Compact Pressure Sensor with Light-Transmissive Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure differential sensors are large, costly, difficult to install and maintain, and do not provide a clear, visible indication of pressure differences, making them unsuitable for critical environments like healthcare and pharmaceutical spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact pressure differential sensor apparatus with a high-visibility indicator that displays pressure status through color changes, allowing for easy installation and providing detailed data only upon user request, featuring a light-transmissive portion that emits different colors for acceptable and unacceptable pressure conditions, and an optional digital display for additional information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional room pressure monitors are used to monitor differential air pressure, then pressure monitoring function is provided, but the devices have large physical size, high cost, and difficult installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure monitoring systems with a compact electronic sensor apparatus that uses electronic components including a pressure sensor, microprocessor, and LED indicators. This substitution enables the device to be significantly smaller while maintaining monitoring functionality and adding digital display capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact pressure monitor is designed to provide multiple functions: differential pressure sensing, visual indication via LEDs, digital display of pressure values, and alarm functionality. This multi-functionality consolidates what previously required separate devices into a single compact unit, reducing overall system complexity and space requirements.
2Loss of information
If traditional pressure monitors are used, then pressure data is provided, but the information is not easily visible from a distance or at wide viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing LED indicators that display different colors (e.g., green for acceptable pressure, red for unacceptable pressure) to provide immediate visual feedback on pressure status. The light-transmissive portion of the housing amplifies and distributes this light, making the status visible from distance and wide viewing angles without requiring direct viewing of a small display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to information display by incorporating a light-transmissive housing portion that distributes light across a larger angular range. This transforms the display from a point-source indication to an area-source indication, enabling viewers to see the pressure status from multiple angles and distances simultaneously.
3Loss of information
If detailed pressure data is continuously displayed, then complete information is provided, but visual clutter increases in high-traffic areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides pressure information in two levels: essential status information is continuously displayed via color-coded LEDs for immediate awareness, while detailed numerical data is available on demand through a digital display. This partial continuous display approach eliminates visual clutter while maintaining information accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback through color-changing LEDs that instantly reflect pressure status changes. This feedback mechanism allows users to quickly assess pressure conditions without being overwhelmed by continuous numerical data, reducing visual clutter while maintaining situational awareness.
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 apparatus offers a simple, aesthetically pleasing solution that provides instant, clear visual feedback on pressure differences, reducing visual clutter and installation complexity, while being compatible with standard electrical boxes, thus improving monitoring efficiency in critical environments.
Implementation Method 1
a light-transmissive portion (110) configured to transmit light forward and laterally through a side edge (112) thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, having: a pressure differential sensor apparatus (100) configured to detect a pressure difference between two locations; a faceplate (102) having a base (104) and a protrusion (106) from the base, the protrusion comprising a light-transmissive perimeter (116) configured to transmit light forward and laterally; and a circuit board (400) having an indicator light (402) mounted thereon and configured to emit light into the light-transmissive perimeter, the indicator light further configured to emit a first color under first pressure difference conditions and a second color under second pressure difference conditions.