Pressure sensor hub for a vacuum-insulated structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum-insulated structures face challenges in allowing a pressure sensor to detect pressure within a low pressure volume while maintaining communication with a processor without breaking the vacuum, and facilitating quick, automated connection without a wire harness.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor hub is equipped with a pressure sensor, a printed circuit board with exposed conductive pads, and a supporting body, enabling quick, automated electrical connection via conductive pads or edge connectors, and allowing communication with a processor without a wire harness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is placed in communication with the low pressure volume to detect pressure, then pressure monitoring capability is improved, but the vacuum integrity is compromised due to the need for a connection path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane as an intermediary between the low pressure volume and the pressure sensor. The membrane transmits pressure information to the sensor while maintaining the vacuum seal, allowing pressure detection without compromising vacuum integrity. The membrane acts as a mediator that couples the pressure field while isolating the sensor from the vacuum environment.
2Reliability
If a wire harness is used to connect the pressure sensor to the processor, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but connection time increases and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection interface from the pressure sensor assembly and places it on a separate circuit board positioned outside the vacuum environment. This allows the sensor to be quickly connected or replaced without manipulating wire harnesses, significantly reducing connection time and enabling automated testing while maintaining reliable electrical connection through rigid circuit board traces.
3Device complexity
If the pressure sensor and circuit board are integrated inside the vacuum structure, then compact design is achieved, but access for connection and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure sensing system into two parts: the pressure sensor itself which remains inside the vacuum structure for compact integration, and the circuit board with electrical connectors which is positioned outside for easy access. This segmentation allows the sensor to be closely integrated with the vacuum structure while the external circuit board provides accessible connection points for testing and maintenance.
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
Enables rapid, automated pressure monitoring within vacuum-insulated structures by allowing quick electrical connections through exposed conductive pads or edge connectors, maintaining the vacuum integrity and facilitating communication with a processor.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor placed in communication with the interior space. The pressure sensor can be placed in communication with a processor. The pressure sensor could provide input to the processor, which can determine the pressure within the low pressure volume
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensor hub for a vacuum-insulated structure includes: (a) a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor including a sensing element and an electrical connector extending from the sensing element; (b) a printed circuit board including conductive pads that are exposed, each of the conductive pads in electrical communication with a different portion of the electrical connector of the pressure sensor; and (c) a body that supports the pressure sensor and the printed circuit board.