Dual-Range Pressure Sensor Using One Transducer Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pressure sensors face increased maximum output errors and accuracy issues when transitioning between narrow and wide pressure ranges, due to pressure non-linearity and calibration challenges, which complicates their application in mechanical systems requiring dual range pressure sensing.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus utilizing a single pressure transducer element coupled to two discrete or multiple input signal conditioning modules, allowing it to operate accurately across both narrow and wide pressure ranges without compromising accuracy or range, and featuring a multiplexed output signal format to reduce costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pressure range of the sensor is increased, then the sensor can measure both low and high pressure ranges, but the maximum output error increases and accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single pressure sensing function into two separate signal conditioning paths, each optimized for a specific pressure range. The first signal conditioning module handles low pressure range measurements with high precision, while the second module handles high pressure range measurements. This segmentation allows each module to be calibrated and optimized independently for its specific range, resolving the contradiction between wide range coverage and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which signal conditioning module to use based on the current pressure range. The sensor automatically switches between the first and second signal conditioning modules depending on whether the pressure is in the low or high range, allowing optimal measurement accuracy for each condition while maintaining adaptability across the full pressure spectrum.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated low range and high range pressure sensors are used, then accuracy is maintained in each range, but cost and tubing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal pressure sensing system where a single pressure transducer element serves multiple functions by feeding signals to both the first and second signal conditioning modules. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate tubing connections for low range and high range sensors, reducing tubing complexity while maintaining high accuracy in both pressure ranges through the dual signal conditioning paths.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure transducer elements are used for dual range sensing, then accuracy and range are improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of what would traditionally require multiple pressure transducer elements into a single pressure transducer element that feeds both signal conditioning modules. By combining the sensing function while keeping the signal conditioning separate and optimized for different ranges, the system achieves dual-range accuracy without the cost and complexity of multiple transducer elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual range sensor apparatus includes a single pressure transducer element coupled to respective inputs of two discrete signal conditioning modules, or to both inputs of a multiple input signal conditioning module that is configured to condition the output signal of two transducer elements. The disclosed sensor apparatus outputs a pressure signal in a limited pressure range with very high accuracy, and also provides a pressure signal in a wider pressure range with the same accuracy that can be achieved with traditional pressure sensor configurations. The sensor apparatus may provide output on a single output node in a multiplexed output signal format. The multiplexed output signal format may include several digital output formats and may be provided on a single output pin of the sensor apparatus.