Integrated Sensor Component for Air Pressure and Humidity Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor components are not compact enough to efficiently detect multiple environmental variables simultaneously, leading to increased space requirements and complex process engineering for integration within a housing.

Innovation Solution

A compact sensor component design featuring a first and second sensor element housed together, with a conductor structure including an electrode structure and a separate connection structure, allowing for the detection of multiple variables with reduced space requirements and simplified integration, utilizing a capacitive or resistive measuring principle with a polymer coating for humidity sensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual sensor components are used to detect multiple environmental variables, then measurement capability is improved, but space requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor elements (first sensor element for air pressure, second sensor element for humidity) into a single integrated sensor component housed in one housing. This merging approach enables multiple environmental variables to be detected simultaneously while reducing the total space required compared to using separate sensor components for each measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple sensor elements are integrated into a common housing, then space requirements are reduced, but process engineering complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementsVSAvoidprocess engineering complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor structure serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections for both the first sensor element (via the connection structure) and the second sensor element (via the electrode structure), and it forms part of the measurement system itself (the electrode structure acts as an interdigital transducer for humidity sensing). This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If a combined sensor component is designed for multiple variables, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementsVSAvoidintegration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor structure is segmented into functionally distinct parts: the connection structure for electrical connectivity and the electrode structure for sensing. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized and manufactured independently with appropriate precision requirements, while still achieving integrated functionality when assembled in the common housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the simultaneous detection of multiple environmental variables, such as air pressure and humidity, in a compact form factor, reducing space requirements and process complexity while maintaining effective measurement capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a capacitive or resistive measuring principle with a polymer coating for humidity sensing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive measuring principle: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a capacitive or resistive measuring principle with a polymer coating for humidity sensing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive measuring principle: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

a polymer coating for humidity sensing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (physical): Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2989453B1Sensor component and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 TDK ELECTRONICS AG
  • EP2989453B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor component with a first sensor element (5) and a second sensor element (14). The first sensor element (5) and the second sensor element (14) are accommodated in a common housing of the sensor component. The sensor component has a conductor structure (6, 7) which has an electrode structure (7) and a special connection structure (6). The connection structure (6) is connected to the first sensor element (5) in an electrically conductive manner, and the electrode structure (7) is paired with the second sensor element (14).