Sensor and measurement device

Abstract

The invention provides a sensor and measuring equipment, and the sensor comprises a substrate, a first electrode detection sheet and a second electrode detection sheet. The first electrode detection sheet is arranged on the base body; the second electrode detection piece is arranged on the base body, the second electrode detection piece and the first electrode detection piece are arranged in a spaced mode, a measurement space is formed between the second electrode detection piece and the first electrode detection piece, and the first electrode detection piece and the second electrode detection piece are used for measuring impedance information of a to-be-measured medium placed in the measurement space. According to the invention, through the measurement space formed by the first electrode detection sheet and the second electrode detection sheet, the characteristics of the three-dimensional medium can be accurately measured, and the structure is simple. The sensor is suitable for various medium monitoring scenes including planes, curved surfaces and irregular forms, and is wide in adaptability.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of sensors, and in particular, to a sensor and a measuring device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the related art, a planar electrode structure or a double-needle electrode structure is mainly used to measure impedance-related characteristics. When measuring a three-dimensional medium body, the planar electrode structure cannot obtain impedance information in the depth direction, and the double-needle electrode is difficult to stably and comprehensively reflect the overall characteristics of the medium due to the limited effective contact area. It can be seen that the sensor in the related art cannot meet the measurement requirements of the three-dimensional medium body. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application aims to at least solve one of the problems in the prior art or related art.

[0004] To this end, the first aspect of the present application provides a sensor.

[0005] The second aspect of the present application provides a measuring device.

[0006] Therefore, the first aspect of the present application provides a sensor, which includes a base body, a first electrode detection sheet and a second electrode detection sheet. The first electrode detection sheet is arranged on the base body. The second electrode detection sheet is arranged on the base body and is spaced apart from the first electrode detection sheet. The first electrode detection sheet and the second electrode detection sheet are used to measure impedance information of a medium to be measured placed in a measurement space between the first electrode detection sheet and the second electrode detection sheet.

[0007] The sensor provided by the present application includes a base body, a first electrode detection sheet and a second electrode detection sheet. The base body is the basic component of the sensor. The base body provides physical support and geometric reference, ensures that the positions of other components mounted on the base body are fixed and unchanged, and can also provide protection for other components.

[0008] The first electrode detection sheet and the second electrode detection sheet are functional components of the sensor, wherein the first electrode detection sheet and the second electrode detection sheet are both sheet-shaped electrode members with excellent conductive properties. When connected, the first electrode detection sheet and the second electrode detection sheet are spaced apart on the base body. The present application actively defines and forms a three-dimensional measurement space with a clear length, width and depth direction between the first electrode detection sheet and the second electrode detection sheet. The measurement space not only has a planar extension, but more importantly has a depth dimension that can accommodate the medium, thereby forming a three-dimensional volume for detection.

[0009] The first and second electrode detection plates, as a pair of excitation and detection terminals, work together to act on the medium to be measured, which is contained in the measurement space, in order to obtain the electrical response of the medium to be measured, thereby obtaining the impedance information of the medium to be measured.

[0010] This invention constructs a measurement space by using a first electrode detection piece and a second electrode detection piece spaced apart on a substrate. This design transforms the sensor's sampling area from an uncertain, operation-dependent variable into a three-dimensional space predefined by the sensor's own structure. When the medium to be measured fills the measurement space, measurements can be performed under identical geometric and electrical conditions, fundamentally eliminating errors introduced by random variations in the sampling area.

[0011] When the medium to be measured fills the three-dimensional measurement space defined by the two electrode plates, a three-dimensional measurement system consisting of a first electrode detection plate, the medium to be measured, and a second electrode detection plate is formed. The impedance information of the medium to be measured is obtained through the coordinated work of the first and second electrode detection plates. Specifically, the first and second electrode detection plates can be implemented in various structural forms. For example, they can be independent electrode plates spaced apart from each other; each can include an electrode plate as a conductive substrate and an insulating layer covering its surface; each can include an insulating sheet body and multiple independent electrodes disposed on the sheet body; or they can adopt a multilayer printed circuit board structure, with the conductive electrode layer built into the circuit board.

