Wireless Pressure Sensor Using Diode Frequency Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensors used in aircraft engines face challenges in operating effectively at elevated temperatures and are often expensive and difficult to package, with limitations in placement due to fiber connections.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor assembly comprising a first and second receive antenna array operating in different frequency bands, coupled with a diode to produce a difference frequency signal, and a transmit antenna array, disposed on a substrate with cavities and vent channels, allowing for wireless operation and temperature resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing microphones with internal electronics are used, then signal processing capability is improved, but temperature resistance deteriorates due to inability to operate at elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic signal processing components with a mechanical/acoustic resonance-based sensing mechanism. The microphone uses a resonant cavity and diaphragm structure that naturally responds to sound pressure changes without requiring electronic amplification or processing, enabling operation in high-temperature environments where electronics would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone design allows the acoustic structure itself to perform the sensing function without external electronic assistance. The resonant cavity and diaphragm automatically convert sound pressure into measurable mechanical displacement, eliminating the need for temperature-sensitive electronic signal processing components.
2Temperature
If optical-based microphones are used, then temperature resistance is improved, but device complexity and packaging difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical components with a simple mechanical acoustic resonance system. Instead of using optical fibers, lasers, or photodetectors that require precise alignment and complex packaging, the invention uses a diaphragm and resonant cavity that can be directly mounted in the engine environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone design integrates multiple functions into a single compact mechanical structure. The diaphragm serves as both the sensing element and the acoustic interface, while the resonant cavity provides both acoustic amplification and structural support, eliminating the need for separate optical components and simplifying packaging.
3Temperature
If optical-based microphones with fiber connections are used, then temperature resistance is improved, but placement flexibility deteriorates due to limited placement areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fiber optic connection requirement entirely by using a direct mechanical sensing approach. The microphone can be directly mounted to engine components without needing fiber optic cables, allowing placement in locations that were previously inaccessible to fiber-connected sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm in the microphone design can be made from flexible materials that can conform to various mounting surfaces and engine geometries. This flexibility allows the sensor to be placed in tight or irregular spaces within the engine where rigid fiber optic connections would not fit.
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 enables efficient detection of pressure levels in harsh environments, such as aircraft engines, with improved temperature resistance and cost-effectiveness, while minimizing power loss and allowing for flexible placement.
Implementation Method 1
A diode is coupled to both the first receive antenna array and the second receive antenna array. The diode is configured to receive the first signal at the first frequency and the second signal at the second frequency and output a third signal at a third frequency that is a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency.
Implementation Method 2
A pressure sensor assembly including a first receive antenna array configured to receive a first signal at a first frequency, and a second receive antenna array configured to receive a second signal at a second frequency that differs from the first frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensing method includes providing a first receive antenna array that receives a first signal at a first frequency, providing a second receive antenna array that receives a second signal at a second frequency that differs from the first frequency, coupling a diode to the first receive antenna array and the second receive antenna array, coupling a transmit antenna array to the diode, receiving, by the diode, the first signal at the first frequency and the second signal at the second frequency, outputting, by the diode, a third signal at a third frequency that is a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency, receiving, by the transmit antenna array from the diode, the third signal at the third frequency, and outputting, by the transmit antenna array, the third signal at the third frequency.