System for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device and method for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device

Abstract

system for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device and method for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device. The present invention relates to a system (1) for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device (d), wherein the device (d) comprises a circuit having at least one circuit board having a plurality of electrical or electronic components installed on its surface (s) and a free surface portion (sf) not occupied by the electronic components, the system (1) comprising: a moisture sensor (2) adapted to measure an instantaneous condensation moisture value (ul) in the electronic circuit of the device (d); an electronic control unit (3) operatively associated with a memory unit (4) in which at least one first threshold moisture value (ua1) is stored;wherein the electronic control unit (3) is configured to emit a pre-alarm or an alarm when the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) exceeds the first threshold value (ua1); the humidity sensor (2) comprising two or more conductive tracks (p) configured to form an equivalent capacitive circuit and distributed over the free surface portion (sf) of the circuit board.;

Description

1 / 12 “SYSTEM FOR DETECTING CONDENSATION MOISTURE AND / OR IMPURITIES IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR "Detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device" Technical field

[001] The present invention relates generally to moisture detection and particularly relates to a system for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device.

[002] The invention also relates to a method for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device. Background of the Invention

[003] It has long been known that electronic equipment is highly sensitive to moisture resulting, for example, from incorrect installation of an electronic device or from neglected maintenance.

[004] Generally, excessive amounts of condensation moisture or impurities in the electronic circuits of a device, even with a supply voltage as low as a few tens of volts, can lead to failure of the power and / or signal components of the device's circuit board.

[005] Typically, protection against condensation of moisture and impurities is provided by applying special paints or resins to waterproof highly moisture-sensitive components of the circuit board.

[006] However, this type of application is not capable of protecting the contact points of the power supply, which must necessarily remain exposed, or the solder pins of the interconnections with other circuits or wiring, as paints and resins rise up their surfaces by capillary action, thus covering and insulating the connection points. Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 15 / 47 2 / 12

[007] In an attempt to at least partially avoid this disadvantage, the electronic device to be protected is installed in highly electrically insulated enclosures, typically with IP55 or IP56 and preferably using watertight enclosures with IP67 or IP68 insulation.

[008] However, the solutions discussed above are highly expensive and often do not provide complete and lasting protection, for example, in the case of incorrect installation, such as improper tightening of the glands or the presence of aggressive or corrosive agents in the environment that affect the condition of the seals over time.

[009] In an attempt to at least partially avoid these disadvantages, systems have been developed that have at least one humidity sensor associated with an electronic control unit equipped with a memory unit, and that are designed to measure humidity in order to predict mechanical failures of the electronic device to be protected.

[010] Document WO 2012172048 discloses a system for monitoring humidity inside an inverter. The system comprises an inverter that has a humidity sensor located inside its enclosure, a microcontroller connected to the humidity sensor, and a heating element connected to the microcontroller.

[011] The humidity sensor is of the conventional type and comprises a dielectric and a pair of armatures adapted to form a capacitive circuit whose capacitance varies with humidity. When the sensor detects a humidity value above a predetermined threshold value, the microcontroller turns on the heating element to decrease the humidity value inside the inverter.

[012] A first disadvantage of this known solution is that the provision of the heating element provides an automatic decrease in Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 16 / 47 3 / 12 Moisture inside the inverter without warning the user that there is a moisture accumulation problem.

[013] As a result, a user can only verify the presence of excessive moisture caused by incorrect installation of the electronic device or neglected by periodic checks on the electronic device.

[014] A second disadvantage of this known solution is that the humidity sensor detects the presence of moisture only in the area where it is installed and the electronic device requires a large number of sensors to protect the entire electronic device.

[015] Another disadvantage is that the moisture sensor only detects the presence of moisture and not the presence of other potentially conductive agents, such as oils and environmental impurities.

[016] Another serious disadvantage of this known solution is that it allows the detection of the humidity level, but not the condensation humidity in the electrical circuit of the electronic device to be protected. This is because condensation humidity, also known as dew point, depends on many factors, such as temperature and pressure, and not just the humidity level.

[017] Consequently, there is a need to develop a system and a method to detect condensation moisture right at the beginning, that is, with the first signs of aggregation and not limited to water vapor. Technical Problem

[018] In light of the state of the art, the technical problem addressed by the present invention is to enable intelligent detection of any condensation moisture anomaly in an electronic device and to provide indication of abnormal operation and malfunction, avoiding false alarms and providing preventive maintenance. Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 17 / 47 4 / 12 Description of the Invention

[019] The objective of the present invention is to avoid the disadvantage discussed above by providing a system and a method for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device that are highly efficient and economical.

