Double Clinch Seal for Integrated Pressure Temperature Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure and temperature sensing technologies require separate devices, occupy more space, and are not cost-effective while maintaining accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A single integrated device that combines pressure and temperature sensing capabilities, utilizing a double clinch seal and an electronics module assembly with thermistor and pressure sensing elements calibrated for specific ranges, optimized for minimal space occupation and affordability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate pressure and temperature sensing devices are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure sensing elements and temperature sensing elements into a single integrated sensor device. The pressure sensing element includes a diaphragm with pressure-sensitive resistors forming a Wheatstone bridge, while temperature sensing is achieved through thermistors positioned in thermal contact with the diaphragm. This merging allows both pressure and temperature measurements to be taken simultaneously from the same fluid environment, maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs multiple functions within a single unit: it measures both pressure and temperature of the fluid environment. The pressure sensing element detects pressure through diaphragm deflection, while the temperature sensing element detects temperature through resistance changes in thermistors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing devices, addressing the technical contradiction by maintaining sensing accuracy while reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If separate pressure and temperature sensing devices are used, then sensing accuracy is maintained, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pressure and temperature sensing functions into a single compact device. The pressure sensing element with its diaphragm and the temperature sensing element with thermistors are integrated within the same housing, allowing both sensors to operate from the same fluid access point. This integration significantly reduces the total volume required compared to using separate pressure and temperature sensors, while maintaining the sensing accuracy of each individual measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing thermistors are positioned in nested thermal contact with the pressure sensing diaphragm structure. The thermistors are mounted on the rear surface of the diaphragm or in close thermal proximity, allowing them to sense the temperature of the same fluid environment that the pressure sensor measures. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall device volume by utilizing the same structural space for dual sensing functions.
3Reliability
If separate pressure and temperature sensing devices are used, then measurement reliability is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure and temperature sensing into a single manufactured unit with a unified housing, common fluid access structure, and integrated electronic components. The pressure sensing element with Wheatstone bridge circuitry and the temperature sensing thermistors are assembled together in one manufacturing process, allowing for economies of scale. This integration reduces the total number of separate components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and calibrated, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability of both sensing functions through consistent quality control processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor device performs both pressure and temperature measurement functions, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock separate pressure sensors and temperature sensors. This multi-functionality simplifies the supply chain and manufacturing inventory requirements, as only one type of integrated sensor needs to be produced rather than multiple separate sensing devices. The unified design allows for standardized manufacturing processes that reduce per-unit costs while ensuring reliable performance of both sensing functions.
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 accurate, space-efficient, and cost-effective simultaneous pressure and temperature sensing in fluid environments, addressing the limitations of prior art by integrating both functions into a compact, reliable device.
Implementation Method 1
Each thermistor element is calibrated to sense temperature within a different specified range
Implementation Method 2
Each pressure sensing element is calibrated to sense pressure within a different specified range and offset from the electronics module assembly
Implementation Method 3
The double clinch seal hermetically seals the port body to the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sensing pressure and temperature in a fluid environment includes a cover defining an interior. A thermistor tube is positioned at least partially within the interior, the thermistor tube extending substantially along a longitudinal axis. A port body is also positioned at least partially within the interior, the port body forming a channel which extends along the longitudinal axis for receiving a fluid from the fluid environment. A diaphragm is affixed within the port body. The diaphragm has a first surface exposed to the fluid within the channel and a second surface sealed from the channel.