Cylindrical Sensor Package Mounting via Spheroidality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors face challenges in easy mounting for various applications due to their design, which often requires complex mounting procedures and specific orientations.

Innovation Solution

A sensor package with a cylindrical section and an anchor section that can be easily inserted into cylindrical openings, featuring a sealing ring and lead frame configuration for secure attachment and exposure of the sensitive area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor chip is embedded in a cuboid moulded package with a window for exposing the sensitive area, then the sensor can measure parameters of the surroundings, but the mounting process becomes complex and requires specific orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by changing the package shape from a cuboid to a cylindrical form. The cylindrical package with its curved surface and rotational symmetry eliminates the need for specific mounting orientations, allowing the sensor to be installed in any direction while maintaining measurement accuracy. The cylindrical section enables the sensor to be mounted in various orientations without affecting performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor is mounted on printed circuit boards or in holders with leads connected to circuit boards, then the sensor can be integrated into electronic systems, but the mounting procedure becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidmounting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a cylindrical package that can be mounted in multiple ways and orientations. The package can be directly inserted into cylindrical openings in printed circuit boards or mounted in holders, providing versatile integration options. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for complex lead connections and specific mounting procedures, significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the sensitive area is exposed to the surroundings through a window in the package, then the sensor can detect environmental parameters, but the sensitive area is vulnerable to unwanted substances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a thin membrane or diaphragm to cover the window opening in the cylindrical package. This flexible film allows environmental parameters such as pressure, flow, or substance composition to be detected while protecting the sensitive area from contamination by unwanted substances. The membrane is permeable to the measured parameter but impermeable to harmful particles or liquids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2224218B1A sensor in a moulded package and a method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 SENSIRION AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS AG
  • EP2224218B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2224218B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2224218B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The flow sensor or other type of sensor comprises a package (3) having a cylindrical section (6) arranged between an anchor section (5) and a head section (7). The diameter of the anchor section (5) is typically larger than the diameter of the cylindrical section (6), which in turn is typically larger than the diameter of the head section (7). A sensor chip (1) is embedded partially into the package (3), with a sensitive area (2) being exposed to the surroundings. The sensor can e.g. be inserted into a bore having a diameter matching the one of the cylindrical section (6).