[020] A particular objective of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for detecting moisture and / or impurities as described above, which avoids false alarms.

[021] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for detecting conductive impurities not limited to water vapor.

[022] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for detecting moisture and / or impurities as described above that can recognize excessive moisture and conductive impurities resulting from incorrect installation of the electronic device or from neglected maintenance.

[023] An additional objective of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for detecting moisture and / or impurities as described above that can identify a pre-alarm threshold and a stop threshold to stop condensation moisture incompatible with the electronic circuits of the device.

[024] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for detecting the presence of moisture and / or impurities as described above that enables the installation of moisture sensors in strategic locations of the electronic device to detect the moisture of the microenvironment and react to the first signs of aggregation.

[025] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for detecting moisture and / or impurities as described. Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 18 / 47 5 / 12 above that allows the installation of sensors across the entire usable surface of the PCB, to detect microenvironmental humidity and react to the first signs of clumping.

[026] These and other objectives, as explained more clearly below, are met by a system for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device as defined in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a circuit having at least one circuit board having a plurality of electrical or electronic components installed on its surface and a free surface portion not occupied by electronic components.

[027] The invention system comprises a humidity sensor for measuring the instantaneous condensation humidity value in the device's electronic circuit and an electronic control unit operatively associated with a memory unit that stores at least one first humidity threshold value.

[028] The electronic control unit is configured to issue a pre-alarm or an alarm when the instantaneous condensation humidity value exceeds the first threshold value.

[029] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the humidity sensor comprises two or more conductive tracks configured to form an equivalent capacitive circuit and arranged on the free surface portion of the circuit board.

[030] In addition, the humidity sensor comprises two or more conductive tracks configured to form a capacitive circuit and arranged on most of the free surface portion of the circuit board.

[031] This combination of features provides greater sensitivity in detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities from the first signs of aggregation, maximizing the extent of its tracks. Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 19 / 47 6 / 12 conductors in the free surface portion of the device's circuit board.

[032] The invention also relates to a method for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device, indicating that predetermined moisture thresholds, incompatible with the device's electronic circuit, have been exceeded, as defined in claim 8.

[033] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are as defined in the dependent claims. Brief Description of the Figures

[034] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a system and a method for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device, which are described as a non-limiting example with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a schematic view of the system of the invention; Figure 1B is a schematic view of the system of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a detail of the system in Figure 1B; and Figure 3 is a block diagram of the inventive method. Detailed Description of a Preferred Exemplary Embodiment

[035] Referring particularly to the figures, a system (1) for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device (D) is shown, as best shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

[036] As used herein, “electronic device” refers to any device that has an electronic circuit with power and / or signal elements, such as an inverter, a power or signal driver, or a similar device. Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 20 / 47 7 / 12

[037] As is well known, the electronic device (D) comprises an electronic circuit having at least one circuit board having a plurality of electrical or electronic components installed on its surface (S) and a free surface portion (Sf) not occupied by such electronic components, as best shown in Figure 1A.

[038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system (1) comprises a humidity sensor (2) for measuring the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) in the electronic circuit of the device (D) and an electronic control unit (3) operatively associated with a memory unit (4) that stores at least one first humidity threshold value (uai).

[039] Preferably, the humidity sensor (2), the electronic control unit (3) and the memory unit (4) may be incorporated into the circuit board of the electronic device (D).

[040] Alternatively, the humidity sensor (2) may be incorporated into the circuit board of the electronic device (D) and the electronic control unit (3) and the memory unit (4) may be independent of the circuit board and installed in an enclosure of the electronic device (D), provided that they are directly connected to it.

[041] Advantageously, the electronic control unit (3) is configured to issue a pre-alarm when the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul), as measured by the humidity sensor (2), exceeds the first threshold value (uai).

[042] In addition, the memory unit (4) stores at least one second reference humidity value (ua2) which is greater than the first reference humidity value (uai) and therefore the electronic control unit (3) is set to issue an alarm if the measured instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) exceeds the second value. Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, p. 21 / 47 8 / 12 reference humidity (ua2).

[043] As used herein, “pre-alarm” refers to a warning intended to prevent downtime and useful for prompting a check of the electronic device (D) by personnel.

[044] According to a peculiar aspect of the invention, the humidity sensor (2) comprises two or more conductive tracks (P) arranged on the free surface portion (Sf) of the circuit board and configured to form a capacitive circuit, as best shown in Figure 1B.

