Dual-Diaphragm Hydrogen Sensor for Pressure-Resistant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrogen sensors in vehicles do not detect exhaust gas system pressure, leading to potential component damage from increased pressure due to blockages, and require thin diaphragms that break under 1-2 bar positive pressure.
Innovation Solution
A sensor element with a heatable diaphragm connected to an electrical measuring bridge that detects both hydrogen concentration and pressure by measuring electrical resistance, using varying heating voltages to determine thermal conductivity and pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thin diaphragm is used for hydrogen detection, then measurement precision for hydrogen concentration is improved, but the diaphragm breaks under 1-2 bar positive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor functionality is segmented into two separate diaphragms: a first diaphragm optimized for hydrogen detection with thin structure for high measurement precision, and a second diaphragm optimized for pressure detection with thicker structure for high strength. Each diaphragm performs its specialized function independently, resolving the contradiction between precision and strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system achieves multi-functionality by integrating two diaphragms with different properties into a single sensor device. The first diaphragm provides hydrogen concentration detection while the second diaphragm provides pressure detection, allowing the sensor to perform multiple functions simultaneously without compromising the performance of either function.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used for hydrogen detection, then hydrogen concentration can be detected, but pressure detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system achieves multi-functionality by integrating two diaphragms with different properties into a single sensor device. The first diaphragm provides hydrogen concentration detection while the second diaphragm provides pressure detection, allowing the sensor to perform multiple functions simultaneously without compromising the performance of either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor functionality is segmented into two separate diaphragms: a first diaphragm optimized for hydrogen detection with thin structure for high measurement precision, and a second diaphragm optimized for pressure detection with thicker structure for high strength. Each diaphragm performs its specialized function independently, resolving the contradiction between precision and strength requirements.
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
Enables accurate detection of hydrogen concentration and pressure, preventing component damage by triggering warnings or protective measures when pressure exceeds thresholds, enhancing safety in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor element (18) comprises a first diaphragm (20) which is exposed to a measuring chamber (14) on its underside (30) and which has an electrical resistance
Implementation Method 2
A first electrical heating element (22) is arranged on the diaphragm (20)
Implementation Method 3
The principle of the heated hydrogen sensor is based on the different thermal conductivity of the gas components involved
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for detecting at least one property of a fluid medium in at least one measuring chamber. The sensor includes a sensor element having at least one heatable diaphragm and an electrical measuring bridge. The diaphragm is connected to the electrical measuring bridge. The sensor is furthermore designed to detect an electrical resistance of the measuring bridge. The sensor is designed to detect a pressure of the fluid medium based on the detected electrical resistance of the electrical measuring bridge.