Piezoelectric Sensor Base with Biasing and Differential Noise Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric sensors face challenges in non-invasive monitoring of animal physiological parameters due to electrical noise coupling and the need for custom or modified cages, which are costly and cumbersome, limiting their application in animal research.
Innovation Solution
A base supporting piezoelectric sensors with a planar support frame and housing that allows for biasing of sensors against the cage floor, using a differential connection with insulator layers and piezoelectric portions to reduce noise interference and eliminate the need for custom cages, along with a sensor configuration that includes a biasing member for secure contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-ended piezoelectric sensor connections are used, then the sensor structure is simple, but electrical noise couples into the sensor corrupting the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a differential amplifier as an intermediary device that processes the sensor signals. The amplifier receives signals from both piezoelectric sensors and differential amplification, which cancels out common-mode electrical noise while preserving the differential physiological signal, thus improving signal quality without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameter from single-ended to differential configuration. By connecting both piezoelectric sensors in a differential arrangement and using a differential amplifier, the system transforms the signal representation to reject common-mode noise, thereby improving reliability while maintaining reasonable device complexity
2Reliability
If custom cages are made to support sensors, then sensor support is ensured, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sensor support base that can be attached to standard animal cages without customization. The base incorporates mounting features that work with conventional cage structures, allowing the same support mechanism to be used across different cage types and sizes, thereby ensuring reliable sensor support while avoiding custom manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the sensor support function from the cage structure itself by introducing a modular base component. This segmented approach allows the support base to be independently designed and manufactured, then attached to existing cages, reducing the need for custom cage manufacturing while maintaining support stability
3Measurement precision
If invasive electrode placement via surgery is used, then bioelectric signals can be obtained, but the procedure is limited to small scale studies due to surgery and post-surgery care requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/surgical implantation method with a non-invasive piezoelectric sensing system. The piezoelectric sensors detect physiological signals through mechanical vibrations and pressure changes transmitted through the cage floor, eliminating the need for surgical electrode placement and enabling large-scale studies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the cage floor as an intermediary medium that transmits physiological signals from the animal to the piezoelectric sensors. This intermediary approach allows non-invasive signal acquisition while maintaining measurement precision, as the cage floor naturally transmits mechanical vibrations and pressure changes without requiring direct contact with the animal
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 non-invasive, cost-effective monitoring of animal physiological behaviors and parameters, such as sleep, activity, breathing rates, and heart rates, with reduced noise interference and compatibility with standard animal cages, facilitating large-scale applications.
Implementation Method 1
A piezoelectric sensor uses the piezoelectric effect to measure the changes in a physical quantity by converting it to an electrical charge.
Implementation Method 2
the lower portion includes a biasing member in contact with the sensor, wherein the sensor is biased by the biasing force of the biasing member against the upper portion of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A base for supporting a piezoelectric sensor which includes a generally planar support frame having an opening and a housing mounted in the opening. The housing has an upper portion including a sensor and a lower portion including a biasing member in contact with the sensor. The sensor is biased by the biasing force of the biasing member against the upper portion of the housing, whereby the upper portion is in turn biased by the biasing force against a floor of a cage positioned on the upper side of the support frame.