[045] This will allow detecting condensation moisture or impurities from the first signs of aggregation and without implementing individual moisture sensors, but maximizing the extent of conductive traces on the free surface portion of the device circuit board (D).

[046] Therefore, the device circuit board (D) can be considered as a single moisture and / or impurity sensor because its two or more conductive traces (P) are arranged whenever possible on the free surface portion (Sf).

[047] Furthermore, the particular configuration of the capacitive equivalent circuit allows the detection of both moisture and other potentially conductive agents, such as oils and environmental impurities.

[048] Specifically, the conductive traces (P) are supplied with AC voltage at a predetermined frequency, which may change over time or be fixed and selectively configurable.

[049] In addition, the conductive tracks (P) have time-varying capacitance and potential difference values ​​that can be measured by the electronic control unit (3) in order to be able to issue the pre-alarm or alarm.

[050] It is clear that the system (1) comprises filters and amplification circuits suitable for filtering and / or amplifying the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) as measured by the humidity sensor (2), Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 22 / 47 9 / 12 as best shown in Figure 2.

[051] In another aspect, the invention provides a method, as shown schematically in Figure 3, for detecting condensation moisture and / or impurities in an electronic device (D), indicating that predetermined moisture thresholds incompatible with the electronic circuit of the device (D) have been exceeded, wherein the device (D) comprises a circuit having at least one circuit board having a plurality of electrical or electronic components installed on its surface (S) and a free surface portion (Sf) not occupied by electronic components.

[052] The method includes a first step of a) providing at least one humidity sensor (2) operationally associable with an electronic control unit (3) equipped with a memory unit (4), as shown in Figure 2.

[053] Step a) is followed by a step of b) predetermining and storing at least one first humidity threshold value (uai) in the memory unit (4) and a step of c) activating the electronic device (D) and the electronic control unit (3).

[054] The next step is a step of d) measuring the instantaneous condensation humidity (ul) in the electronic circuit of the device (D) by the sensor (2).

[055] This is followed by a step of e) issuing a pre-alarm or alarm signal by the electronic control unit (3) when the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) exceeds the first humidity threshold value (uai).

[056] Advantageously, emission step e) comprises a step e1) emitting a pre-alarm when the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) as measured in step d) exceeds the first humidity threshold value (uai), and a step e2) emitting an alarm when the humidity value Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 23 / 47 10 / 12 of instantaneous condensation (ul) as measured in step d) exceeds a second threshold humidity value (ua2) that is greater than the first reference humidity value (uai).

[057] It will be appreciated that the method described so far is capable of calibrating the monitored system in the specific application. That is, it can verify whether the instantaneous humidity (ul) measured during step d) is greater than that which was predicted and stored in step b).

[058] In particular, storage step b) is associated with a step b1) to predetermine a maximum persistence time (tA) of the instantaneous condensation humidity (ul).

[059] Thus, a step is provided of f) stopping the electronic device (D) when the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) as measured in step d) exceeds a second humidity threshold value (ua2) for a persistence time that exceeds the maximum persistence time value (tA).

[060] Therefore, if the instantaneous humidity value (ul) exceeds the second humidity threshold value (ua2) and if its persistence time (tL) exceeds the maximum persistence time value (tA), then the electronic control unit (3) stops the electronic device (D).

[061] Furthermore, if the instantaneous moisture value (ul) exceeds the second moisture threshold value (ua2) for a persistence time (tL) that exceeds the maximum persistence time (tA), even if the instantaneous moisture value (ul) is within the range that can be determined by the relationship uai < ul < ua2, an alarm signal is maintained until the condensate is removed or evaporated and a reset is performed by maintenance personnel.

[062] By this arrangement, the method described above provides preventive maintenance before any disastrous buildup of condensation moisture can permanently damage or compromise operation. Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 24 / 47 11 / 12 of the electronic device (D).

[063] Advantageously, a computer program is installed in the control unit (2) comprising program codes adapted to perform steps c)-f) of the method.

[064] It will be appreciated that the method of the invention can recognize the presence of excessive moisture detrimental to the electronic circuits of the device (D), which may be caused by incorrect installation and neglected maintenance of the electronic device (D) or by difficult to predict or totally unpredictable external environmental phenomena.

[065] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the method and system for detecting moisture in an electronic device according to the invention meet the intended objectives and, in particular, allow the indication of any abnormal operation and malfunction, avoiding false alarms and providing preventive maintenance.

[066] The system and method of the invention are susceptible to a number of alterations or variants, within the inventive concept disclosed in the appended claims.

