Sensor Element Pressure Tap Cavern for Fluid Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor elements in internal combustion engines face challenges in protecting pressure sensors from water and dirt particles, leading to inaccurate air mass measurements due to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A sensor element design featuring a pressure tap with an annular recess or cavern that deflects and traps water and dirt particles, preventing them from reaching the pressure sensor, ensuring only dry air reaches the sensor element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is directly exposed to the flow channel for pressure measurement, then pressure measurement accuracy is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to contamination from water and dirt particles
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure measurement system is segmented into two separate spaces: the flow channel where fluid flows and the pressure tap where the sensor is located. The pressure tap acts as an isolated compartment that receives pressure information from the flow channel through a connection, allowing the sensor to measure pressure without being directly exposed to contaminants in the main flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure tap serves as an intermediary structure between the flow channel and the pressure sensor. It transmits pressure information from the flow channel to the sensor while physically separating the sensor from direct contact with water and dirt particles in the flowing fluid, thus protecting the sensor while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Device complexity
If the pressure tap is designed with a simple direct connection to the flow channel, then device complexity is reduced, but water and dirt particles can easily reach the pressure sensor causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure tap is designed as a separate, segmented structure with distinct functional zones: an inlet region that receives fluid from the flow channel, a measurement chamber that houses the pressure sensor, and a protected region that isolates the sensor from contaminants. This segmentation allows the sensor to be shielded while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure tap structure preliminarily filters and directs the flow before it reaches the sensor area. The geometry of the pressure tap inlet and internal passages is designed to prevent water and dirt particles from entering the sensor housing, performing a preliminary protective action that prevents contamination before it can affect the measurement.
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 effectively prevents temporary and permanent contamination issues, maintaining accurate pressure measurements and air mass determination by isolating the pressure sensor from water and dirt deposits.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the fluid medium is arranged in the pressure tap
Implementation Method 2
water and dirt particles can get into the pressure tap, which, for example due to the flow and/or surface tension, can creep along a wall of the pressure tap and thus get into the cavern
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor element (110) for acquiring at least one property of a fluid medium. The sensor element (110) comprises at least one housing (112). The housing (112) forms at least one flow channel (114) through which the fluid medium can flow. A pressure tap (118) branches off from the flow channel (114) and at least one pressure sensor (130) is positioned in the tap for acquiring a pressure of said fluid medium. At least one cavity (134) for receiving impurities is formed in at least one wall (132) of said pressure tap (118), between the flow channel (114) and the pressure sensor (130).