[0012] This invention utilizes a three-dimensional measurement space layout composed of a first and second electrode detection piece, enabling reliable measurement of three-dimensional medium properties without any auxiliary devices, resulting in a simple structure. This invention is independent of the external shape of the medium being measured; as long as the medium can fill a measurement space with a fixed depth, stable impedance measurement can be achieved. Therefore, it is applicable to various medium monitoring scenarios, including planar, curved, and irregular shapes, demonstrating wide adaptability. This invention directly focuses the measurement on the entire medium body with a certain thickness defined by the opposing surfaces of the two electrode pieces, effectively overcoming the data inaccuracies caused by traditional electrode structures that are limited to surface or local point measurements. This achieves effective coverage and characterization of the three-dimensional impedance gradient of the medium.

[0013] In some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode detection sheet includes a first surface facing the measurement space; the second electrode detection sheet includes a second surface facing the measurement space, and the second surface and the first surface are opposite to each other.

[0014] In some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the second electrode detection sheet and the first electrode detection sheet are disposed at the same end of the substrate, and the second electrode detection sheet and the first electrode detection sheet are parallel to each other.

[0015] In some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode detection sheet includes a first electrode sheet disposed on the substrate and having a first electrode; the second electrode sheet includes a second electrode sheet disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first electrode sheet, and having a second electrode; the measurement space is located between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0016] In some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode sheet includes: a first copper electrode sheet, a first copper alloy electrode sheet, a first titanium alloy electrode sheet, a first stainless steel electrode sheet, a first chromium-plated electrode sheet, or a first zinc-plated electrode sheet; and / or the second electrode detection sheet includes: a second copper electrode sheet, a second copper alloy electrode sheet, a second titanium alloy electrode sheet, a second stainless steel electrode sheet, a second chromium-plated electrode sheet, or a second zinc-plated electrode sheet.

[0017] In some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode detection sheet includes a third electrode sheet and a first insulating layer, the first insulating layer being disposed on the surface of the third electrode sheet; the second electrode detection sheet includes a fourth electrode sheet and a second insulating layer, the second insulating layer being disposed on the surface of the fourth electrode sheet; the measurement space is located between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer.

[0018] In some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode detection sheet includes: a first sheet body disposed on a substrate; a plurality of third electrodes disposed at intervals on the first sheet body, the plurality of third electrodes being connected in series or in parallel; the second electrode detection sheet includes: a second sheet body disposed on a substrate; a plurality of fourth electrodes disposed at intervals on the second sheet body, the plurality of fourth electrodes being connected in series or in parallel.

[0019] In some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, a plurality of third electrodes are disposed on the side of the first sheet facing the measurement space, and a plurality of fourth electrodes are disposed on the side of the second sheet facing the measurement space; or a plurality of third electrodes are disposed on both sides of the first sheet, and a plurality of fourth electrodes are disposed on both sides of the second sheet.

[0020] In some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode detection sheet includes a first printed circuit board and a first electrode layer, the first electrode layer being disposed inside the first printed circuit board; the second electrode detection sheet includes a second printed circuit board and a second electrode layer, the second electrode layer being disposed inside the second printed circuit board.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a measuring device is provided, the measuring device comprising a sensor as described in any of the above-described technical solutions.

[0022] The measuring device proposed in the second aspect of the present invention, because it includes the sensor as described in any of the above technical solutions, has all the beneficial effects of the sensor in any of the above technical solutions.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates one of the structural schematics of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 A second schematic diagram of the sensor structure in some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 The third schematic diagram of the sensor structure in some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 4 The fourth schematic diagram of the sensor structure in some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 5 The fifth schematic diagram of the sensor structure in some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 6 Sixth schematic diagram of the sensor structure in some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 7 The seventh schematic diagram of the sensor structure in some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 7 AA section view;

[0033] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A top view of the sensor shown;

[0034] Figure 10 for Figure 7 The sensor shown is viewed from below.

