Monolithic Membrane Pressure Sensor for Fluid Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small-sized membrane pressure sensors face issues with gas bubble entrapment, non-linear deformation, and chemical/biological incompatibility, leading to measurement inaccuracies and reduced lifespan when used in fluids.
Innovation Solution
A single-component sensor body with a flat, smooth membrane and ring-shaped peripheral wall, eliminating the need for welding or bonding, and incorporating strain gauges for precise pressure measurement, ensuring chemical and biological compatibility and minimizing gas entrapment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the sensor is made small in size, then miniaturization is achieved, but gas bubbles are more easily trapped at the junction between the case and membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane and peripheral wall are merged into a single monolithic component formed from one piece of material, eliminating the junction between separate parts where gas bubbles would be trapped. This integration resolves the contradiction by maintaining miniaturization while removing the measurement interference caused by bubble entrapment at interfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If the membrane is welded or bonded to the case, then the sensor can be assembled, but the membrane deformation becomes non-linear causing the 'oil can effect'
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane and peripheral wall are formed as a single monolithic component without welding or bonding, eliminating the 'oil can effect' caused by joint deformation. This approach maintains manufacturing feasibility through single-piece forming while achieving linear membrane deformation for accurate pressure measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different materials are used for the membrane and case, then the sensor can be constructed with functional differentiation, but chemical and biological incompatibility causes corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane and peripheral wall are made from the same material, ensuring chemical and biological compatibility throughout the fluid-contacting structure. This homogeneity prevents corrosion at material interfaces while maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the sensor for long-term reliability.
4Volume of moving object
If the membrane junction area is reduced for miniaturization, then the sensor size decreases, but the flatness and smoothness of the front surface become harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic construction of the membrane and peripheral wall from a single component ensures inherent flatness and smoothness of the front surface, even in miniaturized sensors. This integrated forming process maintains precise surface geometry without the complications of joining separate parts, resolving the contradiction between size reduction and surface quality.
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 solution enables high-quality, long-lasting pressure measurements with improved linearity and chemical compatibility, allowing for miniaturization and wireless implantation in living organisms while maintaining precision across the full pressure range.
Implementation Method 1
it comprises a body according to the invention and at least one strain gauge, positioned on a rear face of the membrane, opposite the front face
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a sensor to measure a pressure in a fluid, of which a body 1 includes a membrane 2 and a wall 3 forming a peripheral support for and around the membrane. The membrane and the peripheral wall are formed from one single component, and the membrane and the peripheral wall together form a flat and smooth front surface 4 intended to be in contact with the fluid.