Sensor Arrangement Self-Testing via Thermal Acoustic Transduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for cost-effective and reliable methods to determine the operational status and calibration of sensors capturing ambient parameters, such as gases, without requiring external sound sources, especially in applications like mobile devices, home automation, and the automotive sector, where air quality monitoring is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement comprising a pressure transducer, a heating element, and a processing device that induces a defined temperature change in a fluid, causing a pressure change, allowing for the determination of functional parameters of the pressure transducer using the signal curve obtained, without needing additional external sound sources, utilizing the internal thermal source as a thermo-acoustic transducer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external sound sources are used for sensor testing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement uses its own heating element to generate the temperature changes required for testing, eliminating the need for external sound sources or separate testing equipment. The heating element serves dual purposes: normal operation and self-testing, allowing the system to test itself without additional external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is designed to serve multiple functions: it operates as a normal heating component during regular device operation and simultaneously functions as an acoustic test source for sensor calibration and testing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate testing equipment.
2Measurement precision
If external sound sources are used for sensor testing, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-testing using its existing heating element, eliminating the need to manufacture and integrate separate external sound sources or testing equipment. This self-service approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and utilizes the heating element's capability to generate acoustic waves for testing purposes, removing the need for separate external testing equipment. By taking out and repurposing an existing component, the solution reduces overall system cost.
3Device complexity
If the heating element is used to produce temperature changes for testing, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The processing device monitors the temperature changes produced by the heating element and uses this feedback information to accurately determine the acoustic signal characteristics. By measuring the actual temperature change and using it to interpret the sensor response, the system maintains precision without requiring complex external control equipment.
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 method enables in-situ testing and calibration of sensors, reducing outlay and ensuring reliable operation by using the internal thermal source to produce acoustic pressure changes, allowing for the determination of sensitivity and other system properties, and comparison to setpoint values for calibration.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element 150 that is embodied to bring about a defined temperature change ΔT of the fluid F situated in the volume region, wherein the temperature change ΔT of the fluid F brings about a pressure change ΔP in the volume region 130
Implementation Method 2
a pressure transducer 110 with a fluid connection to a volume region 130 having a fluid F, wherein the pressure transducer 110 is embodied, in response to a pressure change ΔP in the volume region 130, to output a pressure signal SP
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a sensor arrangement includes a pressure transducer configured to be in fluid connection with a volume region having a fluid, where the pressure transducer is configured to output a pressure signal in response to a pressure change in the volume region, the pressure signal comprising a signal curve that depends on the pressure change; a heating element configured to provide a defined temperature change of the fluid situated in the volume region, wherein the defined temperature change of the fluid brings about a corresponding pressure change in the volume region; and a processing device configured to ascertain a current functional parameter of the pressure transducer based on the signal curve of the pressure signal obtained in the volume region due to the defined temperature change provided by the heating element.