[0035] Figure 11 Eighth schematic diagram of the sensor structure in some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the sensor structure in some embodiments of the present invention is shown in Figure 9;

[0037] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the sensor structure in some embodiments of the present invention is shown in Figure 10;

[0038] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first electrode sheet of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second electrode sheet of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 16 This shows one of the structural schematic diagrams of the first electrode detection piece of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 17 This shows one of the structural schematic diagrams of the second electrode detection piece of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 18 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the first electrode detection piece of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 19 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the second electrode detection piece of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 20 This is shown as a third schematic diagram of the structure of the first electrode detection piece of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 21 This is shown as a third schematic diagram of the structure of the second electrode detection piece of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 22 Eleventh of the structural schematic diagrams of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0047] Figure 23 Twelve is a schematic diagram of the sensor structure in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the signal processing component of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0049] Figure 25 A schematic diagram of the sensor structure in some embodiments of the present invention is shown as number thirteen;

[0050] Figure 26 Fourteenth of the structural schematic diagrams of the sensor in some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0051] in, Figures 1 to 26 The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows:

[0052] 100 Sensor, 110 Substrate, 120 First Electrode Detector, 122 First Surface, 126 First Tip, 130 Second Electrode Detector, 132 Second Surface, 136 Measurement Space, 138 Second Tip, 140 First Electrode, 142 First Electrode, 144 Second Electrode, 146 Second Electrode, 147 Third Electrode, 148 Fifth Electrode Body, 149 Fifth Electrode, 150 First Insulating Layer, 151 Fourth Electrode, 152 Sixth Electrode Body, 153 Sixth Electrode, 154 Second Insulating Layer, 156 First Electrode Body, 158 First Through Hole, 1 60 Third electrode, 162 Second substrate, 164 Fourth electrode, 166 Second through hole, 170 First conductor, 172 First connector, 174 Second conductor, 176 Second connector, 180 Cable bundle, 190 Signal processing assembly, 192 First signal processing unit, 196 First output point, 198 Second signal processing unit, 200 Second output point, 210 First lead, 220 Second lead, 230 First pad, 240 Second pad, 260 First printed circuit board, 262 First electrode layer, 270 Second printed circuit board, 272 Second electrode layer. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0054] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0055] The following is combined Figures 1 to 26 The present invention describes a sensor 100 and a measuring device proposed in some embodiments.

[0056] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, a sensor 100 is proposed. The sensor 100 includes a substrate 110, a first electrode detection piece 120, and a second electrode detection piece 130. The first electrode detection piece 120 is disposed on the substrate 110. The second electrode detection piece 130 is disposed on the substrate 110 and is spaced apart from the first electrode detection piece 120. A measurement space 136 is provided between the second electrode detection piece 130 and the first electrode detection piece 120. The first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 are used to measure the impedance information of the medium to be measured placed in the measurement space 136.

[0057] In this embodiment, the sensor 100 proposed in this invention includes a substrate 110, a first electrode detection piece 120, and a second electrode detection piece 130. The substrate 110 is the basic component of the sensor 100. The function of the substrate 110 is to provide physical support and geometric reference, ensuring that the positions of other components mounted on the substrate 110 remain fixed. The substrate 110 can also provide protection for other components.

[0058] The first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 are functional components of the sensor 100. Both the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 are sheet-shaped electrode components with excellent conductivity. During connection, the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 are spaced apart on the substrate 110. This invention actively defines and forms a three-dimensional measurement space 136 with defined length, width, and depth between the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130.

[0059] Specifically, the measurement space 136 not only has a planar extension, but more importantly, it has a depth dimension to accommodate the medium, thus forming a three-dimensional volume for detection. The first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130, as a pair of excitation and detection terminals, work together to apply to the medium to be measured contained in the measurement space 136 to obtain the electrical response of the medium to be measured, thereby obtaining the impedance information of the medium to be measured.

[0060] In related technologies, when measuring the impedance or humidity of media, especially semi-solid three-dimensional structures such as soil, planar electrode sensors arrange the excitation and receiving electrodes on the same plane. The electric field lines generated are mainly distributed on the surface of the measured medium, and physically lack the ability to fully excite and sample into the depth of the measured medium. Therefore, the measurement signal is essentially only a reflection of a thin surface layer of the measured medium. Dual-needle sensors use a point-contact measurement path composed of two independent needle tips. The effective coupling volume is small and irregularly shaped. The contact between the needle tip and the measured medium is unstable, and the contact resistance is easily affected by mechanical factors such as pressure and filling compaction, causing drastic changes and compromising the fundamental stability of the electrical signal.

