Differential Pressure Sensor Arrangement for Environmental Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of pressure sensors integrated into Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) in environment control systems limits flexibility in positioning and makes it difficult to visually assess hose connections, leading to potential disconnections and fluid leaks, causing reading errors.
Innovation Solution
A system with a differential pressure sensor housed separately and connected via first and second male adaptors extending through openings in the housing, allowing fluid to be conveyed from external pipes to the sensor, enabling the measurement of pressure differential between two fluid sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pressure sensor is hosted on the PCB, then the electrical connection and power supply are simplified, but the flexibility in positioning the pressure sensor is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is separated from the PCB and housed in a dedicated housing, allowing independent positioning of the sensor assembly while maintaining electrical connections through the PCB interface
Solution Approach 2:
Male adaptors serve as intermediary components that extend through the housing walls to connect external pipes to the pressure sensor, enabling flexible positioning while maintaining fluid connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pressure sensor is positioned inside the housing away from the front panel, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the visual assessment of hose connections becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Male adaptors extend through the housing walls to provide external access points for hose connections, allowing visual inspection and maintenance while enabling the pressure sensor to be positioned optimally inside the housing
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is moved from the internal housing space to the external housing surface through extending male adaptors, creating a separate dimensional plane for visual access while maintaining internal sensor positioning
3Reliability
If the hoses are connected to the pressure sensor inside the housing, then the internal connections are protected, but the risk of disconnection and fluid leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
Male adaptors act as robust intermediary connection points that extend through the housing, providing secure attachment points for hoses while maintaining protected internal connections to the pressure sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The male adaptor design includes threaded engagement and secure mounting features that prevent accidental disconnection before it can cause fluid leaks or damage
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a housing, a printed circuit board and a differential pressure sensor located inside the housing, and first and second male adaptors. The first and second male adaptors respectively extend through first and second openings in the housing. The first male adaptor comprises a proximal end configured to receive a first pipe, a distal end secured to the differential pressure sensor, and an internal fluid conduit for transmitting fluid received from the first pipe to the differential pressure sensor. The second male adaptor comprises a proximal end configured to receive a second pipe, a distal end secured to the differential pressure sensor, and an internal fluid conduit for transmitting fluid received from the second pipe to the differential pressure sensor. The differential pressure sensor is configured to determine a pressure differential between fluid received via the first male connector and fluid received via the second male connector.