Opposing MEMS Sensor Pair for Temperature Gradient Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion sensors, particularly MEMS sensors, are affected by temperature gradients, leading to errors in measurements due to their sensitivity to temperature variations, which are difficult to model and compensate for, especially in non-uniform environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor configuration involving a pair of identical sensors with opposing orientations relative to a thermal element, where each sensor has its dedicated thermal element to generate opposing temperature gradients, allowing for the combination of their measurements to compensate for the temperature gradient effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used with temperature compensation, then the device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature gradient effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides a single sensor measurement task into two separate sensors with opposing orientations. Each sensor experiences the temperature gradient differently, and by segmenting the measurement function across both sensors, the system can cancel out gradient-induced errors through differential measurement, thereby maintaining measurement precision while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs two sensors with opposing orientations that act as counterweights to each other's temperature gradient effects. When one sensor experiences a positive gradient error, the other experiences a negative gradient error of similar magnitude. By combining their measurements, the gradient errors cancel out like counterweights, preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If temperature compensation modeling is performed, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to modeling and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to model and compensate for temperature gradient effects through complex processing, the patent converts the harmful gradient effects into a beneficial configuration. By orienting sensors in opposite directions, the gradient effects naturally produce opposite errors that cancel each other out. This transforms the harmful temperature gradient into a self-correcting mechanism, improving precision without adding compensation complexity.
3Measurement precision
If additional temperature sensors are deployed to measure gradient, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the primary sensors serve a dual function: they both measure the physical quantity of interest and simultaneously characterize the temperature gradient effects. By using the same sensors that measure acceleration or other parameters to detect gradient-induced errors through their opposing orientations, the system eliminates the need for separate temperature gradient sensors, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
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
This configuration effectively cancels out temperature gradient-induced errors in sensor measurements, improving accuracy and reducing the complexity of modeling and compensating for temperature gradient effects.
Implementation Method 1
temperature gradient refers to the change in temperature across a given dimension/direction of the sensor, thereby resulting in one part of the sensor having a different temperature than another part
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods and systems for configuring a motion sensor assembly to compensate for a temperature gradient. First and second sensors of the same type are arranged as opposing pairs with respect to a first axis that may be defined by a temperature gradient caused by at least one thermal element. Combining the output measurements of the first sensor and the second sensor allows effects of the temperature gradient on sensor measurements of the first sensor and the second sensor to be compensated.