MEMS Alcohol Sensor Integrating MCU for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alcohol sensors are large in size, limiting their applications and requiring additional circuit design and micro-control software for data reading.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS-based alcohol sensor integrating a MEMS technology-based alcohol measurement module and an MCU processor within a housing, utilizing a sampling and amplification circuit with a P-type MOS transistor and solid electrolyte membranes, allowing direct digital signal output without the need for additional circuit structures or software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional alcohol sensor is used to meet signal requirements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alcohol measurement module with the MCU processor into a single integrated sensor device. The measurement module includes solid electrolyte membranes and catalyst wires for alcohol detection, while the MCU processor handles signal processing and data output. This merging eliminates the need for separate circuit boards and additional components, achieving miniaturization while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the alcohol measurement module is placed within a housing that also contains the MCU processor. The measurement module with its delicate membranes and wires is nested inside the protective housing, which provides structural support and signal processing capabilities. This nested arrangement optimizes space utilization and reduces overall device volume.
2Reliability
If a conventional alcohol sensor is used, then signal requirements are met, but device complexity increases requiring additional circuit design and software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the MCU processor directly into the sensor device, combining signal processing and data output functions with the measurement module. The MCU processor receives raw signals from the measurement module, processes them internally, and outputs ready-to-use data through digital interfaces. This eliminates the need for external circuit boards, additional processing units, and complex software implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor device performs self-processing of measurement signals. The MCU processor within the device automatically converts raw sensor signals into usable data formats and outputs them through standardized digital interfaces. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external processing systems and reduces overall system complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the alcohol measurement module is integrated with MCU processor, then device volume is reduced, but sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a housing structure that nests the alcohol measurement module within a sealed environment. The housing includes a bottom cavity and side walls that enclose the delicate solid electrolyte membranes and catalyst wires, protecting them from environmental contamination while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin film structures for the solid electrolyte membranes and catalyst wire substrates within the measurement module. These thin films achieve the necessary sealing and protection functions with minimal thickness, reducing overall device volume while maintaining effective separation between the measurement chamber and external environment.
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 MEMS-based alcohol sensor reduces overall size, enabling applications in various scenarios such as mobile phones and wearable devices, with enhanced accuracy and simplified data reading through digital interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first catalyst wire arranged at a top surface of the first solid electrolyte membrane and electrically connected to the MCU processor, and a second catalyst wire arranged at a bottom surface of the first solid electrolyte membrane and electrically connected to the MCU processor
Data Source
AI summary
A MEMS-based alcohol sensor, comprising a MEMS technology-based alcohol measurement module, an MCU processor (12), a circuit substrate (10), and a housing (30) that covers the circuit substrate (10). The alcohol measurement module outputs a concentration signal to the MCU processor (12) by means of a sampling and amplification circuit module, the MCU processor (12) processes the concentration signal and then outputs an alcohol concentration value. The MEMS technology-based alcohol measurement module and the MCU processor (12) are integrated in the housing (30), so the entire alcohol sensor is small in size, and can be applied to a mobile phone, a wearable device, etc.