Patent ID: 8220326
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: G01F

Abstract:
1. A flow element comprising: a sensor device containing a cavity formed by partially removing a backside of a planar semiconductor substrate and a thin film laid over the cavity, the thin film on which a thermo-sensitive resistor that detects a flow volume of a subject fluid is formed, a support member containing an engaging portion to which the sensor device is engaged and is placed at a passage through which the subject fluid circulates, wherein: an underflow inhibitor that prevents the subject fluid from flowing into the cavity from an upstream side is filled into a gap formed between the sensor device and the engaging portion, the gap has a pooling portion configured to hold a portion of the underflow inhibitor, the pooling portion includes a groove extending downwards into the support member and formed at a bottom of the engaging portion or a portion of the gap wider than a remainder of the gap.