Deformable Resistive Membrane Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure sensors lack the capability to provide high-quality, sensitive, and cost-effective solutions for measuring pressures, changes in pressure, deformation, and related conditions across various technical and commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensing element with a housing containing a fluid and two moveable surfaces, where one surface creates a change in fluid pressure and the other, a deformable membrane, alters its electrical resistance upon pressure changes, utilizing conductive nanotubes in a polymer matrix to enhance sensitivity and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pressure sensor materials are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but measurement precision and sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite membrane structure combining piezoelectric material layers with conductive nanotube layers (such as carbon nanotubes) embedded in a polymer matrix. This composite approach integrates the high sensitivity of piezoelectric materials with the electrical conductivity and mechanical durability of nanotube-polymer composites, achieving both high measurement precision and cost-effectiveness through the synergistic properties of different materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the piezoelectric effect where mechanical stress applied to the piezoelectric layer generates electrical charge, and conversely, applied electric field causes mechanical deformation. This parameter transformation between mechanical and electrical domains enables high-sensitivity pressure measurement. Additionally, the conductive nanotube network's electrical resistance changes in response to membrane deformation, providing another electrical signal pathway for precise measurement
2Measurement precision
If piezoelectric materials are used for dynamic pressure measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional layers into a single integrated membrane structure: the piezoelectric material layer for generating charge in response to stress, the conductive nanotube-polymer composite layer for providing electrical pathways and structural support, and the porous substrate for mechanical stability. This unified multi-layer membrane design achieves dynamic pressure measurement capability while avoiding the complexity of separate sensing elements and signal conditioning circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The composite membrane structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the piezoelectric layer generates electrical signals from mechanical stress, the conductive nanotube network provides electrical conductivity and strain sensing through resistance changes, and the porous polymer matrix provides mechanical support and fluid permeability. This multi-functionality in a single structure element reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
3Reliability
If conductive nanotubes are added to polymer matrix, then electrical conductivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a porous polymer matrix structure that facilitates uniform distribution of conductive nanotubes during the manufacturing process. The porous structure allows for easy infiltration and embedding of nanotubes, ensuring homogeneous dispersion throughout the matrix. This porous architecture also maintains the mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity of the composite while avoiding aggregation of nanotubes that would compromise manufacturing precision
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 repeatable measurement of pressure changes and deformations, maintaining desired physical properties while improving electrical conductivity, suitable for diverse applications including medical, automotive, and industrial uses.
Implementation Method 1
a second moveable surface in contact with the fluid in the housing comprising a membrane which, when deformed by pressure changes in the fluid, alters its electrical resistance
Implementation Method 2
utilizing conductive nanotubes in a polymer matrix to enhance sensitivity and durability
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensing element has at least a housing containing a fluid. The housing has at least two moveable surfaces in contact with the fluid in the housing; There is a first moveable surface comprising a pressure application surface which, when moved towards, away from, into or out of the fluid, creates a change in fluid pressure and a second moveable surface in contact with the fluid in the housing comprising a membrane which, when deformed by pressure changes in the fluid, alters its electrical resistance. The membrane has two electrodes attached to deformable material in the membrane. The membrane my have an elastomer having conductive particles distributed therein. The elastomer may be a dielectric and the particles are conductive nanoparticles.