Pressure Sensor Heater for Temperature Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with pressure sensors face challenges in temperature variations and environmental aggressors, leading to inaccurate pressure data due to changes in elevation and sensor calibration issues.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a heater with the pressure sensor, either internally or externally, controlled by processing circuitry to maintain known temperatures for calibration and operation, ensuring accurate pressure measurements by mitigating temperature-induced errors and environmental impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is used in a portable electronic device carried among different locations and environments, then the device can obtain barometric pressure measurements for elevation and weather measurements, but temperature variations and environmental aggressors cause inaccurate pressure data due to sensor calibration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively controlling the temperature of the pressure sensor through integrated heating elements. The system changes the thermal parameter of the sensor to maintain it at a reference temperature, thereby compensating for environmental temperature variations that would otherwise cause calibration drift and measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal control system consisting of heating elements and temperature sensors that act as mediators between the pressure sensor and the external environment. This intermediary system isolates the pressure sensor from direct environmental temperature effects, maintaining stable calibration conditions regardless of external temperature changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If temperature variations affect the pressure sensor, then the sensor can operate in different environments, but temperature changes are misinterpreted as elevation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the pressure sensor actively using integrated heating elements controlled by temperature sensors. By maintaining the sensor at a constant reference temperature, the system prevents temperature-induced pressure readings from being misinterpreted as elevation changes, thereby ensuring accurate elevation measurements across varying environmental temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the pressure sensor temperature and provide feedback to control circuitry. This feedback loop adjusts the heating element power to maintain the reference temperature, preventing temperature variations from causing false elevation readings and enabling accurate operation across different environments
3Reliability
If the pressure sensor is tested and calibrated in different environments, then the sensor can be verified for accuracy, but the testing and calibration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service testing and calibration by integrating heating elements and temperature sensors directly with the pressure sensor. The sensor can autonomously maintain its own reference temperature during testing and calibration operations, eliminating the need for external temperature-controlled equipment and significantly reducing the time and complexity of verification processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-integrating the thermal control system (heating elements and temperature sensors) with the pressure sensor during manufacturing. This preliminary integration ensures that the sensor is already capable of maintaining reference temperature conditions before actual testing and calibration begin, streamlining the verification process and reducing overall testing time
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 allows for in-situ testing and calibration of pressure sensors, maintaining accuracy across varying temperatures and environments, reducing the risk of misinterpreting temperature changes as elevation changes and improving overall device performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element associated with the pressure sensor... the processing circuitry is configured to heat the pressure sensor with the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject technology relate to electronic devices with pressure sensors. A pressure sensor in a portable electronic device may include an integrated heater or may be co-operated with an external heater for the pressure sensor. The heater may be operated to heat some or all of the pressure sensor for pressure sensor testing, calibration, or temperature-controlled pressure sensing operations.