Multi-Target Sensor With Resistance Members for Temperature Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MEMS sensors face challenges in miniaturization due to the use of multiple elements, which complicates accurate detection and correction for ambient temperature changes, leading to inefficiencies in detecting multiple types of detection targets.

Innovation Solution

A sensor design with a controller that performs distinct operations on different conductive and resistance members, utilizing varying voltages to minimize element count while enhancing accuracy by using one element as a detection element and another as a reference in each operation, allowing for high-accuracy detection with fewer components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple elements are used for accurate detection and temperature correction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single integrated sensor element that can detect both target substances and ambient temperature simultaneously. The single element includes multiple resistance members with different detection characteristics, allowing it to perform both target detection and temperature compensation functions without requiring separate sensor elements, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor element is designed with multi-functional capability where a single element performs multiple detection tasks. The element includes resistance members that can detect different target substances (such as alcohol and organic solvents) as well as ambient temperature, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each parameter and reducing the overall number of elements required in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple elements are used for detecting multiple targets, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of multiple targetsVSAvoidnumber of elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple detection capabilities into a single sensor element by incorporating resistance members with different detection characteristics. This single element can detect multiple target substances (such as alcohol, organic solvents, and other gases) along with ambient temperature, thereby achieving high adaptability for detecting multiple targets without requiring multiple separate sensor elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor element is designed with universal detection capability that allows it to respond to various target substances and environmental conditions. By incorporating multiple resistance members with different sensitivity characteristics, the single element can adaptively detect different types of targets, providing versatility without increasing the number of physical elements in the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple elements are used for temperature correction, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature correction accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines temperature detection and target substance detection functions into a single sensor element. The element includes resistance members that simultaneously respond to both temperature changes and target substance presence. By using one element for both temperature correction and target detection, the system eliminates the need for separate powered elements dedicated solely to temperature sensing, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining temperature correction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enables highly accurate detection of multiple targets with reduced power consumption and improved miniaturization by minimizing the number of elements required, thus enhancing the sensor's performance and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first resistance member and a first conductive member... detect a first value corresponding to a first difference between a first electrical resistance of the first resistive member and a second electrical resistance of the second resistive member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4617648A1sensor
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP4617648A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4617648A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4617648A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a sensor includes an element section, and a controller. The element section including a first element including a first detection section, a second element including a second detection section, and a third element including a third detection section. The first detection section includes a first resistance member and a first conductive member. The second detection section includes a second resistance member and a second conductive member. The third detection section includes a third resistance member. The controller is configured to perform a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation.