Pressure Sensor Circuit Carrier Grounding Spring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure sensors are technically complex and costly due to their two-part carrier element design, with an always-present electrically conductive part that requires grounding, leading to high production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A pressure sensor design featuring a circuit carrier with the control and evaluation circuit arranged on both sides, using a grounding spring for simple grounding and connection to ground, and a latching connection for secure and cost-effective assembly, allowing for a compact and cost-effective production process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a two-part carrier element with electrically conductive part is used, then electrical grounding is ensured, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical groundingVSAvoidcarrier element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding function is extracted from the carrier element structure and implemented separately through a grounding spring that can be selectively connected to ground only when needed, rather than having an always-present electrically conductive carrier element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding connection is implemented using a simple grounding spring that can be easily installed and removed, replacing the need for a permanently integrated electrically conductive carrier element structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If a two-part carrier element is used, then grounding is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding connectionVSAvoidcarrier element production
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding function is segmented from the carrier element and implemented as a separate grounding spring component, allowing the carrier element to be produced as a simple insulating part without integrated conductive elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A grounding spring acts as an intermediary component that provides the grounding connection without requiring the carrier element itself to be electrically conductive or complex in structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If circuit carrier is positioned precisely relative to housing element, then electrical connections are secure, but manufacturing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding spring and connection springs automatically establish electrical connections when the circuit carrier is inserted into the housing element, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning or complex alignment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-based connection system allows for dynamic adjustment and self-alignment during assembly, accommodating variations in manufacturing tolerances without requiring high-precision positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 results in a technically simple, compact, and cost-effective pressure sensor that can be easily adapted to requirements, reducing manufacturing time and costs while ensuring secure electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

a grounding spring for connecting the control and/or evaluation circuit to ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

grounding spring for connecting the control and/or evaluation circuit to ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

at least one connection spring for electrically connecting the control and/or evaluation circuit to other elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

connection spring for electrically connecting the control and/or evaluation circuit to other elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3665460B1Pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of a fluid and method for producing a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of a fluid
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3665460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3665460B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3665460B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A pressure sensor (10) for measuring a pressure of a fluid is proposed, the pressure sensor (10) comprising: a sensor element (18) for detecting the pressure of the fluid; an activation and/or evaluation circuit (20) for activating and/or evaluating a measured signal of the sensor element (18); a circuit carrier (30), the activation and/or evaluation circuit (20) being provided on the circuit carrier (30); a carrier element (50), the circuit carrier (30) being secured to the carrier element (50); and a housing element (60), the carrier element (50) together with the circuit carrier (30) being interlockingly and/or frictionally secured in the housing element (60), characterised in that the carrier element (50) is integrally formed from an electrically non-conductive material.