Hydraulic Pressure Sensor With Optical Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brake system pressure sensors face issues with electromagnetic interference due to galvanic coupling and require robust materials, leading to high costs and reliability challenges.
Innovation Solution
A pressure measuring device with a deformable measuring body and integrated sensors that are electrically isolated, allowing for a mechanical assembly and using optical or inductive sensors to measure deformation, reducing costs and enhancing robustness against contamination and temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring contacts are used for electrical connection between HCU and ECU, then signal transmission is enabled, but electromagnetic interference occurs due to galvanic coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical contact system (spring contacts) with a mechanical coupling system. The HCU and ECU are connected mechanically through a common housing structure, eliminating the need for electrical contacts between these two units. This substitution removes the galvanic coupling that causes electromagnetic interference while maintaining the functional connection between HCU and ECU.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common housing structure as an intermediary element that physically connects the HCU and ECU. This housing acts as a mechanical mediator that enables the coupling of these two units without requiring direct electrical contacts, thereby eliminating the source of electromagnetic interference while maintaining system integration.
2Reliability
If robust materials are used for electrical contacts to ensure reliability over product life cycle, then contact reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the electrical contact system entirely by replacing it with a mechanical coupling approach. The HCU and ECU are integrated through a common housing structure rather than through electrical contacts. This substitution removes the need for expensive robust contact materials while ensuring reliable connection through the mechanical housing integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The common housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, enables thermal management, and facilitates the coupling of HCU and ECU. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate expensive contact materials while maintaining reliable connections and adding additional benefits.
3Ease of operation
If electrical contacts are used for signal transmission, then signal transmission is enabled, but immunity to electromagnetic interference is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission path between HCU and ECU with a mechanical coupling system. The common housing structure provides the connection, and signals can be transmitted through this mechanical interface using non-galvanic coupling methods (such as optical or magnetic coupling), thereby maintaining signal transmission capability while eliminating electromagnetic interference susceptibility.
4Reliability
If complex material robustness measures are implemented to ensure contact reliability, then product reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electrical contact system with requiring robust materials and precision manufacturing with a simpler mechanical housing integration. The common housing structure provides a straightforward mechanical coupling between HCU and ECU, eliminating the need for complex contact material selections, surface treatments, and precision contact alignment procedures.
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 immunity to electromagnetic interference, reduces costs, and enhances scalability and reliability, while allowing for mechanical and optical measurement of pressure changes in hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring body is configured to deform when a force is exerted on the measuring body in the cavity
Implementation Method 2
light beams in particular can penetrate through the measuring body and be reflected on its surface, which advantageously enables the use of optical sensors
Implementation Method 3
The sleeve is deformed when there is a change in pressure in the reservoir. This enables a direct transmission of a change in pressure of a fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure measuring device in which a pressure change from a reservoir is transmitted via a sleeve. The invention further relates to a hydraulic arrangement with such a pressure measuring device.