Straight-Line Pressure Sensor Passage for Airbag Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensors in pedestrian airbag systems face issues with flow path clogging and delayed pressure change transmission due to non-linear flow paths and external contamination, leading to reduced operational reliability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor design featuring a main body housing with a straight communicating passage and a discharge path to maintain atmospheric pressure, including an inflow orifice for rapid fluid flow and a membrane to prevent external contaminants, ensuring the substrate is isolated and pressure changes are transmitted efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the flow path in the pressure sensor is not formed in a straight line, then the pressure sensor can accommodate internal components, but flow clogging occurs in many portions of the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into distinct functional zones: a straight communicating passage for pressure transmission and a separate discharge path for venting. This segmentation allows the pressure transmission path to remain straight and clogging-free while accommodating internal components in the discharge path area.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge path is extracted from the main flow path and positioned separately. This extraction removes the venting function from the pressure transmission path, allowing the communicating passage to be straight and minimizing clogging risks in the pressure transmission zone.
2Device complexity
If the communicating passage between the tube and sensing element is not formed in a straight line, then the pressure sensor structure can be compact, but pressure change transmission is delayed due to flow loss
Solution Approach 1:
The passage is segmented into a straight communicating passage for rapid pressure transmission and a separate discharge path for venting. This segmentation ensures the pressure transmission path is as short and straight as possible, minimizing flow loss and transmission delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The communicating passage is designed as a straight line rather than curved paths, reducing flow resistance and minimizing the distance for pressure transmission. The straight geometry eliminates unnecessary curvature that would cause flow loss and delay.
3Device complexity
If the substrate is not completely isolated from the outside, then the pressure sensor can be simpler in construction, but external contamination affects operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A seal in the form of a thin film or flexible barrier is used to isolate the substrate from the outside environment. This seal maintains operational reliability by preventing contamination while allowing the construction to remain relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the substrate. This intermediary element protects the substrate from contamination while maintaining the necessary structural simplicity of the pressure sensor.
4Device complexity
If the vent flow path is not separated from the inside of the pressure sensor, then the construction can be simpler, but the vent flow path may clog and cause breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The vent flow path is segmented and separated from the internal pressure transmission path. This separation allows the vent path to be simpler in construction while reducing the risk of clogging that would cause breakdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent flow path is extracted from the internal structure and positioned as a separate discharge path. This extraction minimizes the risk of clogging in the vent path while maintaining construction simplicity.
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 enhances operational reliability by preventing external contamination, maintaining atmospheric pressure, and ensuring rapid pressure change transmission with minimal loss, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the pressure sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane provided in the outlet and configured to block delivering of foreign substances such as water, dust, or the like into the discharge path and to pass only air
Implementation Method 2
a discharge path communicating with both the communicating passage and the outside of the pressure sensor and configured to allow pressure in a tube connected to the communicating passage to be maintained at atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 3
An inflow orifice may be provided at the downstream side of the communicating passage so that fluid rapidly may flow into the sensing element
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensor with a communicating passage in a straight line. The pressure sensor includes a main body housing having an inner space and having a connector part provided for connection with an outside thereof. In the main body housing, the first end of a terminal is located in the inner space and the second end thereof is located in the connector part. A substrate is provided in the inner space of the main body housing and on which a sensing element is mounted, a cover housing coupled to the main body housing and comprising a seal configured to be in close contact with the main body housing and with edges of one surface of the sensing element. A communicating passage communicates with the inner space in a straight line, and thus communicates with one surface of the sensing element at a downstream side thereof.