Pressure Sensor Thermoelectric Error Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Temperature differences across a sensor's electrical circuitry can cause erroneous readings due to the thermoelectric effect, which existing technologies have not effectively mitigated in various environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A pressure sensing system that includes a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor to measure temperature differences across the circuitry, with error correction components that modify the pressure sensor voltage output proportionally to the temperature difference signal, using a network of resistors and analog-to-digital converters to correct for thermocouple errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature difference measurement is added to correct thermoelectric errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure sensor reading accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A temperature sensor is introduced as an intermediary component to measure the temperature difference across the pressure sensor's electrical circuitry. This temperature measurement serves as a mediator that enables the calculation and correction of thermoelectric errors, thereby improving pressure measurement precision without directly modifying the pressure sensor itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the measured temperature difference is used to calculate thermoelectric errors, which then feed back to correct the pressure sensor readings. This closed-loop feedback approach continuously compensates for thermoelectric effects, maintaining high measurement precision under varying temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If error correction components are added to mitigate thermoelectric effect, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor reading accuracy under temperature variationVSAvoidcircuit components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Error correction components including temperature sensors and calculation circuits are introduced as intermediary elements that bridge the temperature variation and pressure measurement. These components mediate the thermoelectric effect by measuring temperature differences and applying corrections, thereby improving reliability without requiring fundamental changes to the pressure sensor design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The error correction system establishes a feedback loop where temperature measurements continuously inform correction calculations that adjust pressure readings. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation across varying thermal conditions by dynamically compensating for thermoelectric errors rather than attempting to eliminate them through static design changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If temperature compensation is implemented for dynamic environmental conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance across environmental conditionsVSAvoidtemperature measurement and correction system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature measurement and correction system is designed to handle multiple environmental conditions and thermoelectric scenarios through a unified approach. The same temperature sensors and correction algorithms serve across ground, maritime, and air systems, providing universal adaptability to dynamic environmental conditions without requiring condition-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback-based correction system continuously adapts to changing environmental conditions by measuring real-time temperature differences and applying appropriate corrections. This dynamic feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain accuracy across diverse and varying environmental conditions, from ground-level to maritime and aerial applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively mitigates the thermoelectric effect, providing accurate pressure sensor readings by accounting for temperature gradients, suitable for dynamic environmental conditions such as those found in ground, maritime, and air systems.

Implementation Method 1

Temperature differences across a sensor's electrical circuitry can produce a thermoelectric effect (also known as the thermocouple effect)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4253928A1Method for thermoelectric effect error correction
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 ROSEMOUNT AEROSPACE INC
  • EP4253928A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4253928A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4253928A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Apparatus and associated methods relate to sensing pressure and mitigating the error introduced by the thermoelectric effect. A pressure sensing device includes a pressure sensor (102, 202), a temperature sensor (110), and an error correction device. The pressure sensor (102, 202) produces a voltage output proportional to a sensed pressure. The temperature sensor (110) measures a first temperature at a first location and a second temperature at a second location to produce a temperature difference signal. The error correction device modifies the pressure output proportionally to the temperature difference signal to produce a temperature adjusted pressure output which compensates for error introduced from the temperature difference.