Removable TQCM Sensor Module for Consistent Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing devices with Thermoelectric Quartz Crystal Microbalances (TQCM) face challenges in maintaining consistent heating and cooling performance and facilitating maintenance due to complex device configurations and assembly errors.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device configuration that integrates a substrate, thermoelectric element unit, and support plate to form a removable sensing module unit, where the thermoelectric element unit is in contact with the substrate and supported by the support plate, which is secured to a base portion for heat supply and dissipation, reducing assembly errors and enhancing maintainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a TQCM with temperature control unit and oscillator circuit is used to improve measurement sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a sensor module (containing substrate, piezoelectric resonator, and thermoelectric element) and a base portion (containing oscillator circuit and temperature control unit). This segmentation allows the sensitive measurement components to be isolated in a removable module, improving measurement precision while keeping the main device configuration manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is extracted as a separate removable unit from the base portion. This extraction enables the sensitive piezoelectric resonator and thermoelectric element to be handled independently, reducing the complexity of the overall device configuration while maintaining high measurement sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If a complicated device configuration with temperature control unit is used to achieve high measurement sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a removable sensor module and a base portion, the complex temperature control components are separated from the sensitive measurement components. This allows maintenance personnel to easily remove and replace the sensor module without dealing with the complex oscillator circuit and temperature control unit, significantly improving ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module containing the piezoelectric resonator and thermoelectric element is extracted as a standalone removable unit. This extraction enables independent maintenance and replacement of the sensor module, eliminating the need to disassemble the complex temperature control system for routine maintenance.
3Ease of repair
If substrate, thermoelectric element unit, and support plate are integrated to form removable sensing module unit, then ease of repair is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate, thermoelectric element unit, and support plate are merged into a single integrated sensor module that can be removed as one unit. This merging simplifies maintenance operations while the patent addresses manufacturing precision through standardized mounting structures and alignment features built into the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor module serves multiple functions (holding the piezoelectric resonator, providing thermal contact, and enabling removable installation) within a single standardized unit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled, thereby reducing cumulative assembly errors while maintaining ease of repair.
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 minimizes variations in heating and cooling performance and simplifies maintenance by ensuring consistent adhesion and contact between the thermoelectric element and the substrate, facilitating easier replacement of components and reducing the impact of assembly errors.
Implementation Method 1
the thermoelectric element unit is in contact with the substrate to change the temperature of the piezoelectric resonator
Implementation Method 2
a sensing device that senses a substance to be sensed from a frequency change of a piezoelectric resonator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A sensing device (1) that senses a substance to be sensed as a gas by causing a piezoelectric resonator (4) to adsorb the substance to be sensed, includes: a substrate (50), a thermoelectric element unit (6), a support plate (10), and a base portion (2). A sensing module unit (100) in which a substrate (50), a thermoelectric element unit (6), and a support plate (10) are integrated is removably disposed to a base portion (2) that performs at least one of heat supply and heat dissipation to the thermoelectric element unit (6).