Pressure Sensor Module Integration Without Pressure Hoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching pressure sensors in air handling systems, such as fans, require significant effort due to the use of pressure hoses, which can kink, come loose, or present installation difficulties, especially with miniature sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module with an interface is used to connect to measuring points, eliminating the need for pressure hoses by integrating into existing housing components and using established electronic standards for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressure hoses are used to connect pressure sensors to measuring points, then the sensors can be positioned remotely, but the assembly effort increases significantly and reliability decreases due to kinking and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure hose connection system with an electronic signal transmission system. The pressure sensor converts pressure measurements into electrical signals that are transmitted through circuit traces on a circuit board to the processing unit, eliminating the need for physical pressure hoses and their associated assembly and reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the pressure sensor directly onto the circuit board, merging the sensing element with the processing unit. This consolidation eliminates separate connection components (pressure hoses, fittings, adapters) and creates a unified integrated structure that simplifies assembly and improves reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressure hoses are used for sensor connection, then flexibility in sensor positioning is achieved, but installation difficulty increases especially with miniature sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure hose routing system with an electronic signal transmission system through circuit board traces. This substitution maintains sensing capability while eliminating the complex mechanical connection steps required for miniature pressure sensors, significantly reducing installation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves as an intermediary medium that transfers the measurement signal from the pressure sensor to the processing unit electronically. This intermediary replaces the physical pressure hose pathway, enabling signal transmission without the mechanical connection complexities.
3Quantity of substance
If pressure sensors are mounted on circuit boards with pressure hoses, then remote measurement is possible, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure sensor, circuit board, and processing unit into an integrated assembly. The pressure sensor is mounted directly on the circuit board, and the signal transmission path is formed by circuit traces rather than separate pressure hoses, reducing the total number of discrete components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pressure hose subsystem from the device architecture. By removing pressure hoses, fittings, and associated mounting components, the design reduces component quantity and simplifies the connection system while maintaining the essential pressure measurement function.
Data Source
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AI summary
Sensor module 1 for differential pressure measurement in air handling systems, in particular fans, by means of pressure determination, mass flow determination or volume flow determination, comprising: a processing unit 2, at least one pressure sensor 3, wherein the pressure sensor 3 is designed such that it delivers a signal to the processing unit 2 corresponding to a local pressure 4 or volume flow 4 or mass flow 4, wherein the processing unit 2 comprises at least one interface 5 or is designed as an interface 5.