MEMS Voltage Event Detection With Irreversible Notch Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic assemblies are susceptible to aging problems due to overvoltages, leading to performance degradation, signal loss, and premature failure, which are difficult to detect and costly to analyze, especially in unauthorized operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a microelectromechanical actuator and capacitor arrangement with a grid module that irreversibly advances a notch upon a voltage event, allowing detection and counting of such events through a deflection mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If comprehensive analysis and testing are conducted to determine the cause of malfunction, then detection accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a voltage monitoring device that continuously monitors voltage events and irreversibly stores detection results in advance. The device detects voltage events such as overvoltage, undervoltage, and voltage transients, and permanently records the occurrence state in a storage element before comprehensive analysis is needed. This allows the detection result to be available immediately without requiring time-consuming comprehensive analysis and testing when a malfunction occurs.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive analysis and testing are conducted to determine the cause of malfunction, then detection accuracy is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a voltage monitoring device that continuously monitors voltage events and irreversibly stores detection results in advance. The device detects voltage events such as overvoltage, undervoltage, and voltage transients, and permanently records the occurrence state in a storage element before comprehensive analysis is needed. This allows the detection result to be available immediately without requiring time-consuming comprehensive analysis and testing when a malfunction occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the essential detection function from the complex comprehensive analysis system. Instead of performing full comprehensive analysis and testing to determine malfunction causes, the patent extracts and implements a dedicated voltage monitoring device that specifically detects voltage events and stores the results. This simplified extraction provides sufficient detection accuracy for voltage-related issues without the high cost of comprehensive analysis.
3Reliability
If voltage events are monitored and detected, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the voltage monitoring function into distinct modular components: a detection unit for detecting voltage events, a storage element for irreversibly storing detection results, and a capacitor arrangement for generating electrostatic force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability through specialized design while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex electronic storage mechanisms with a mechanical/electrostatic system. The detection result is stored by physically deflecting a microelectromechanical actuator using electrostatic force from a capacitor arrangement, which mechanically records the voltage event state. This substitution simplifies the device by using well-understood electrostatic and mechanical principles instead of complex electronic storage systems.
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 reliable detection and verification of overvoltage events, reducing the need for comprehensive analysis and minimizing costly repairs by providing proof of misuse or damage.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrode of the capacitor arrangement is electrically charged in the event of a voltage event, so that the second electrode is attracted under the influence of an electrostatic field generated by the first electrode in the event of a voltage event, thereby deflecting the microelectromechanical actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention encompasses the following subject matter: A device (1) for detecting voltage events (U_det) in an electrical component. Furthermore, the invention encompasses an electronic component (11). Furthermore, the invention encompasses a method for detecting voltage events (U_det) in an electronic component.The device (1) comprises a microelectromechanical actuator (20, 24) and a capacitor arrangement (12), which capacitor arrangement has a first electrode (10) which is electrically connectable to the electrical component (and is charged in the event of a voltage event (U_det)), and which microelectromechanical actuator (20, 24) has a second electrode (21, 28) which, together with the first electrode (10), forms the capacitor arrangement (12), wherein the microelectromechanical actuator (20, 24) is arranged with the second electrode (21, 28) so as to be movable relative to the first electrode (10) and is deflected under the influence of an electrostatic field which is generated in the capacitor arrangement (12) in the event of a voltage event (U_det). A grid module (30), in which the microelectromechanical actuator (20, 24) engages, is irreversibly moved forward one notch (32) by means of the deflection movement of the actuator (20, 24).