Multi-Function Pressure Device Using Piezoelectric Sensors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current pressure measurement systems in industrial and piping applications rely on electro-mechanical components that are prone to failure, requiring multiple devices for various functionalities and lacking a unified, efficient, and reliable solution with no mechanical moving parts.

Innovation Solution

A multi-function pressure device utilizing piezoelectric technology with at least two piezoelectric sensors, a processor for data interpretation, and communication units for external interfaces, enabling configurations as differential pressure transducers, switches, transducers, data loggers, and flushing control systems, with no mechanical moving parts and flexible communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electro-mechanical pressure measurement devices are used, then pressure monitoring functionality is achieved, but device reliability deteriorates due to mechanical moving parts prone to failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical moving parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electro-mechanical pressure measurement devices with a purely electronic system using piezoelectric sensors. The sensing element consists of piezoelectric material that converts pressure directly into electrical signals without mechanical moving parts, eliminating wear and failure modes associated with traditional mechanical components while maintaining pressure monitoring functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple pressure measurement functions (differential pressure transducer, pressure switch, data logger, flushing control) into a single multi-functional device. This consolidation reduces the overall number of devices needed in the system, simplifies installation and maintenance, while the electronic architecture enables each function to be performed reliably without mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate devices are used for various pressure functionalities, then functional versatility is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple previously separate devices (pressure sensors, switches, data loggers, flushing controllers) into one integrated unit. The piezoelectric sensor core is coupled with electronic processing and control circuits that enable all functions to operate from a single device, reducing system complexity while maintaining full functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If traditional pressure measurement systems are used, then basic pressure monitoring is achieved, but real-time data communication and remote monitoring capabilities are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates communication units that enable real-time transmission of pressure data to external systems and allow remote configuration and monitoring. The electronic architecture naturally supports digital communication protocols, enabling continuous feedback loops where pressure information is instantly available for analysis and control decisions, enhancing system responsiveness and information availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution provides a reliable, efficient, and versatile pressure management system that reduces the need for multiple devices, enhances system reliability, and allows for real-time data communication and remote monitoring, improving operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

differential pressure measuring system comprising measuring sensors... the measuring sensors include at least a first piezoelectric measuring sensor... and a second piezoelectric measuring sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11821802B2System and methods for a multi-function pressure device using piezoelectric sensors

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 ROTAL INNOVATIVE TECH LTD

AI summary

A pressure measuring device configured as a multi-function device operable as a differential pressure switch (DPS), a differential pressure transducer (DPT), a pressure switch (PS), a pressure transducer (PT) providing readings of high and low pressure zones, a data recording logger, and a backwashing controller. The pressure measuring device may use at least two piezoelectric sensors operable to measure pressure attributes. The associated electronic hardware, processing unit, cables and pressure tubing are retrofittable and packaged in a molded case, with no moving parts with the electronic hardware fully coated to make the device reliable and resistant to extreme environmental conditions. The device is configured for remote access, enabling remote device configuration, maintenance and servicing. The device is further operable to communicate with various external devices: a tablet, a smartphone and the like as a user interface and further provides wired interface with a programmable logic controller (PLC) via RS-485 interface.