[0061] This invention constructs a measurement space 136 by spaced first electrode detection pieces 120 and second electrode detection pieces 130 on the substrate 110. This design transforms the sampling area of ​​the sensor 100 from an uncertain, operation-dependent variable into a three-dimensional space predefined by the sensor 100's own structure. The medium to be measured is filled within this three-dimensional space, allowing measurement to be performed under identical geometric and electrical conditions, thus eliminating errors introduced by random variations in the sampling area.

[0062] Specifically, the first electrode detection sheet 120 and the second electrode detection sheet 130 can be implemented in various structural forms. For example, they can be independent electrode sheets arranged at intervals between each other, each of them can include an electrode sheet as a conductive substrate and an insulating layer covering its surface, each of them can include an insulating sheet body and multiple independent electrodes disposed on the sheet body, or they can adopt a multilayer printed circuit board structure, with the electrode layer serving as a conductive function built into the circuit board.

[0063] When the medium to be measured fills the measurement space 136 defined by the two electrode plates, a three-dimensional measurement system of "first electrode detection plate - medium to be measured - second electrode detection plate" is formed. The working principle of obtaining the impedance information of the medium to be measured through the coordinated work of the first electrode detection plate 120 and the second electrode detection plate 130 can be described as follows. In terms of capacitance measurement, after the first electrode detection plate 120 and the second electrode detection plate 130 apply an electrical signal, a uniformly distributed electric field is established throughout the entire measurement space 136 between the two electrode plates, penetrating the depth direction of the medium to be measured. The electric field acts omnidirectionally on the entire medium to be measured from the surface to the bottom within the measurement space 136, thereby forming a capacitor between the first electrode detection plate 120 and the second electrode detection plate 130 whose capacitance value depends on the overall dielectric properties of the medium to be measured. When the dielectric properties of the medium to be measured change, it is directly reflected in the corresponding change of the capacitor capacitance value. Therefore, the impedance information reflecting the medium to be measured can be obtained through the capacitance characteristics exhibited by the first electrode detection plate 120 and the second electrode detection plate 130.

[0064] In terms of electric field and impedance measurement, an AC excitation signal is applied to the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130, generating an alternating electric field that penetrates the medium under test within the measurement space 136. Under the influence of this electric field, the medium under test generates a corresponding current response, which macroscopically manifests as a specific impedance value between the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130. This impedance value comprehensively reflects the overall conductivity and dielectric properties of the medium under test. Therefore, the impedance value measured by the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 is the impedance information of the medium under test within the measurement space 136.

[0065] This invention utilizes a measurement space 136 formed by a first electrode detection piece 120 and a second electrode detection piece 130 to reliably measure the properties of a three-dimensional medium without any auxiliary devices, resulting in a simple structure. This invention is independent of the external shape of the medium being measured; as long as the medium can fill the measurement space 136 with a fixed depth, stable impedance measurement can be achieved. Therefore, it is applicable to various medium monitoring scenarios, including planar, curved, and irregular shapes, demonstrating wide adaptability. This invention directly focuses the measurement on the entire medium body with a certain thickness defined by the opposing surfaces of the two electrode pieces, effectively overcoming the data inaccuracy problem caused by traditional electrode structures that are limited to surface or local point measurements. It achieves effective coverage and characterization of the impedance gradient of the three-dimensional medium.

[0066] Specifically, the sensor 100 can be used as a soil moisture sensor 100 or a soil pH sensor 100.

[0067] The sensor 100 proposed in this invention possesses broad applicability in impedance detection, with its core advantage being its independence from the specific physical form of the medium being measured. For irregular planar objects, the sensor 100 can perform three-dimensional measurements on the portion filled within the measurement space 136 defined by two electrode plates, without requiring the medium surface to be absolutely flat. For some solutions or other fluids or semi-fluid media, as long as they can flow into the measurement space 136 between the electrode plates, the sensor 100 proposed in this invention can stably acquire impedance information.

[0068] For example, sensor 100 can be used for soil profile moisture measurement. In use, sensor 100 is vertically inserted into the soil profile to be measured. During insertion, the soil naturally fills the measurement space 136 between the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130. When the electrode pieces are energized, sensor 100 directly acquires the overall impedance information of the soil within the measurement space 136. This impedance information, after conversion, reflects the volumetric water content of the soil at this depth. This invention achieves stable and reliable moisture measurement of a specific depth layer of soil.

