Design of ultrasonic transmitters with defined frequency characteristics for wireless pressure sensing in injection molding

This paper describes a new mechanical wireless data transmission technique using ultrasonic waves as the information carrier for on-line injection mold cavity pressure measurement. Ultrasonic transmitters with specific frequency characteristics were designed, modeled, simulated, and prototyped for pressure data retrieval from an enclosed machine environment, as well as for sensor identification in a sensor matrix configuration. The effects of the front layer and bonding layer of the transmitter on the overall sensor frequency characteristics were investigated, using an equivalent circuit model. The optimal layer thickness was determined for the design of transmitters with specific dominant resonant frequency and narrow bandwidth. Experimental results were in good agreement with the analysis, thus confirming the design approach.