Thermoelectric Quartz Crystal Microbalance for Wide-Range Stable Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing sensors, such as Thermoelectric QCMs, face limitations in expanding the temperature range of the crystal unit and stabilizing oscillations, which hinders the detection of various substances effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensing sensor configuration that includes a base with a nickel-plated copper structure, Peltier elements, and a circuit board to efficiently control the temperature of the crystal unit, allowing for a temperature range from -80°C to 125°C, while minimizing heat transfer to the circuit board and enhancing oscillation stability by shortening the distance between the crystal unit and the oscillator circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lower limit of the temperature of the crystal unit is lowered to expand the changeable temperature range, then the detection versatility is improved, but the oscillation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control system into two independent Peltier elements: one dedicated to cooling the crystal unit and another dedicated to heating it. This segmentation allows independent optimization of cooling performance without compromising oscillation stability during heating operations, enabling extended temperature range while maintaining stable oscillation at operating temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature control parameters by implementing asymmetric temperature control limits (lower limit -80°C, upper limit 125°C) and using different Peltier elements for heating and cooling. This parameter optimization allows the crystal unit to operate stably within a specific temperature range while expanding the overall changeable temperature range for versatile detection.
2Reliability
If the distance between the crystal unit and the oscillator circuit is shortened to enhance oscillation stability, then the oscillation margin is improved, but the heat transfer to the circuit board increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat insulating member as an intermediary between the crystal unit and the circuit board. This intermediary blocks heat transfer to the circuit board while allowing the crystal unit to remain close to the oscillator circuit for stable oscillation. The heat insulating member selectively transmits or blocks thermal energy based on its positioning and material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing thermal insulation specifically at the location where heat transfer to the circuit board occurs, while maintaining close proximity for electrical connection and oscillation stability. The heat insulating member is positioned only between the crystal unit and circuit board, leaving other areas unaffected.
3Device complexity
If a single Peltier element is used for temperature control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control function into two separate Peltier elements: a first Peltier element for cooling and a second Peltier element for heating. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, achieving superior temperature control performance compared to a single-element system, while the overall complexity remains manageable through functional specialization.
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 configuration enables stable oscillation of the crystal unit, increases the oscillation margin, and allows for accurate detection of substances by expanding the temperature range, thereby improving the detection accuracy and efficiency of the sensing sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a first Peltier element and a second Peltier element that change a temperature of the crystal unit
Implementation Method 2
a base with a nickel-plated copper structure
Implementation Method 3
a piezoelectric resonator comprising a crystal unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A sensing sensor includes an oscillator circuit, a base, a connection portion, and a temperature changing unit. The oscillator circuit oscillates the piezoelectric resonator. The base includes a base main body in which a depressed portion is provided and a lid portion at one side, supports the piezoelectric resonator at another side, and is for taking the oscillation frequency to an outside of the sensing sensor. The depressed portion houses the oscillator circuit. The lid portion covers the depressed portion. The connection portion is disposed at the one side of the base and connected to a cooling mechanism for cooling the base from the one side. The temperature changing unit is interposed between the piezoelectric resonator and the base, so as to cool and heat the piezoelectric resonator and transfer a heat radiated for cooling the piezoelectric resonator from the other side of the base to the one side.