Waterproof Barometric Sensor Membrane Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with sensing elements are vulnerable to damage from liquid contaminants, such as water, which can cause short circuits and harm the processor circuit.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor with a waterproof membrane that bends in response to pressure changes, using a detection mechanism like a strain gauge or light emitter/receiver to provide an electrical or optical output, and is hermetically sealed within a can to prevent liquid ingress, allowing the device to accurately determine pressure while shielding internal components from water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensing elements are exposed to detect pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but liquid contaminants can cause short circuits and damage the processor circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into two functional segments: a first sensor portion (membrane) that contacts the liquid for pressure detection, and a second sensor portion (detection mechanism and circuit) that remains protected from liquid exposure. This segmentation allows the sensing function to maintain precision while the electronic components are shielded from liquid contaminants that would cause short circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
A membrane serves as an intermediary element between the liquid environment and the detection mechanism. The membrane transmits pressure information from the liquid to the detection mechanism without requiring direct contact between the liquid and the electronic components, thus enabling accurate pressure measurement while preventing liquid ingress that would damage the circuit.
2Reliability
If a membrane is added to prevent liquid ingress, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is used as the protective barrier against liquid ingress. The membrane is secured to the enclosure and transmits pressure changes while preventing liquid contact with internal components. This thin-film approach provides effective liquid protection without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the sensor design.
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 effectively prevents liquid damage and accurately measures pressure changes, enabling the electronic device to determine elevation and activity levels while maintaining operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane that bends in response to the pressure
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may further include a detection mechanism secured with the membrane. The sensor may further include a circuit electrically coupled with the detection mechanism
Implementation Method 3
The sensor may further include a light emitter configured to emit light in a direction toward the membrane
Implementation Method 4
a light receiver configured to receive the light from the light emitter that is reflected from the membrane to a location of the light receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device having a pressure detection system is disclosed. The electronic device may include one or more elements designed to detect pressure exerted on the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a membrane and a detection mechanism, both of which bend in response to a pressure change at the membrane. The membrane may be electrically coupled with a circuit that detects the bending of the membrane and correlates the bending with a pressure change at the membrane. A can may be hermetically sealed with the membrane and surround the circuit to shield the circuit from liquid ingress. In some embodiments, a light transmitter and light receiver are used to detect the bending of the membrane. The light may reflect from the membrane at different angles, based upon a shape of the membrane, and contact the receiving element at different locations, corresponding to pressure change.