Pressure Sensor Circuit Layout for Accurate Fluid Temperature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensors face challenges in providing a simple, inexpensive, and flexible structure for installing different configurations of sensors or circuit components exposed to fluids, with potential detection errors due to indirect temperature measurement methods and complex, costly direct exposure setups.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor design featuring a sensor body with a cavity closed by a diaphragm, incorporating a first and second electrical-circuit pattern on opposite faces, with connection means allowing flexible mounting of circuit components, including temperature sensors, and a protective layer providing a sealing surface for an annular gasket, enhancing fluid-tightness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the temperature sensor is mounted in a position isolated from the fluid (indirect detection), then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to thermal inertia and detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal conductor (heat transfer element) as an intermediary between the fluid and the temperature sensor. This mediator enables direct thermal contact with the fluid while keeping the sensor mounted on the sensor body, thus achieving precise temperature measurement without complicating the overall device structure. The thermal conductor conducts heat from the fluid to the sensor, eliminating thermal inertia issues while maintaining device simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is exposed directly to the fluid (direct detection), then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conductor serves as a mediator that allows the temperature sensor to indirectly contact the fluid while achieving direct measurement accuracy. This approach avoids the complexity of designing a sensor that is fully exposed to the fluid, as the thermal conductor handles the fluid-sensor interface while the sensor remains protected on the sensor body.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature measurement function is segmented into two parts: the thermal conductor that interfaces with the fluid and the temperature sensor that remains mounted on the sensor body. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the thermal conductor for heat transfer efficiency and the sensor for accurate measurement - thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different configurations of temperature sensors are installed, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor body is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate different configurations of temperature sensors and other circuit components. The thermal conductor and circuit board are positioned to provide flexible mounting options without requiring high precision, as the design inherently compensates for positioning variations. This universal approach enables adaptability while keeping manufacturing precision requirements at reasonable levels.
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 design increases production flexibility, allows for various fluid-exposed component configurations, and improves reliability and cost-effectiveness by enabling direct and accurate temperature detection while maintaining fluid-tightness.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric, piezoresistive or resistive means, designed to detect any bending or deformation of the membrane portion that represents the pressure of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
piezoelectric, piezoresistive or resistive means, designed to detect any bending or deformation of the membrane portion that represents the pressure of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
the temperature sensor, or at least its temperature-sensitive part, is exposed directly to the fluid in order to make a direct detection of the quantity of interest
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A pressure sensor has a sensor body (2) made at least in part of electrically insulating material, having a first face (2a) and a second face (2b) opposite to one another, and a cavity (3), the cavity (3) being closed at at least one axial end thereof by a diaphragm portion. The pressure sensor (1) comprises a circuit arrangement (5) supported by the sensor body (2) and includes: - a first electrical-circuit pattern, comprising respective tracks made of electrically conductive material deposited on the first face, on its side external to the cavity, there being connected to the first electrical-circuit pattern a plurality of first circuit components, amongst which detection means for detecting bending or deformation of the membrane portion; - a second electrical-circuit pattern (7), comprising respective tracks made of electrically conductive material (10, 11 ) deposited on a region of the second face (2b), there being connected to the second electrical-circuit pattern (7) at least one second circuit component (8; 8') having an active part (8a), that is to be exposed to the fluid, and at least one first connection terminal (8b) and one second connection terminal (8b); and - connection means, which electrically connect the first electrical -circuit pattern to the second electrical-circuit pattern (7) and extend in an axial direction of the sensor body (2). The tracks (10, 11) of the second electrical-circuit pattern (7) comprise at least one first track (10) defining a plurality of first pads (10a) and one second track (11) defining a plurality of second pads (11a), for connection of the first terminal (8b) and of the second terminal (8b) of the second circuit component (8; 8'), respectively. The first and second track (10, 11 ) are prearranged so that the first terminal (8b) and the second terminal (8b) of the second circuit component (8; 8') can be connected to any one of the first pads (10a) and to any one of the second pads (11a), respectively, and/or to the first pad (10a) and to the second pad (11a), respectively, of any one of a plurality of pairs of first and second pads (10a, 11a).