Piezoelectric Resonator Thermal Control for Stable Low-Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing sensors, such as Thermoelectric QCM, face challenges in expanding the temperature range of the crystal unit and stabilizing oscillations to detect a variety of substances effectively, as they are limited by the inability to efficiently cool the crystal unit below a certain temperature.
Innovation Solution
A sensing sensor design incorporating a base with a depressed portion for housing the oscillator circuit, Peltier elements for temperature control, and a connection to a cooling mechanism, which allows for efficient heat transfer and temperature variation between the piezoelectric resonator and the base, enabling a broader temperature range and stable oscillation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature range of the crystal unit is expanded by lowering the lower limit temperature, then the ability to detect various substances is improved, but the stable oscillation of the crystal unit becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control system into two independent parts: a cooling mechanism that cools the base and a heating mechanism (heater) that heats the crystal unit. This segmentation allows the base to be cooled to expand the detection range while the heater maintains the crystal unit's oscillation stability, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal insulator as an intermediary between the base and the crystal unit. This insulator prevents heat from the cooled base from directly affecting the crystal unit, allowing the base to be cooled for expanded detection range while the crystal unit maintains stable oscillation temperature
2Temperature
If a cooling mechanism is added to cool the base, then the temperature range is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling mechanism with the base structure itself, making the base the heat dissipation component. The oscillation circuit is housed within the base, and the cooling mechanism cools the entire base structure, integrating multiple functions into a unified design that reduces overall device complexity while expanding temperature range
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 enhances the detection accuracy of substances by expanding the temperature range of the crystal unit, allowing for the stable oscillation of the piezoelectric resonator and efficient heat transfer, thereby improving the detection of various substances.
Implementation Method 1
a Peltier element that changes a temperature of the sensor unit by transferring a heat from one side to the other side
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric resonator that has a frequency of oscillation
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing sensor includes an oscillator circuit, a base, a connection portion, and a temperature changing unit. The oscillator circuit oscillates the piezoelectric resonator. The base includes a base main body in which a depressed portion is provided and a lid portion at one side, supports the piezoelectric resonator at another side, and is for taking the oscillation frequency to an outside of the sensing sensor. The depressed portion houses the oscillator circuit. The lid portion covers the depressed portion. The connection portion is disposed at the one side of the base and connected to a cooling mechanism for cooling the base from the one side. The temperature changing unit is interposed between the piezoelectric resonator and the base, so as to cool and heat the piezoelectric resonator and transfer a heat radiated for cooling the piezoelectric resonator from the other side of the base to the one side.