Flow Sensor Element Layout for 360-Degree Radial Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices face challenges in accurately detecting fluid flow rates at 360 degrees in the radial direction due to wind acting in the radial direction on sensor elements that are arranged to face each other.
Innovation Solution
The sensor device includes a substrate with a first sensor element for flow rate detection and a second sensor element for temperature compensation, both supported via lead wires, with the first sensor element positioned higher than the second sensor element, ensuring equal environmental temperatures and improved detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the first sensor element and the second sensor element are arranged to face each other, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the flow rate detection accuracy at 360 degrees in the radial direction is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement where sensor elements face each other to a three-dimensional configuration where the first sensor element is positioned at a higher location than the second sensor element. This vertical displacement in the third dimension eliminates the direct facing relationship while maintaining functional connectivity through lead wires, thereby achieving 360-degree radial detection accuracy without excessive structural complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the first sensor element and the second sensor element are arranged to face each other, then the lead wire routing is simplified, but the detection precision at 360 degrees radial direction is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing vertical separation between the first and second sensor elements, the patent resolves the conflict between manufacturing simplicity and detection precision. The lead wires can still be routed effectively in the vertical dimension, while the spatial separation prevents wind direction interference, enabling accurate 360-degree radial flow rate detection.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor elements are positioned at the same height, then the structural symmetry is maintained and manufacturing is easier, but the flow rate detection accuracy under radial wind conditions is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves accurate flow rate detection by positioning sensor elements at different vertical heights rather than maintaining horizontal symmetry. This vertical asymmetry in the third dimension eliminates the facing arrangement problem while providing clear positioning references that can facilitate manufacturing, as the height difference creates distinct mounting locations on the substrate.
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
This configuration allows for highly accurate flow rate detection at 360 degrees by minimizing the impact of wind direction on the first sensor element, enhancing detection precision.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal sensor device is known that exposes a heated resistive element for flow rate detection to a fluid and that detects the flow rate of the fluid based on heat radiation at that time
Implementation Method 2
The sensor device includes a resistive element for temperature compensation in addition to the resistive element for flow rate detection, and the resistive element for flow rate detection and the resistive element for temperature compensation are incorporated in a bridge circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a sensor device capable of highly accurately detecting a flow rate at 360 degrees in a radial direction with respect to a first sensor element including a resistive element for flow rate detection. A sensor device according to the present invention includes a substrate, a first sensor element including a resistive element for flow rate detection, and a second sensor element including a resistive element for temperature compensation. Each of the first sensor element and the second sensor element is supported to be separated from a surface of the substrate via a pair of lead wires, and the first sensor element is disposed at a higher position than the second sensor element.