Integrated Pressure-Sensing Fluid Chamber With Deformable Wall
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid-dynamic devices lack integrated sensor capabilities to independently detect fluid pressure, are bulky, and expensive, making them unsuitable for compact integration within other fluid-dynamic components.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-dynamic device with an integrated sensor element featuring an elastically deformable portion made of high electrical resistivity elastomeric material, coupled with a sensor element whose electrical properties vary with deformation, allowing for compact, cost-effective pressure detection and control within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauge pressure sensors are used to detect fluid pressure, then pressure detection capability is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor element directly into the wall structure of the fluid-dynamic device. The elastically deformable portion is formed as an integral part of the device wall, eliminating the need for separate sensor housings and mounting structures. This merging of the sensor into the device wall achieves pressure detection while significantly reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin, elastically deformable portion made of elastomeric material formed as part of the device wall. This flexible membrane structure allows the wall to deform under fluid pressure, which is detected by the sensor element. The thin-film approach enables compact integration while maintaining pressure sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If strain gauge pressure sensors are used to detect fluid pressure, then pressure detection capability is achieved, but the device becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sensor element directly into the device wall structure during manufacturing, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensor assemblies, mounting hardware, and additional assembly steps. This integration reduces component count and manufacturing complexity, leading to cost reduction while maintaining pressure detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device wall itself serves as both the structural component and the sensor mounting substrate. The elastically deformable portion of the wall directly transmits pressure to the sensor element, eliminating the need for separate pressure transmission mechanisms. This self-service approach reduces manufacturing steps and costs.
3Measurement precision
If stand-alone pressure sensors are connected by derivation from the fluid-dynamic circuit, then pressure detection is achieved, but integration into fluid-dynamic devices is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is merged directly into the wall structure of the fluid-dynamic device, forming an integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate connections, derivations, or mounting procedures. The sensor becomes an inherent part of the device, simplifying integration and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device wall serves multiple functions: it provides structural containment, defines the fluid passage, and incorporates the sensor element for pressure detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor components and their associated integration steps, reducing overall device complexity.
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 independent pressure detection and control within fluid-dynamic devices, reducing overall circuit dimensions and eliminating the need for separate sensors, while maintaining reliability and adaptability to high pressure values.
Implementation Method 1
a first chamber (2), suitable for the containment and/or the passage of a fluid... comprising at least one portion (6), elastically deformable due to the action of the fluid contained therein and/or passing through said first chamber (2)
Implementation Method 2
a sensor element (7) sensitive to the deformation of said elastically deformable portion (6)... whose electrical properties, and in particular whose electrical resistance (and/or impedance and/or capacitance), vary according to its deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention concerns a fluid-dynamic device (a, 1a, 1b) with integrated sensor element, comprising a first chamber (2) suitable for the containment and/or the passage of a fluid (19), provided with an inlet opening (3) operatively connectable to a fluid-dynamic circuit and configured to allow a fluid to enter the first chamber (2), and with a separate outlet opening (4), operatively connectable to a fluid-dynamic circuit and configured to expel said fluid (19) from the first chamber (2); the first chamber (2) comprises at least one portion (6) elastically deformable due to the action of the fluid (19) contained therein and/or passing through said first chamber (2), to which a sensor element (7) is associated which is sensitive to the deformation of said elastically deformable portion (6) of said first chamber (2).