Pressure Sensor Self-Calibration via Volume Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying and calibrating pressure sensors are time-consuming and labor-intensive, making continuous monitoring for time drifts impractical without a reference sensor.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a microprocessor-controlled process that connects and disconnects a pressure sensor to multiple fluid storage vessels to measure initial and intermediate pressures, using the ideal gas law to determine sensor reliability without a calibrated reference, allowing for automated verification or calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference pressure sensor is used to verify the pressure sensor, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to manual verification processes
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor verifies itself by measuring pressure changes in known volume configurations. The system uses the pressure sensor under test to measure pressures in different vessel configurations, eliminating the need for a separate reference sensor and manual verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (volume configurations of fluid vessels) to create different pressure states that the pressure sensor measures. By varying the volume parameters of the fluid vessels, the system generates multiple measurement points for verification without requiring external reference equipment.
2Measurement precision
If a reference pressure sensor and manual verification method is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor performs self-verification by measuring pressures in controlled volume configurations. The system automatically compares measurements against theoretical pressure values calculated from volume ratios, eliminating complex manual verification procedures and reference sensor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid vessels act as intermediaries that translate volume ratios into pressure ratios. This intermediary mechanism allows the pressure sensor to verify its own readings through indirect comparison with theoretical pressure values derived from known volume configurations.
3Reliability
If continuous verification of pressure sensors is performed, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to lack of automated methods
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor continuously self-verify by repeatedly measuring pressures in different vessel configurations. This automated self-service approach enables continuous monitoring of sensor reliability without interrupting production processes or requiring external verification equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous verification by automatically cycling through different vessel configurations and performing measurements without manual intervention. This continuous operation maintains pressure sensor reliability while preserving production productivity.
4Productivity
If multiple fluid storage vessels and automated connections are used, then productivity and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system is segmented into multiple fluid storage vessels with discrete, controllable connections. Each vessel can be independently connected or disconnected from the pressure sensor through automated valves, allowing systematic verification without requiring complex integrated systems.
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 method provides a quick, reliable, and reproducible way to verify or calibrate pressure sensors, reducing the need for a standby reference sensor and ensuring accurate measurements by determining sensor reliability through precise volume calculations.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure sensor may use the piezo-electric effect, the measurement of strain or stress of an elastic material or other parameter which vary under the influence of the pressure
Implementation Method 2
The pressure sensor may use the piezo-electric effect, the measurement of strain or stress of an elastic material or other parameter which vary under the influence of the pressure
Implementation Method 3
using the ideal gas law to determine sensor reliability without a calibrated reference
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a pressure sensor includes connecting the pressure sensor to first and second fluid storage vessels; providing an initial fluid pressure at the pressure sensor and at the fluid storage vessels; and carrying out a pressure measurement of the initial fluid pressure at a time t0. The method then disconnects the second fluid storage vessel from the pressure sensor and the first fluid storage vessel; provides a first fluid pressure at the second fluid storage vessel; and carries out a pressure measurement of the first fluid pressure at a time t1. The method then connects the second fluid storage vessel with the pressure sensor and the first fluid storage vessel, so that a second fluid pressure between the initial and first fluid pressures is provided at the pressure sensor; and carries out a pressure measurement of the second fluid pressure at a time t2.