Force Sensor Circuit Board Shielding MEMS Sensing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
MEMS force sensors face the challenge of protecting their sensing elements from damage due to direct exposure to pressing forces, which can increase the overall thickness and production cost when additional covers are used.
Innovation Solution
The force sensor design incorporates a circuit board positioned above the sensing element, which serves both electrical and protective functions by shielding the sensing portion and bearing the pressing force, eliminating the need for additional covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional cover is disposed to cover the sensing element and bear the pressing force, then the sensing element is protected from damage, but the overall thickness and production cost of the sensor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover function with the circuit board by designing the circuit board to extend and cover the sensing element. The circuit board serves dual purposes: electrical connection and mechanical protection. This integration eliminates the need for a separate cover structure, thereby protecting the sensing element without increasing overall thickness or production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is designed to perform multiple functions: providing electrical connections to the sensing element and simultaneously serving as a protective cover that bears pressing forces. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for additional protective components while maintaining sensor thickness and cost efficiency.
2Reliability
If an additional cover is disposed to cover the sensing element and bear the pressing force, then the sensing element is protected from damage, but the production cost of the sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective cover function with the circuit board structure. By making the circuit board extend to cover the sensing element, the design eliminates the need for separate cover components, reducing part count and assembly steps. This integration lowers production cost while maintaining protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is designed to serve dual purposes: electrical connectivity and mechanical protection. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing processes, thereby reducing production cost while ensuring the sensing element is protected from damage.
3Measurement precision
If the sensing element is exposed to the pressing force directly, then the sensing performance is maintained, but the sensing element may be damaged easily
Solution Approach 1:
The extended circuit board acts as an intermediary between the pressing force and the sensing element. It transfers the pressing force to the sensing element in a controlled manner while providing protection, preventing direct exposure to damaging forces. This intermediary structure maintains sensing performance while improving durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective function with the force transfer function in the circuit board design. The circuit board both protects the sensing element from direct damage and serves as the medium through which pressing forces are transferred for sensing, thus maintaining measurement precision while improving reliability.
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 design effectively protects the sensing element while maintaining sensing performance without increasing the sensor's thickness or production cost, ensuring reliable operation and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing portion is adapted to generate a sensing signal through an external force transferred from the circuit board to the top surface
Data Source
AI summary
A force sensor including a sensing element and a circuit board is provided. The sensing element has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to each other and has a sensing portion, wherein the sensing portion is located at the top surface. The circuit board is disposed above the top surface and electrically connected to the sensing element, wherein the sensing portion is adapted to generate a sensing signal through an external force transferred from the circuit board to the top surface.