Sensor Circuit Carrier Noise Decoupling via Segmented Slit Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sensors used in environments with structure-borne noise oscillations, such as inertial sensors in vehicles, face interference from these oscillations which affect the accuracy of physical variable measurements by influencing both the transmitter field and sensor signals.

Innovation Solution

A sensor design with a noise-resistance element, such as a slit in a leadframe circuit carrier, separates the sensor circuit into two regions, preventing structure-borne noise from reaching the sensor circuit by following the path of least resistance, and additional mechanical decoupling elements like silicone masses or noise-decoupling films enhance noise isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensor circuit is directly connected to the circuit carrier without noise resistance elements, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but structure-borne noise oscillations from the environment directly influence the sensor circuit and falsify measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit carrier is divided into a first region supporting the sensor circuit and a second region connected to the environment, separated by a noise-resistance element (slit). This segmentation isolates the sensor circuit from structure-borne noise while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A noise-resistance element (slit) is introduced as an intermediary between the sensor circuit region and the environment-connected region. This intermediary blocks structure-borne noise oscillations from reaching the sensor circuit while allowing the sensor to function normally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If noise-resistance elements are added to the circuit carrier, then structure-borne noise is blocked from the sensor circuit, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The noise-resistance element (slit) is integrated directly into the circuit carrier structure, merging the noise protection function with the existing manufacturing process. The slit is formed using the same cutting methods as the conductor tracks, eliminating separate manufacturing steps and additional costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit carrier itself provides noise resistance through the integrated slit structure, making the system self-sufficient for noise protection without requiring external components or additional manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the sensor circuit is isolated from the environment, then measurement accuracy improves, but the sensor cannot be properly connected to and influenced by the physical environment for sensing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidadaptability to environment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit carrier is segmented into an isolated first region for the sensor circuit and a connected second region for environmental interaction. This segmentation allows the sensor to be electrically and mechanically isolated from noise while remaining physically connected to the environment for sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The noise-resistance element is extracted as a separate functional feature (slit) within the circuit carrier, selectively blocking noise pathways while preserving the necessary mechanical and electrical connections for environmental sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 significantly improves measurement precision by preventing structure-borne noise from influencing the sensor signals, allowing for more accurate detection of physical variables like vehicle accelerations.

Implementation Method 1

a noise-resistance element which is arranged between the first region and the second region and is configured to conduct structure-borne noise entering via the first mechanical interface to the second mechanical interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructure-borne noise conduction: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

A noise-resistance element, such as a slit in a leadframe circuit carrier, separates the sensor circuit into two regions, preventing structure-borne noise from reaching the sensor circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical decoupling: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11118908B2Structure-borne noise decoupling on sensors working with transmitter fields
Publication Date: 2021.09.14 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • US11118908B2 patent drawing
  • US11118908B2 patent drawing
  • US11118908B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor for sensing a physical transmitter field dependent on a physical quantity to be measured, including: a sensor circuit for sensing the transmitter field and for outputting a sensor signal dependent on the transmitter field a circuit carrier having a first region in which at least a part of the sensor circuit is supported and a second region in which at least a first mechanical interface and a second mechanical interface for connecting the circuit carrier to a retainer are arranged, and a noise resistance element, which is arranged between the first region and the second region and which is designed to conduct structure-borne noise entering via the first mechanical interface to the second mechanical interface.