Pressure Sensor On-Off Valve Membrane Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensor devices face issues with precision due to residue formation on the detecting portion when liquids, such as water, enter the exposure hole and dry, leading to reduced sensitivity and altered detection characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor device is designed with an on-off valve that includes a membrane with a thick film portion and a thin film portion, allowing the detecting portion to communicate with the outside only when pressure acts upon the membrane, thereby preventing liquids from reaching the detecting portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detecting portion is exposed to the outside through the exposure hole, then the detecting portion can detect pressure from the outside, but liquid may reach the detecting portion through the exposure hole causing residue formation that reduces detection precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve mechanism as an intermediary component between the exposure hole and the detecting portion. This valve selectively controls liquid access: it remains open under normal pressure to allow pressure detection, but closes when liquid is detected, preventing liquid from reaching the detecting portion while maintaining pressure sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism dynamically changes its state based on detected conditions. It transitions from an open state (allowing pressure detection) to a closed state (preventing liquid contamination) automatically in response to liquid detection, providing adaptive protection without compromising normal operation
2Ease of operation
If the detecting portion is exposed to the outside through the exposure hole, then pressure detection is enabled, but the detecting portion may be brought into a flexed state by residue even when no pressure acts
Solution Approach 1:
The valve acts as a protective intermediary that prevents residue formation on the detecting portion by blocking liquid access. This ensures the detecting portion maintains its original mechanical properties and flexing characteristics, preventing false readings and maintaining reliable detection over time
Solution Approach 2:
The valve performs preliminary protection by preventing liquid from reaching the detecting portion in the first place. This proactive approach avoids residue formation and maintains consistent detection characteristics without requiring post-contamination cleaning or calibration adjustments
3Measurement precision
If the detecting portion is exposed to the outside through the exposure hole, then pressure detection is possible, but residue on the detecting portion may restrict deformation and change sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism serves as a protective barrier that prevents liquid contamination of the detecting portion. By blocking liquid access, it prevents residue formation that would otherwise restrict the detecting portion's deformation and alter its sensitivity characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The valve provides beforehand protection by preventing liquid from reaching the detecting portion before contamination can occur. This anticipatory protection maintains the detecting portion's deformation freedom and sensitivity without requiring corrective actions after residue formation
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 solution effectively suppresses the entry of liquids to the detecting portion, reducing residue formation and maintaining the precision and sensitivity of pressure detection.
Implementation Method 1
the inner surface closes the communication path when the membrane is flexed by pressure that acts upon the outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensor device that includes: a base substrate; a detecting element mounted on an upper surface of the base substrate and that includes a detecting portion that detects pressure; a resin package on the upper surface of the base substrate and that has an exposure hole that exposes the detecting portion, the detecting element being embedded in the resin package; and an on-off valve disposed so as to close the exposure hole, the on-off valve including: a membrane having an outer surface facing an outside of the pressure sensor device, and a communication path that is partly formed by an inner surface of the membrane and allows the detecting portion to communicate with the outside of the pressure sensor device, the inner surface being opposite the outer surface, and wherein the inner surface closes the communication path when the membrane is flexed by pressure acting upon the outer surface.