Multi-Cavity Pressure Sensor with Segmented Diaphragms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure sensors require a costly re-working step to tune them for specific pressure ranges, limiting their ability to accurately measure both high and low pressures, and there is a need for a cost-effective solution that can handle a wide range of pressures.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensing device with a sealed chamber containing a first flexible diaphragm and a second flexible diaphragm, where the displacement of the second diaphragm is proportional to the applied hydrostatic pressure, allowing for the measurement of both high and low pressures using a hydraulic oil system and a displacement measurement system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pressure sensor is used to measure different pressure ranges, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates without re-working
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed chamber is divided into multiple isolated cavities (first cavity, second cavity, third cavity) with different volumes. Each cavity contains a diaphragm that responds to pressure within a specific range. This segmentation allows a single sensor device to measure different pressure ranges by selectively activating appropriate cavities based on the applied pressure magnitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of cavity volume to create different pressure measurement ranges. By designing cavities with progressively different volumes and configuring diaphragms with varying sensitivities in each cavity, the system can accurately measure both low pressures (50 mbar) and high pressures (300 bar) using a single device without requiring re-working.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are trimmed and tuned for specific pressure ranges, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor device is designed as a universal multi-functional instrument that can measure the entire pressure range from 50 mbar to 300 bar without requiring separate sensors for different ranges. The sealed chamber with multiple cavities and diaphragms enables a single device to perform multiple pressure measurement functions, eliminating the need for costly trimming and tuning processes while maintaining high measurement precision across all ranges.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are used for different pressure ranges, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pressure sensing functions into a single integrated sealed chamber structure. Instead of using separate sensors for different pressure ranges, the invention combines multiple cavities with different volumes and diaphragms within one sealed chamber, allowing all pressure measurement functions to be performed by a single sensor device with unified readout electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed chamber contains nested cavities (first cavity, second cavity, third cavity) with different volumes arranged within the same structure. Each cavity contains a diaphragm, and the nested arrangement allows the system to handle different pressure ranges within a compact single-device form factor, reducing overall structural complexity compared to multiple separate sensors.
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 accurate measurement of a wide range of pressures from 50 mbar to 300 bar in a single device, reducing costs by eliminating the need for re-working and providing a compact, portable solution for industrial and aerospace applications.
Implementation Method 1
a top surface of the first flexible diaphragm may be configured to be displaced upwardly responsive to application of a first hydrostatic pressure to a bottom surface of the first flexible diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
first flexible diaphragm
Implementation Method 3
the lower cavity and the upper cavity may be in fluid communication with each other through the longitudinal hole... filled with a hydraulic oil
Implementation Method 4
second flexible diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensing device for sensing pressure. The pressure sensing device includes a sealed chamber, a second flexible diaphragm, and a protector member. The sealed chamber includes an upper portion comprising a first flexible diaphragm and a lower portion. The protector member includes a bottom surface with a fist concave shape, a top surface with a second concave shape, and a longitudinal hole between a lower cavity and an upper cavity. The lower cavity is between the first flexible diaphragm and a bottom surface of the protector member. The upper cavity is between the second flexible diaphragm and an upper surface of the protector member.