Sensor Package With Differential Deformation Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring mechanical tension and loads often require destroying the material or are not efficient in detecting mechanical stress, particularly in applications like steering rods and equipment operation, where torsion, torque, or bending need to be detected.

Innovation Solution

A sensor arrangement featuring a chip with a sensor circuit configured to detect bending, housed in a package structure with distinct regions that allow for differential deformation, enabling the chip to measure mechanical stress while being protected from excessive loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the package structure is made rigid to protect the chip, then the protection capability is improved, but the sensitivity of the sensor to detect bending is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidbending detection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The package structure is divided into a rigid portion and a flexible portion, allowing each region to serve different functions. The rigid portion provides protection while the flexible portion enables bending detection, resolving the contradiction between protection capability and sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the package structure are assigned different mechanical properties. The first region (rigid portion) has high stiffness for protection, while the second region (flexible portion) has low stiffness for sensitivity, allowing local optimization of both protection and detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the chip is made more sensitive to detect small bending, then the measurement precision is improved, but the chip becomes more vulnerable to damage from excessive loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending detection sensitivityVSAvoidchip durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible portion of the package structure acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the chip. It transmits bending forces to the chip for detection while absorbing excessive loads, thereby protecting the chip from damage while maintaining sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible portion serves as a pre-configured cushioning element that protects the chip from excessive loads before they can cause damage. This allows the chip to operate at high sensitivity without being vulnerable to mechanical failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex package structure is used to provide both protection and differential deformation, then the functionality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifferential deformation capabilityVSAvoidpackage structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The package structure achieves differential deformation by changing the physical parameters (thickness, material properties) of different regions rather than using completely different structural configurations. This allows complex functionality to be achieved through parameter variation rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The package structure uses composite construction with different material properties in different regions (rigid and flexible portions). This allows the structure to exhibit both protection and differential deformation capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple overall form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

The sensor arrangement effectively measures mechanical stress and loads by utilizing a package structure that can deform differently, enhancing the sensitivity and durability of the chip, allowing for continuous monitoring of materials and detecting mechanical stress without damaging the sensor chip.

Implementation Method 1

a chip (402) including a sensor circuit (404) configured to detect a bending of the chip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain detection: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the package structure includes a first region (412) and a second region (414), and wherein the package structure is configured such that it is easier to be deformed in the first region (412) than in the second region (414)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS8729697B2Sensor arrangement, a measurement circuit, chip-packages and a method for forming a sensor arrangement
Publication Date: 2014.05.20 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • US8729697B2 patent drawing
  • US8729697B2 patent drawing
  • US8729697B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor arrangement is provided, the sensor arrangement including a chip including a sensor circuit configured to detect a bending of the chip; and a package structure configured to protect the chip; wherein the package structure includes a first region and a second region, and wherein the package structure is configured such that it is easier to be deformed in the first region than in the second region.