PCB Pressure Sensor Through-Board Channel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensors in pump units face challenges in achieving a compact design while ensuring reliable sealing of pressure-carrying channels with respect to the measuring element on a printed circuit board.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor design featuring a printed circuit board with a recess that allows the fluid channel to extend through it, enabling the measuring element to detect pressure from a side opposite the pressure receiving opening, and incorporating deflection elements and multiple channel sections for efficient sealing and compact construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the fluid channel extends through the printed circuit board to the rear side for compact design, then the axial length is reduced, but the sealing reliability becomes more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid channel is divided into multiple sections: a first channel section extending through the printed circuit board, and a second channel section extending from the rear side to the measuring element. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently for both compactness and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid channel and the printed circuit board. This sealing element ensures reliable sealing at the critical interface where the channel passes through the board, resolving the sealing reliability issue while maintaining the compact through-board design.
2Volume of moving object
If the measuring element is arranged on the rear side of the printed circuit board, then the compact design is achieved, but the sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is integrated into the housing structure, merging the sealing function with the existing housing components. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing for the compact rear-side measuring element arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to automatically provide sealing through its structure, eliminating the need for separate complex sealing mechanisms. The housing itself serves the dual purpose of structural support and sealing containment.
3Length of moving object
If the fluid channel extends perpendicularly through the printed circuit board, then the axial length is minimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The channel paths are pre-formed in the housing structure during the housing manufacturing process, before final assembly. This preliminary formation of channels with precise alignment eliminates the need for high-precision post-assembly drilling or routing, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining compact perpendicular channel geometry.
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 allows for a very compact pressure sensor construction with reliable sealing, enabling the detection of pressures and differential pressures in pump units with minimal axial length and external dimensions, while reducing the risk of leaks and measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluid channel (52) extends from a first side of the printed circuit board (PCB) through a recess in the PCB to a second side of the PCB and is connected to the measuring element on this second side
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure sensor with a printed circuit board (48), a measuring element arranged on the printed circuit board (48) and at least one first fluid channel (52) connected to the measuring element (64), wherein the first fluid channel (52) extends from a first side (56) of the printed circuit board (48) through a recess (54) in the printed circuit board (48) to a second side (58) of the printed circuit board (48) and is connected to the measuring element (64) at this second side (58) of the printed circuit board (48) and to a pump unit with such a pressure sensor.