage detection within a single component.
3Reliability
If functional layer is installed to buffer external impacts, then reliability under external forces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functional layer is pre-installed on the central body before the sensor operates, providing beforehand cushioning against external impacts, heat, and electromagnetic waves. This protective layer is positioned in advance to absorb or mitigate harmful external forces before they can damage the sensitive internal components of the accelerometer.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional layer serves multiple protective functions simultaneously, buffering against physical impacts, thermal effects, and electromagnetic interference. This multi-functional protective layer reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple protection needs into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate structures for each type of environmental hazard.
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 design enhances sensing precision, quickly identifies damages, and effectively buffers external impacts, heat, and electromagnetic waves, improving the accelerometer's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer may include a frame portion with an opening formed inside, a central portion disposed in the opening, a connecting portion disposed on an upper surface and a lower surface of the central portion and connecting the frame portion and the central portion, and a sensing portion that converts a sensed acceleration into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
The sensing element may be formed of a piezoelectric material, a piezoresistive material, or a resonant structure
Implementation Method 3
The connecting portion may include a first elastic beam extending from an upper surface of the central portion and connected to the frame portion, and a second elastic beam extending from a lower surface of the central portion and connected to the frame portion
Implementation Method 4
protrusions or groove structures formed on a cover of the sensor attenuate an impact
Implementation Method 5
an accelerometer that may buffer, adjust, or block transmission of external physical impacts, heat, or electromagnetic waves by installing an additional functional layer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an accelerometer. The accelerometer includes a frame portion with an opening formed inside, a central portion disposed in the opening, a connecting portion disposed on an upper surface and a lower surface of the central portion and connecting the frame portion and the central portion, and a sensing portion that converts a sensed acceleration into an electrical signal, and the accelerometer senses an acceleration in a Z-axis direction penetrating an upper surface and a lower surface of the central portion, and reduces a sensing of an acceleration in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction crossing the Z-axis direction.