Crystal Resonator Layout for Sensor Heat and Stress Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crystal units with built-in temperature sensors face challenges in achieving both miniaturization and improved frequency accuracy, particularly in single-chamber structures where the quartz-crystal vibrating piece and temperature sensor are mounted in the same space, leading to heat influence and stress on the vibrating piece.
Innovation Solution
A crystal unit design featuring a pedestal made of crystal positioned above the temperature sensor, securing a three-dimensional mounting space and reducing stress on the quartz-crystal vibrating piece by cantilevering it, while eliminating the need for a dedicated depressed portion in the container for the temperature sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the quartz-crystal vibrating piece and temperature sensor are mounted in the same chamber to improve temperature compensation accuracy, then temperature compensation accuracy is improved, but the quartz-crystal vibrating piece is subjected to heat influence and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting space into two separate chambers: a first chamber for the quartz-crystal vibrating piece and a second chamber for the temperature sensor. This segmentation physically isolates the temperature sensor from the quartz-crystal vibrating piece, preventing heat influence and stress while maintaining temperature compensation functionality through the temperature sensor's measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a partition wall as an intermediary structure between the first chamber and second chamber. This partition wall allows thermal isolation while maintaining the structural integrity of the package, enabling temperature compensation without direct thermal contact between the sensor and the quartz-crystal vibrating piece.
2Area of stationary object
If the quartz-crystal vibrating piece and temperature sensor are disposed three-dimensionally in a vertical direction to decrease footprint, then miniaturization is achieved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional layout to a three-dimensional vertical stacking arrangement. The quartz-crystal vibrating piece is mounted in the first chamber and the temperature sensor is mounted in the second chamber stacked above or below it, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint while maintaining functional separation.
3Ease of operation
If a depressed portion is provided in the container for exclusively mounting the temperature sensor, then the temperature sensor can be properly positioned, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the container into two distinct chambers with a partition wall, providing dedicated mounting spaces for each component. This segmentation allows the temperature sensor to be properly positioned in the second chamber without requiring complex depressed portions or modifications to the container structure.
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 achieves miniaturization and enhances frequency accuracy by reducing stress on the quartz-crystal vibrating piece, allowing for cost-effective production and improved temperature compensation.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor in a first chamber (11a), which is a space other than a space for mounting a quartz-crystal vibrating piece (13), in which the temperature sensor is exposed to an atmosphere in the first chamber
Implementation Method 2
an AT-cut quartz-crystal vibrating piece (13) secured to a container (11), which has a resonant frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A crystal unit with a built-in temperature sensor includes a container, a quartz-crystal vibrating piece and a temperature sensor, a lid member, and a pedestal. The quartz-crystal vibrating piece and the temperature sensor are mounted in the container. The temperature sensor is provided on a first principal surface of the container. The lid member is connected to the container and sealing the quartz-crystal vibrating piece and the temperature sensor. The pedestal made of crystal has a height higher than a height of the temperature sensor disposed in a region of the first principal surface other than a region where the temperature sensor is provided. The quartz-crystal vibrating piece has a portion above the temperature sensor and another portion connected and secured to the pedestal made of crystal.