Strain Gauge Sensors with Temperature Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strain gauge sensors in fluid ejection systems, such as inkjet printing, face challenges in accurately measuring strain due to varying temperatures, as temperature changes can overwhelm the stress signals and result in unusable data.
Innovation Solution
Integration of strain gauge sensors with co-located temperature sensors within the die, which sense and compensate for temperature components of the strain, using piezoresistive sensor elements and various temperature sensing technologies like diodes, thermistors, or thermocouples, to provide accurate temperature-compensated strain measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauge sensors are used to measure stress in fluid ejection systems, then stress measurement capability is provided, but temperature variations cause inaccurate measurements by overwhelming stress signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines strain gauge sensors with temperature sensors into an integrated sensing system. The temperature sensor measures temperature at the same location as the strain gauge, and the controller uses this temperature information to compensate for temperature-induced measurement errors, thereby maintaining strain measurement accuracy despite temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring temperature through the temperature sensor and using this information to adjust the strain gauge readings. The controller receives temperature data and applies compensation algorithms to correct the strain measurements, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to temperature changes.
2Reliability
If temperature sensors are integrated with strain gauge sensors, then temperature compensation capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the strain gauge sensor and temperature sensor into a single integrated sensing unit or closely coupled system. This integration allows both sensors to share the same mounting location, signal processing circuitry, and housing, which reduces overall system complexity despite adding temperature compensation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor system performs multiple functions: the strain gauge measures mechanical stress while the temperature sensor simultaneously measures temperature. Both measurements are processed by a single controller that provides both raw data output and temperature-compensated strain data, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate processing systems.
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 solution enables precise monitoring of stress in fluid ejection systems by isolating and compensating for temperature effects, ensuring reliable diagnostics and operational control, even under varying temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one strain gauge sensor senses the strain within the die at the location of the at least one strain gauge sensor
Implementation Method 2
The die also includes at least one temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the die at the location of the at least one strain gauge sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A die may include a plurality of fluid pumps, at least one strain gauge sensor to sense a strain in the die, and at least one temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the die to compensate for a temperature component of the sensed strain.