[067] Although the system and method have been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numbers referred to in the disclosure and claims are used only for a better understanding of the invention and should not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any way.

[068] The reference here to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” or “some embodiments” indicates that a specific feature, structure or member being described is included in at least one embodiment of the inventive object.

[069] Furthermore, specific features, structures or members may be combined in any suitable manner to provide one or more embodiments. Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 25 / 47 12 / 12 Industrial Applicability

[070] The present invention may have application in industry, as it can be produced on an industrial scale in factories that manufacture electronic control devices. Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 26 / 47

Claims

1 / 3 Claims 1. SYSTEM (1) FOR DETECTING CONDENSATION MOISTURE AND / OR IMPURITIES IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE (D), wherein the device (D) comprises a circuit having at least one circuit board having a plurality of electrical or electronic components installed on its surface (S) and a free surface portion (Sf) not occupied by the electronic components, the system (1) comprising: - a moisture sensor (2) adapted to measure an instantaneous condensation moisture value (ul) in the electronic circuit of the device (D), the moisture sensor (2) comprising two or more conductive tracks (P) configured to form an equivalent capacitive circuit; - an electronic control unit (3) operatively associated with a memory unit (4) in which at least one first threshold moisture value (uai) is stored;wherein the electronic control unit (3) is configured to emit a pre-alarm or an alarm when the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) exceeds the first threshold value (uai); characterized by the conductive tracks (P) being distributed over the free surface portion (Sf) of the circuit board.; 2. SYSTEM (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductive tracks (P) are supplied with AC voltage at a predetermined frequency, which is either time-variable or fixed, and selectively configurable.

3. SYSTEM (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the two or more conductive tracks (P) have capacitance and potential difference values ​​that vary over time and can be measured by the electronic control unit (3).

4. SYSTEM (1), according to claim 1, characterized Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, page 27 / 47 2 / 3 by at least one second reference humidity value (ua2), which is greater than the first reference humidity threshold value (uai), being stored in the memory unit (4), the electronic control unit (3) being configured to issue an alarm if the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) exceeds the second reference humidity value (ua2).

5. SYSTEM (1), according to claim 1, characterized by comprising filters and amplification circuits suitable for filtering and / or amplifying the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) as measured by the humidity sensor (2).

6. SYSTEM (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the humidity sensor (2), the electronic control unit (3) and the memory unit (4) are incorporated in the circuit board.

7. SYSTEM (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic control unit (3) and the memory unit (4) are independent of the circuit board and installed in an electronic device enclosure (D).

8. METHOD FOR DETECTING CONDENSATION MOISTURE AND / OR IMPURITIES IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE (D), indicating that predetermined moisture thresholds incompatible with the electronic circuit of the device (D) have been exceeded, wherein the device (D) comprises a circuit having at least one circuit board on which a plurality of electrical or electronic components are installed on its surface (S) and a free surface portion (Sf) not occupied by the electronic components, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one moisture sensor (2) operatively associable with an electronic control unit (3) equipped with a memory unit (4), the moisture sensor (2) comprising two or more conductive traces (P) configured to operate as an equivalent capacitive circuit; Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, p.28 / 47 3 / 3 b) predetermine and store at least one first humidity threshold value (uai) in the memory unit (4); c) activate the device (D) and the electronic control unit (3); d) measure, by the sensor (2), the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) in the electronic circuit of the device (D); e) emit a pre-alarm or alarm signal by the electronic control unit (3) when the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) exceeds the first humidity threshold value (uai); characterized by step a) of supply comprising the arrangement of the conductive tracks (P) on the free surface portion (Sf) of the circuit board.

9. METHOD, according to claim 8, characterized by the emission step (e) comprising a step (e1) of emitting a pre-alarm when the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) as measured in step (d) exceeds the first humidity threshold value (uai) and a step (e2) of emitting an alarm when the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul) as measured in step (d) exceeds a second humidity threshold value (ua2) that is greater than the first reference humidity threshold value (uai).

10. METHOD, according to claim 9, characterized in that step b) of storage is associated with a step b1) of predetermining a maximum persistence time (tA) of the instantaneous condensation moisture value (ul).

11. METHOD, according to claim 10, characterized by comprising a step f) of stopping the electronic device (D) when the instantaneous condensation humidity value (ul), as measured in step d), exceeds a second humidity threshold value (ua2) for a persistence time greater than the maximum persistence time value (tA). Petition 870260046272, dated 05 / 15 / 2026, p. 29 / 47

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