Ambient Temperature Sensor Module With Upstream Fan Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor modules for measuring ambient temperature, particularly in vehicles, face challenges in achieving efficient manufacturing and a simple, compact design while ensuring accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module design featuring a housing with a flow channel, a printed circuit board, a sensor to measure air flow parameters, a terminal for electrical connection, and a fan that generates an air flow past the sensor, with the sensor positioned upstream of the fan to avoid heating from the fan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is arranged downstream of the fan, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates because the fan heats the air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the sensor upstream of the fan instead of downstream. This inversion ensures that the sensor measures the ambient air temperature before it is heated by the fan, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while still allowing for simple manufacturing processes.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is arranged upstream of the fan, then the temperature measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor and fan into a single integrated housing structure with a common air inlet. The sensor is positioned upstream within the same housing that contains the fan, eliminating the need for separate enclosures and reducing overall structural complexity despite the upstream positioning of the sensor.
3Measurement precision
If the air flow angle is perpendicular to the axis of rotation (90°), then the measurement accuracy improves, but the fan design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific flow channel geometry within the housing that guides the air flow at a predetermined angle (preferably 90°) to the axis of rotation. This localized flow guidance ensures accurate air flow direction for sensor measurement while keeping the fan design itself relatively simple, as the angle control is achieved through the housing structure rather than complex fan modifications.
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 design allows for efficient manufacturing, a compact and simple structure, and more accurate temperature measurements by ensuring that ambient air is not heated by the fan.
Implementation Method 1
a fan (6) which comprises a motor (60) and a rotor (61) that can be rotated about an axis of rotation (z) by means of the motor (60)... and the fan (6) being designed to generate an air flow (L) in the flow channel (23) between the air inlet (21) and the air outlet (22)
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor (3) which is arranged on the printed circuit board (4) and is designed to measure at least one measurand of an air flow (L) which is guided past the sensor (3)... a temperature of the air flow passing the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor module (1) for measuring at least one measurand, comprising: a housing (2) having a flow duct (23) with an air inlet (21) and an air outlet (22), the housing (2) enclosing an interior (20) of the housing (2); a circuit board (4) arranged in the interior (20); at least one sensor (3) which is arranged on the circuit board (4) and is designed to measure at least one measurand of an air flow (L) conducted past the sensor (3); a terminal (5) arranged on the circuit board (4) for making electrical contact with the sensor module (1); and a fan (6), which has a motor (60) and a rotor (61) which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (z) by means of the motor (60), the motor (60) being electrically conductively connected to the circuit board (4), and the fan (6) being designed to generate an air flow (L) in the flow duct (23) between the air inlet (21) and the air outlet (22) such that the air flow (L) flows past the sensor (3) and, in the region of the air inlet (21), flows in a flow direction (x) which runs at an angle (V) in the range of 45° to 90° to the axis of rotation (z).