Electromagnetic Wave Sensor Arm Layout to Prevent Absorber Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic wave sensors face durability issues due to rotation of detection elements caused by temperature drops, leading to potential malfunctions from contact with adjacent members.

Innovation Solution

The electromagnetic wave sensor is designed with electromagnetic wave absorbers disposed in intersecting directions, featuring arm portions connected to each absorber, and inclined to counteract rotation, maintaining a gap between adjacent absorbers to prevent contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electromagnetic wave detection elements are arranged in an array for two-dimensional temperature detection, then measurement capability is improved, but durability deteriorates due to rotation and contact with adjacent members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetwo-dimensional temperature detection capabilityVSAvoiddurability against rotation and contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The arm portions are designed with asymmetric bent line shapes having specific curvature radii at different positions. The first curvature radius at the bend is smaller than the second curvature radius at the end, creating an asymmetric structure that generates differential thermal expansion characteristics to counteract rotation during temperature changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise dimensional parameters for the arm portions including the bent line shape with specific curvature radii (first curvature radius smaller than second curvature radius), thickness, and width. These parameter optimizations enable the arm portions to maintain appropriate gaps with adjacent members while accommodating thermal expansion during temperature variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If arm portions are designed with simple straight shapes for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but rotation counteraction capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of arm portion fabricationVSAvoidrotation counteraction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The arm portions are designed with bent line shapes featuring curved transitions rather than sharp angles. The curved geometry with specific curvature radii (first curvature radius smaller than second curvature radius) provides smoother thermal expansion characteristics and better rotation counteraction while remaining manufacturable using standard bending processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 design enhances the durability and reliability of the sensor by preventing contact between absorbers, even when temperature drops occur, ensuring long-term functionality.

Implementation Method 1

incident infrared rays (electromagnetic waves) are absorbed by a temperature detection portion (a thermistor film or a thermopile portion) and materials around the temperature detection portion so that the temperature of this temperature detection portion varies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption of electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The electrical resistance of a thermistor film varies in accordance with a variance in temperature of the thermistor film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermistor effect: Thermistor

Implementation Method 3

An electromotive force of a thermopile varies in accordance with a variance in temperature of the thermopile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermopile effect: Thermopile

Implementation Method 4

the electromagnetic wave detection element rotates due to a temperature drop of the electromagnetic wave detection element or the like

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS12474215B2Electromagnetic wave sensor

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 TDK CORP

AI summary

An electromagnetic wave sensor has electromagnetic wave absorbers disposed side by side in first and second directions, temperature detection portions held by the respective electromagnetic wave absorbers and sets of two arm portions connected to each of the electromagnetic wave absorbers at two connection portions. In a plan view, the arm portions have two first extending portions extending from the connection portions in directions of which components in the second direction are opposite to each other, and two second extending portions extending from the first extending portions in directions of which components in the first direction are opposite to each other. Four sides of a rectangle circumscribing each of the electromagnetic wave absorbers with a smallest area are inclined with respect to the first direction in directions in which each of the electromagnetic wave absorbers approaches the second extending portions with the connection portions as fulcrums.