Microcontroller Altimeter Using Digital Pressure Sensor and Solid State Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mechanically based altimeter switches are inaccurate, prone to failure, and difficult to manufacture, with high error tolerance and long build times, making them unsuitable for reliable applications in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller-controlled altimeter system using a digital altitude pressure sensor and solid state relays, with a microprocessor configuring control signals to provide accurate altitude switching and easy reconfiguration, incorporating isolating drivers and a hardware lockout circuit for enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical altimeter switches with inflatable bladders and push-button switches are used, then the system can provide altitude switching functionality, but the measurement precision deteriorates with errors on the order of several thousand feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical bladder and push-button switch system with a microcontroller-controlled digital pressure sensor and solid state relay system. The digital pressure sensor provides precise altitude measurement, while the microcontroller processes the data and triggers solid state relays at exact setpoint altitudes, eliminating mechanical errors and achieving both high measurement precision and reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mechanical altimeter switches are used, then the system can provide altitude switching functionality, but the device complexity increases due to hand wiring and soldering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete components (pressure sensor, microcontroller, solid state relays, and circuitry) into an integrated electronic system. This consolidation eliminates the need for hand wiring and soldering of separate mechanical components, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while improving assembly ease through standardized electronic mounting procedures.
3Productivity
If traditional mechanical altimeter switches are used, then the system can provide altitude switching functionality, but the loss of time increases due to long build times and inability to quickly reconfigure setpoints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability through software-based altitude setpoints stored in the microcontroller. Setpoints can be quickly modified by updating the software without requiring physical reassembly or replacement of mechanical components. This dynamic approach enables rapid reconfiguration for different applications, dramatically reducing both build time and reconfiguration time compared to static mechanical systems.
4Reliability
If traditional mechanical altimeter switches are used, then the system can provide altitude switching functionality, but the reliability deteriorates under harsh operating conditions and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vulnerable mechanical components (bladder, push-button switches) with solid state electronic components that are inherently more resistant to vibration and harsh environments. The digital pressure sensor and solid state relays have no moving parts that can wear or fail under vibration, significantly improving operational reliability while eliminating susceptibility to mechanical harmful factors.
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 system achieves improved accuracy, reliability, and ease of reconfiguration, reducing manufacturing time and susceptibility to errors, while maintaining switch channel density and supporting high-power switching applications.
Implementation Method 1
a digital altitude pressure sensor with a pressure indicating output coupled to the microprocessor
Implementation Method 2
The at least one Form A solid state relay may include an isolating driver coupled to the control signals to the at least one Form A solid state relay, driving a pair of Field Effect Transisitors (FETs) connected back to back
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller controlled altimeter includes a microcontroller, a digital altitude pressure sensor with a pressure indicating output coupled to the microprocessor, and at least one Form A solid state relay coupled to the microcontroller, where the microcontroller is configured to provide control signals to the at least one Form A solid state relay to provide an open circuit between normally open and common terminals of the at least one Form A solid state relay if the digital altitude pressure sensor output is less than, or equal to, a setpoint for the at least one Form A relay, and provide continuity between the normally open and common terminals of the at least one Form A solid state relay if the digital altitude pressure sensor output is greater than the setpoint for the at least one Form A relay.