Chemically Inert O-Ring Seals for Accurate Fluid Sensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid sensing packages face issues with seals that do not adhere optimally, lack mechanical robustness, are not chemically inert, cause ion absorption and out-diffusion, and increase manufacturing costs due to non-standard integration techniques.

Innovation Solution

The use of o-ring seals composed of chemically inert materials like PEEK or PTFE, which are compressed to circumscribe the sensor, funnel fluid towards it, and are highly conformal, preventing ion absorption and fluid ingress, while being durable and cost-effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional seals are used in fluid sensing packages, then manufacturing costs increase due to non-standard integration techniques, but seal performance and reliability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidseal performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the seal from conventional materials to chemically inert materials (PEEK, PTFE) that match the chemical properties of the fluid being sensed. This parameter change enables both cost-effective manufacturing through standard techniques and reliable seal performance by preventing chemical interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a chemically inert sealing environment by using seals made from chemically inert materials that do not react with the fluid being sensed. This inert environment prevents ion absorption and out-diffusion, maintaining measurement accuracy while allowing integration with existing manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional seals are used, then manufacturing costs increase, but the seals cause ion absorption and out-diffusion that reduces measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a chemically inert sealing environment by using seals made from chemically inert materials that do not react with the fluid being sensed. This inert environment prevents ion absorption and out-diffusion, maintaining measurement accuracy while allowing integration with existing manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material selection by choosing chemically inert materials (PEEK, PTFE) that combine chemical inertness with mechanical sealing properties. This material selection prevents ion interference while maintaining seal integrity, achieving both cost-effective manufacturing and high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If non-chemically inert seals are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the seals are not durable under temperature fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidseal durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the seal from conventional materials to chemically inert materials (PEEK, PTFE) that match the chemical properties of the fluid being sensed. This parameter change enables both cost-effective manufacturing through standard techniques and reliable seal performance by preventing chemical interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 o-ring seals provide a reliable, accurate, and cost-effective solution that withstands temperature fluctuations, prevents ion interference, and maintains measurement accuracy, facilitating integration with existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a compressed o-ring seal positioned between the chemically inert member and the active surface of the semiconductor die

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The o-ring seals are highly conformal, preventing ion absorption and fluid ingress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The use of o-ring seals composed of chemically inert materials like PEEK or PTFE, which are compressed to circumscribe the sensor, funnel fluid towards it, and are highly conformal, preventing ion absorption and fluid ingress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical inertness:

Data Source

PatentUS12476155B2O-ring seals for fluid sensing

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

In some examples, a device comprises a substrate including a notch formed in a surface of the substrate and a semiconductor die positioned in the notch and including an electrochemical sensor on an active surface of the semiconductor die. The device also comprises a chemically inert member abutting the surface of the substrate and including an orifice in vertical alignment with the electrochemical sensor as a result of the semiconductor die being positioned in the notch. The device also comprises a compressed o-ring seal positioned between the chemically inert member and the active surface of the semiconductor die, the compressed o-ring seal circumscribing the electrochemical sensor.