Sensor Substrate Multilayer Wiring Heat Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing sensor substrates for exhaust gas sensors, particularly those used in internal combustion engines, face limitations in heat generation due to high electrical resistivity heaters, leading to insufficient decomposition of detection target substances and degraded detection accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The sensor substrate incorporates a multilayer wiring configuration in the resistance wiring, reducing electrical resistivity, allowing the heating electrode to generate heat without increasing the applied voltage, thereby improving the decomposition of detection target substances and enhancing detection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heater with high electrical resistivity is used, then the heater can operate at lower voltage, but heat generation becomes insufficient leading to poor decomposition of detection target substance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat generationVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resistance wiring is divided into multiple layers (first layer and second layer) with the heater winding formed in the second layer. This segmentation allows the wiring to achieve lower overall electrical resistivity through parallel conduction paths while maintaining the heater's high resistivity characteristics for efficient heat generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-layer wiring structure to a multilayer wiring structure. The resistance wiring is configured across multiple layers (first layer and second layer) of the insulating substrate, adding a vertical dimension to the electrical conduction paths. This dimensional change reduces electrical resistivity by providing multiple parallel conduction routes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If high voltage is applied to increase heat generation, then decomposition of detection target substance improves, but voltage limitations in exhaust gas sensors prevent this approach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat generation capabilityVSAvoidvoltage compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical resistivity parameter of the resistance wiring by implementing a multilayer structure. By reducing the wiring's electrical resistivity through the multilayer configuration, the system can achieve the same power dissipation (heat generation) at lower voltage levels, making it compatible with standard exhaust gas sensor voltage limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multilayer wiring is implemented, then electrical resistivity of resistance wiring is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat generation efficiencyVSAvoidwiring structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating substrate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, electrical insulation, and houses the multilayer wiring structure. The first and second layers of wiring are integrated into the substrate structure, allowing the substrate to simultaneously perform structural and electrical functions, thereby managing complexity through multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach enables effective heat generation and improved detection accuracy by reducing the electrical resistivity in the resistance wiring, ensuring efficient decomposition of substances adhering to the detection electrode without increasing the voltage, thus enhancing the overall performance of the sensor substrate.

Implementation Method 1

the heater has to generate heat well... it is necessary to cause the heater to generate heat while a high voltage is applied to resistance wiring including the heater

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3330702B1Sensor substrate and sensor device
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3330702B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3330702B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3330702B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A sensor substrate 1 according to the present invention includes an insulating substrate, a detection electrode on a principal surface of the insulating substrate, and resistance wiring including a heating electrode in the insulating substrate. The resistance wiring includes a multilayer wiring portion which is connected to the heating electrode and in which wires and other wires are connected in parallel.