Pressure Sensor Device With Segmented Case And Elastic Connecting Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pressure sensor devices for measuring vacuum levels in high-temperature environments require complex thermal insulating and heat dissipating structures, which increase costs and risk mechanical failure due to the integration of sensor and circuit components within the same case, lacking adequate thermal durability and electromagnetic shielding.

Innovation Solution

The pressure sensor device separates the sensor and circuit components into distinct cases connected by a structural member comprising a conductive line, insulated member, and elastic member, which functions as a heat dissipator and electromagnetic shield, eliminating the need for special thermal insulation and providing enhanced mechanical strength and thermal durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the sensor and circuit portion are contained in separate cases and connected by a cable, then the thermal insulation complexity is reduced, but the connection structure lacks adequate thermal durability and mechanical strength at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulating structure complexityVSAvoidconnection structure thermal durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate cases: a sensor case containing the sensor and heater, and a circuit case containing the circuit portion. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex thermal insulating structures within a single integrated case, while allowing each component to be optimized for its specific thermal environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connecting structural member serves as an intermediary between the sensor case and circuit case. This member includes a conductive line for electrical connection, an insulated member for electrical insulation, and an elastic member for mechanical coupling. The connecting structural member provides adequate thermal durability and mechanical strength while maintaining the separation between hot and cold zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a heater is used to heat the sensor to high temperatures in excess of 400°C, then material adherence to the diaphragm face is prevented, but the case size must be increased to secure adequate distance between sensor and circuit portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operation stabilityVSAvoidcase size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the sensor and circuit portions into different cases, the patent eliminates the need for large internal thermal insulation structures within a single case. The sensor case can be compact since it only needs to contain the heated sensor, while the circuit case is positioned separately, reducing the overall device footprint compared to a single large integrated case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the sensor and circuit portion are connected by a simple cable, then the structure is simplified, but the connection may be placed under tension and fail to withstand high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structure simplicityVSAvoidconnection mechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting structural member is constructed as a composite structure combining three different functional elements: a conductive line for electrical connection, an insulated member for electrical insulation, and an elastic member for mechanical coupling and tension absorption. This composite design provides both structural strength and flexibility, allowing the connection to withstand high temperatures and mechanical stresses while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This configuration simplifies the structure while significantly improving mechanical strength, thermal durability, and electromagnetic shielding, enhancing the reliability of the pressure sensor device for high-temperature operations.

Implementation Method 1

a heater for heating the sensor to a specific operating temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member for covering the outer periphery of the insulated member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8763467B2Pressure sensor device

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 AZBIL CORP

AI summary

A pressure sensor device has a sensor detecting pressure of a gas that is introduced from the outside, a heater for heating the sensor, a package containing the sensor and the heater, a circuit portion producing an output signal that represents the pressure of the gas based on the detection output detected by the sensor, and a circuit containing portion containing the circuit portion. The package and the circuit containing portion are structured from separate cases and are disposed separately with a connecting structural member interposed therebetween. The connecting structural member 90 includes electrode lead pins connecting between the sensor within the package and the circuit portion within the circuit containing portion, insulated pipes for covering the outer peripheries of the electrode lead pins, and coil springs covering the outer peripheries of the insulated pipes.