Piezoelectric Vibration Sensor with Integrated Temperature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration sensors require additional components, space, and wiring for temperature detection, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of at least two piezoelectric elements made of different materials within the vibration sensor, allowing for temperature detection through capacitance measurement, enabling reliable operation across a wide temperature range without separate sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate temperature sensor is integrated into the drive unit, then temperature measurement is enabled, but device complexity, space requirements, and wiring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuator is designed to perform dual functions: mechanical excitation of the diaphragm and temperature sensing. By utilizing the inherent temperature dependence of the piezoelectric material's capacitance, the same component that generates mechanical vibrations also serves as the temperature sensor, eliminating the need for separate sensing elements and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing function is merged with the piezoelectric actuator by using the actuator's capacitance characteristics for temperature detection. This combination integrates two previously separate functions (mechanical excitation and temperature sensing) into a single component, thereby reducing the number of parts, simplifying wiring, and decreasing space requirements.
2Measurement precision
If piezoelectric elements made of different materials are used, then temperature detection capability is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention exploits the temperature dependence of the piezoelectric material's capacitance parameter. By monitoring changes in capacitance values of the piezoelectric elements, temperature information is extracted without requiring additional sensing materials or complex manufacturing processes. The existing piezoelectric materials' inherent electrical characteristics are utilized for temperature detection.
3Reliability
If additional temperature sensor components are added, then temperature compensation for resonance frequency is enabled, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuator serves itself by providing both its primary function of mechanical excitation and the secondary function of temperature sensing. The capacitance measurements taken for monitoring the actuator's electrical characteristics also provide temperature information, allowing the component to 'self-diagnose' environmental conditions without requiring external sensing infrastructure.
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 temperature determination and maintains sufficient mechanical excitation of the membrane across a large temperature range, reducing the need for additional sensors and wiring.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator for setting the diaphragm into vibration
Implementation Method 2
for detecting vibrations of the diaphragm
Implementation Method 3
a temperature is determined by detecting a capacitance of at least one piezoelectric element
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Vibration sensor with - a diaphragm that can be set into vibration, - a piezoelectric drive for setting the diaphragm into vibration and for detecting vibrations of the diaphragm, wherein the drive has at least two mechanically connected piezoelectric elements, a temperature sensor, wherein at least one first piezoelectric element is made of a first piezoelectric material and at least one second piezoelectric element is made of a second piezoelectric material.