Spring-Biased Seal Plate Pressure Sensor for Agricultural Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure sensing systems for fluid-driven actuators in agricultural implements inaccurately estimate pressure differentials between fluid sources, leading to incorrect measurements due to unreliable pressure estimates in one of the chambers.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor with a spring-biased seal plate that detects pressure differentials by sliding within a cavity, using a sensing element to measure the position of the seal plate relative to the sensor body, with springs compressing on either side to bias the seal plate, allowing accurate detection of pressure differences between fluid sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor uses a spring-biased seal plate design, then measurement precision of pressure differential is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into distinct functional segments: a seal plate that separates first and second chambers, springs positioned in each chamber that independently bias the seal plate, and a sensing element that detects seal plate position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling accurate pressure differential measurement while maintaining a manageable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs springs in both chambers that exert opposing forces on the seal plate, creating a balanced system. The first spring biases the seal plate from the first chamber side while the second spring biases from the second chamber side. This counterbalancing mechanism allows the seal plate position to directly reflect the pressure differential between chambers, improving measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If current sensing systems use estimated pressure for rod-side chamber, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal plate serves as an intermediary mechanical element that physically responds to the pressure differential between the two chambers. Instead of using electronic estimation or separate pressure sensors, the seal plate's position directly translates the pressure difference into a measurable physical displacement, providing accurate measurement without requiring complex estimation algorithms or additional sensing components.
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 solution provides accurate measurement of pressure differentials between fluid sources, improving the control of down force on ground-engaging tools by eliminating inaccuracies in pressure estimation, thus enhancing the precision and reliability of fluid-driven actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring positioned within the first chamber, where the first spring may be compressed between a first side of the seal plate and the sensing element
Implementation Method 2
the first spring may be compressed between a first side of the seal plate and the sensing element
Implementation Method 3
a second spring positioned within the second chamber, where the second spring being compressed between a second side of the seal plate and the sensor body
Implementation Method 4
the second spring being compressed between a second side of the seal plate and the sensor body
Implementation Method 5
The sensing element may be configured to detect a position of the seal plate relative to the sensor body. The position of the seal plate may be indicative of the pressure differential between the first and second fluid sources
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure differential between first and second fluid sources may include sensor body defining a cavity and a seal plate slidably positioned within the cavity. The seal plate may define first and second chambers within the cavity, which may respectively be in fluid communication with the first and second fluid sources. The sensor may also include a sensing element configured to detect a position of the seal plate relative to the sensor body, which may be indicative of the pressure differential between the first and second fluid sources. The sensor may further include a first spring positioned within the first chamber and compressed between a first side of the seal plate and the sensing element. Additionally, the sensor may include a second spring positioned within the second chamber and compressed between a second side of the seal plate and the sensor body.