Compact Pressure Sensor Integrating Electronics on Ceramic Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pressure measuring devices for motor vehicles are bulky and costly to manufacture, necessitating a more compact and economically viable solution.

Innovation Solution

A pressure measuring device with a ceramic membrane supported by a ceramic plate with a cavity, where the membrane is isolated by a glass layer and sealed with an annular bead, and an electronic component is integrated with the support to reduce parts and enhance compactness, using flexible connectors for electrical connections and electromagnetic protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional pressure measuring devices are used, then measurement function is achieved, but device size is large and manufacturing cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support and electronic component are integrated into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall device volume while lowering manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the ceramic membrane, houses the electronic component, and establishes electrical connections through the flexible connector, thereby reducing the number of separate parts needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If support and electronic component are integrated, then device compactness is improved and part count is reduced, but electrical connection reliability may be affected by thermal expansion differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible connector's material properties are selected to accommodate thermal expansion differences between ceramic and electronic components, allowing the connector to maintain reliable electrical contact across varying temperature conditions despite differential expansion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The design accounts for thermal expansion by using a flexible connector that can accommodate the dimensional changes that occur when ceramic and electronic components expand at different rates during temperature variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #37Thermal expansion

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 more compact and cost-effective pressure measuring device capable of operating across a wide temperature range and varying pressures, suitable for automotive applications, with reduced risk of electrical connection failure due to thermal expansion differences.

Implementation Method 1

a ceramic diaphragm mounted on the support in such a way as to deform under ambient pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The strain gauge is positioned on the ceramic diaphragm to exhibit an electrical property, such as resistance, that varies according to the diaphragm's position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 3

reduced risk of electrical connection failure due to thermal expansion differences

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3090242B1Device for measuring presure
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 VALEO ELECTRIFICATION
  • EP3090242B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3090242B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for measuring an external pressure which includes: a pressure sensor including a mounting (14) and a ceramic membrane (16) mounted on the mounting such as to deform when exposed to an increase in external pressure, and a measurement circuit including a strain gauge attached to the ceramic membrane such as to have a variable electrical property in accordance with the position of said membrane, and an electronic component electrically connected to said strain gauge and configured to process a signal received from said strain gauge, the device being characterised in that the electronic component is attached to the mounting.