Quartz Crystal Pressure Sensor for Line and Differential Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial processes require accurate measurement of differential and line pressures, which often necessitate additional sensors and complex communication systems, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor system utilizing a quartz crystal to measure deformations in capillary tubes, allowing for simultaneous measurement of line pressure and differential pressure without the need for additional sensors, leveraging the piezoelectric properties of quartz to provide a frequency-based output for pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional pressure sensors and transmitters are deployed to measure both differential pressure and line pressure, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single pressure sensor to perform both differential pressure measurement and line pressure measurement. The sensor is configured with a sensing element that can detect pressure differences across a process element while also measuring the absolute line pressure, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated sensor assembly. The pressure sensor integrates both differential pressure sensing capability and line pressure sensing capability, merging what would traditionally require separate instruments into one device, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional pressure sensors and transmitters are deployed to measure both differential pressure and line pressure, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single pressure sensor to perform both differential pressure measurement and line pressure measurement. The sensor is configured with a sensing element that can detect pressure differences across a process element while also measuring the absolute line pressure, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated sensor assembly. The pressure sensor integrates both differential pressure sensing capability and line pressure sensing capability, merging what would traditionally require separate instruments into one device, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of information
If traditional pressure sensors with remote transmitters are used, then pressure information can be transmitted to centralized location, but communication loop complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transmitter function from the sensor assembly, creating a standalone smart sensor that contains its own signal processing and communication capabilities. This eliminates the need for external transmitters and complex communication loops by integrating all functions into the sensor itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through smart sensors that contain built-in signal processing, conversion, and communication capabilities. The sensor independently processes its measurements and transmits data without requiring external transmitter devices, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity.
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 solution simplifies pressure measurement by using a single sensor to determine line pressure and differential pressure, reducing the need for multiple sensors and enhancing measurement accuracy with a non-intrusive, cost-effective configuration.
Implementation Method 1
A quartz crystal is coupled to the sensor body and is configured to measure pressure of fluid in the sensor body
Data Source
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AI summary
A pressure sensor (56) includes a sensor (98) which is arranged to couple to a process pressure. A quartz crystal is coupled to the sensor (98) and is configured to measure pressure of fluid in a sensor body (93). An output from the quartz crystal is related to pressure applied to the sensor body (93) by the process pressure.