Automatic Zero Reset for Pressure Transducer Using Reference Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pressure sensors experience zero-drift over time due to mechanical and electrical changes, leading to inaccurate measurements, which can be hazardous in safety-critical systems, and existing reset methods are time-consuming and often inaccurate.

Innovation Solution

A sensor reset system utilizing a micro-electro-mechanical resonant pressure transducer provides a precise reference for updating zero-offset calibration coefficients of other sensors, allowing for automatic and accurate re-zeroing without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual reset methods are used for pressure sensors, then zero-drift correction can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidreset time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic zero-reset functionality where the pressure sensor system self-corrects its zero-offset calibration coefficients without requiring manual intervention. The processor automatically detects drift conditions and performs recalibration using stored baseline data, making the system self-maintaining and eliminating time-consuming manual reset operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual reset methods are used for pressure sensors, then zero-drift correction can be performed, but the process requires significant human intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic zero-reset functionality where the pressure sensor system self-corrects its zero-offset calibration coefficients without requiring manual intervention. The processor automatically detects drift conditions and performs recalibration using stored baseline data, making the system self-maintaining and eliminating time-consuming manual reset operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors pressure sensor readings and compares them against stored baseline data to detect zero-drift conditions. This feedback mechanism triggers automatic recalibration when drift is detected, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accuracy without human intervention and simplifies operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If existing reset methods are used, then some correction can be achieved, but measurement accuracy and precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection efficiencyVSAvoidzero-drift correction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores baseline zero-offset calibration coefficients during manufacturing or initial calibration before the sensor is deployed. These pre-stored reference values serve as the foundation for automatic drift correction, enabling the system to compare current readings against known accurate baselines and restore precision without requiring complex real-time calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3742147B1Automatic zero reset for a pressure transducer
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
  • EP3742147B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3742147B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3742147B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer readable medium are provided for automatically resetting a zero-offset calibration coefficient for a pressure transducer. Ambient pressure measurements from a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor can be received by a computing device and compared. Based on determining a difference in the received ambient pressure measurements, an updated zero-offset calibration coefficient can be generated. The updated zero-offset calibration coefficient can be transmitted to the first pressure sensor, which once received, causes the first pressure sensor to update a previously determined zero-offset calibration coefficient with the updated zero-offset calibration coefficient.