Sensor Dust and Heat Protection via Platelike Member Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In detection devices, air currents containing dust and aerosols like PM 2.5 can cause sensors to malfunction due to dust accumulation and heat generated by light-emitting elements, especially when temperature/humidity sensors are positioned near these elements.

Innovation Solution

A detection device design featuring a housing with air intake and discharge ports, a platelike member with first and second air ventilation ports, and sensors positioned strategically to prevent dust accumulation and heat interference, including a partition plate with a larger third air ventilation port to control airflow and reduce dust entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are mounted along the air flow path to collect gas concentration and temperature/humidity information, then the detection device can gather comprehensive air quality data, but dust accumulates on sensor surfaces causing malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsensor malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow path is segmented into multiple channels with separate sensors positioned at different locations. The first sensor is placed in a first flow path while the second sensor is placed in a second flow path, allowing each sensor to detect different air quality parameters independently and reducing the risk of simultaneous dust accumulation affecting both sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A partition plate is introduced as an intermediary structure between the air intake port and the sensors. The partition plate with its specific opening configuration acts as a mediator that guides air flow while protecting sensors from direct dust exposure, enabling the sensors to function reliably in a dusty environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the temperature/humidity sensor is disposed along the air flow path to detect air conditions, then the sensor can measure temperature and humidity of incoming air, but the sensor malfunctions under the adverse effect of heat from the light-emitting element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature and humidity detectionVSAvoidsensor malfunction due to heat

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device divides the air flow paths into separate channels, positioning the temperature/humidity sensor in a different flow path away from the light-emitting element. This spatial segmentation prevents the sensor from being exposed to excessive heat while still enabling it to detect air temperature and humidity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the detection device are designed with different thermal characteristics. The region near the light-emitting element is designed to handle high temperatures, while the region containing the temperature/humidity sensor is designed with better heat dissipation properties to maintain reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If multiple sensors are mounted in a compact arrangement to reduce device size, then the detection device becomes smaller, but dust accumulation and heat interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsensor performance degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensors are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration rather than a simple linear arrangement. By utilizing vertical space and different depth positions, the device maintains a compact footprint while providing sufficient separation between sensors and harmful factors like dust and heat

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively prevents sensor malfunctions by reducing dust accumulation and heat interference, while also enabling efficient air discharge and product downsizing, thus improving responsiveness and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a platelike member having a first air ventilation port and a second air ventilation port... a first sensor provided on an air intake port side of the first air ventilation port... a second sensor provided between the first air ventilation port and the second air ventilation port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow separation:

Implementation Method 2

the sensor can disadvantageously malfunction under the adverse effect of the heat generated by the light-emitting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat generation:

Data Source

PatentUS12306161B2Detection device and electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 SHARP SEMICON INNOVATION CORP TENRI CITY

AI summary

A detection device according to an aspect of the invention, includes: a housing including an air intake port and an air discharge port; a platelike member having a first air ventilation port and a second air ventilation port, the platelike member being provided inside the housing; a first sensor provided on an air intake port side of the first air ventilation port on a front face of the platelike member; and a second sensor provided between the first air ventilation port and the second air ventilation port on a rear face of the platelike member.