Differential Pressure Sensor With External Position Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing differential pressure measurement devices in hydraulic circuits face challenges such as increased complexity and cost due to the need for sealed electronic components, which can lead to reliability issues and failure of sealing elements in pressurized systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with a measurement element and resilient element inside the fluid conduit, using a spring or elastomer to oppose displacement, and a position sensor outside the conduit to measure differential pressure without the need for sealing, simplifying maintenance and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechatronic sensors with electronic components are arranged inside the fluid conduit, then differential pressure measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components (position sensor) are extracted from the fluid conduit environment and placed outside. Only the measurement element that directly interacts with the fluid remains inside, while the complex electronics are relocated to a sealed exterior location, eliminating the need for complex fluid-tight sealing of electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling system acts as an intermediary between the measurement element inside the conduit and the position sensor outside. The magnetic field transmits positional information across the conduit wall without requiring physical penetration or complex sealing, allowing electronic components to remain external while still measuring internal pressure conditions.
2Reliability
If sealing elements are used in pressurized systems, then fluid-tight enclosure is achieved, but reliability decreases due to sealing element failure
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor and electronic components are extracted from the pressurized fluid environment, eliminating the need for sealing elements in the high-stress pressure zone. Only simple, robust sealing at the measurement element level is required, significantly reducing failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system replaces mechanical sealing requirements with a non-contact magnetic field transmission mechanism. This eliminates the need for dynamic seals or feedthroughs that would otherwise be required to pass signals from inside the pressure vessel to outside electronics.
3Measurement precision
If measurement elements are arranged inside the fluid conduit, then direct pressure measurement is achieved, but thermal inaccuracies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into two thermal zones: the measurement element exposed to fluid temperature for direct pressure sensing, and the electronic components located in a thermally controlled external environment. This segmentation allows the sensitive electronics to operate in a stable thermal regime while the measurement element remains in the fluid for accurate pressure detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system serves as a thermal intermediary, transmitting measurement data from the hot fluid environment to the cool external electronics without conducting significant heat. This magnetic field transmission acts as a thermal barrier, protecting the electronics from fluid temperature while maintaining measurement capability.
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
The solution provides reliable and easy-to-maintain differential pressure measurement by eliminating the need for sealed sensors, reducing thermal inaccuracies, and improving measurement accuracy while maintaining the hydraulic circuit's properties.
Implementation Method 1
The first resilient element exerts a resilient force on the measurement element, the resilient force opposing a displacement, e.g. at least a displacement of the measurement element along a substantially pre-defined locating path, with respect to a neutral position occupied by the measurement element
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
A device (100) for measuring the pressure of a fluid comprising a mantle region (200) defining a fluid conduit (210) and a detection system (600) comprising a measurement element (300), at least a first resilient element (700), and a target member (500), wherein at least a portion of the measurement element (300) is arranged inside the fluid conduit (210). The first resilient element (700) exerts a resilient force on the measurement element (300), the resilient force opposing at least a displacement of the measurement element (300) along a locating path (L) with respect to a neutral position. The target member (500) is arranged inside the fluid conduit (210),at least a first portion (510) thereof being arranged in a substantially fixed position with respect to the measurement element (300). The measurement element (300) comprises a first surface (320) and a second surface (330), wherein the first (320) and the second (330) surfaces are arranged generally opposite to one another. The device (100) further comprises at least a first position sensor (400) for evaluating the position of at least the first portion (510) of the target member (500) along the locating path (L), wherein the first position sensor (400) is arranged outside the fluid conduit (210) in a substantially fixed position with respect to the mantle region (200). Moreover, at least a portion of the measurement element (300) is movable along the locating path (L) by a displacement force acting on the measurement element (300). Said displacement force is generated by a difference between the local pressure of a fluid acting on the first surface (320) and the local pressure of a fluid acting on the second surface (330). The position of at least the first portion (510) of the target member (500) along the locating path (L) with respect to the first position sensor (400) depends on the displacement force.