Sensor Circuit Voltage Holding for Gas Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors using MEMS elements face challenges in improving characteristics, such as accuracy and downsizing, especially when multiple sensor sections are used, which can lead to differences in characteristics and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sensor design that includes a sensor section with a sensor element and a conductive member, and a circuit section with a first differential circuit, a voltage holding circuit, and switches, where the controller performs specific operations to hold and compare voltages, allowing for accurate detection of gas concentration and type using a single sensor section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor sections are used to improve detection capability, then detection accuracy may improve, but characteristics differences between sections increase and overall accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor into multiple sensor sections (first sensor section and second sensor section) with different sensor elements, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple gas types while maintaining individual section characteristics through dedicated circuit sections for each
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor section is assigned to detect specific target gases with different characteristics, and each has its own dedicated circuit section with customized parameters, enabling optimized detection for each gas type while maintaining overall system accuracy
2Volume of moving object
If sensor section size is reduced for downsizing, then device compactness improves, but detection accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor sections and their corresponding circuit sections into a compact stacked configuration where smaller sensor elements are combined with integrated circuits, achieving downsizing while maintaining detection accuracy through efficient space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple sensor elements with similar structures but optimized for different gas detections, allowing each to maintain high accuracy while being integrated into a compact overall device through shared circuit infrastructure
3Measurement precision
If sensor element sensitivity is increased for better detection, then detection capability improves, but sensor section characteristics differences increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes each sensor element's characteristics locally for its specific detection target, with each sensor section having customized parameters that maximize its detection capability for particular gases while maintaining stability through dedicated circuit sections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts operational parameters such as heating temperatures and voltage levels for each sensor section to optimize detection sensitivity for specific gas types while maintaining characteristic stability through controlled parameter variations
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a sensor section and a circuit section. The sensor section includes an element portion including a sensor element and a conductive member. The circuit section includes a first differential circuit, a voltage holding circuit, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a controller. The controller is configured to perform a first operation and a second operation. In the first operation, the controller is configured to set the third switch to a third connected state, to set the first switch to a first connected state, and to set the second switch to a second disconnected state. In the second operation, the controller is configured to set the third switch to a third disconnected state, to set the first switch to a first disconnected state, and to set the second switch to a second connected state.