[0069] Optionally, on the one hand, the distance between the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 is set according to the dielectric properties of the medium to be measured or the required measurement sensitivity. This flexible spacing design allows the sensor 100 to adapt to different medium properties and accuracy requirements by optimizing the electric field distribution and coupling strength. On the other hand, the distance between the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 can also be set according to the volume or spatial range of the medium to be measured.

[0070] Optionally, portions of the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 are fixedly disposed inside the substrate 110 and enclosed by the substrate 110. The measuring surfaces of the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 extend from one end of the substrate 110 and are exposed to the outside for contact with the medium to be measured. Accordingly, a first fixing part for positioning and supporting the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 is also provided inside the substrate 110 to ensure that their positions and spacing inside the substrate 110 remain stable.

[0071] Optionally, the sensor 100 also includes a measuring plate. The measuring plate is electrically connected to the first electrode detection plate 120 and the second electrode detection plate 130, and its internal components include data conversion and analysis processing circuitry. The measuring plate can directly process and analyze the raw electrical signals acquired from the electrode plates, and ultimately output the calculated impedance information of the measured medium. This integrated design of the present invention makes the sensor 100 itself a complete device capable of independently outputting measurement data, improving the ease of use and system integration of the sensor 100.

[0072] On the other hand, the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 are mainly used to sense the electrical response of the medium. After acquiring the raw electrical signal, they are connected to an external independent measurement circuit through lead wires. The sensor 100 can be flexibly adapted to different measurement devices, providing users with greater configuration freedom.

[0073] Optionally, the substrate 110 may adopt a split structure, comprising a first housing and a second housing that can be snapped together or connected to each other, so as to facilitate the installation, wiring and maintenance of the internal electrode sheets.

[0074] Optionally, the substrate 110 is a plastic encapsulation shell, in which the first electrode detection piece 120, the second electrode detection piece 130 and the corresponding connecting wires are integrally encapsulated by injection molding process to form a sensor 100 with a compact structure and good sealing performance.

[0075] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode detection sheet 120 includes a first surface 122 facing the measurement space 136; the second electrode detection sheet 130 includes a second surface 132 facing the measurement space 136, and the second surface 132 and the first surface 122 are opposite to each other.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first electrode detection piece 120 includes a first surface 122, which is positioned so that the first electrode detection piece 120 faces the measurement space 136. When the measurement space 136 contains a medium to be measured, the first surface 122 faces the medium to be measured. The first electrode detection piece 120 also includes a second surface 132, which is positioned so that the second electrode detection piece 130 faces the measurement space 136. When the measurement space 136 contains a medium to be measured, the second surface 132 faces the medium to be measured.

[0077] The first surface 122 of the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second surface 132 of the second electrode detection piece 130 are arranged facing each other, both pointing towards and jointly defining the measurement space 136 between them. Specifically, the two electrode pieces are typically in the shape of regular sheets, and the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 are firmly fixed by a support structure or encapsulation material on the substrate 110 to ensure that the surfaces are facing each other, thereby forming a clearly defined measurement space 136 in the depth direction of the medium to be measured.

[0078] In this embodiment, when an electrical signal is applied to the two electrode plates, a uniformly distributed electric field is generated between the first electrode detection plate 120 and the second electrode detection plate 130. The electric field completely covers the entire measurement space 136 defined by the two opposing surfaces along the depth direction of the medium to be measured. This allows the sensor 100 to reliably acquire impedance information of the medium to be measured, which is distributed along the depth direction and fills the measurement space 136, rather than relying on unstable point contact or being limited to the surface of the medium to be measured. This fundamentally ensures the consistency and accuracy of the measurement and effectively overcomes the inherent defects of planar electrodes and dual-needle electrodes in related technologies in terms of measurement depth, stability, and representativeness.

[0079] Optionally, the first surface 122 of the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second surface 132 of the second electrode detection piece 130 are both planar.

[0080] Optionally, the first surface 122 of the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second surface 132 of the second electrode detection piece 130 have the same dimensions.

[0081] Optionally, the first surface 122 of the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second surface 132 of the second electrode detection piece 130 are curved surfaces, and a non-planar measurement space 136 can be defined between the first surface 122 and the second surface 132. The curved electrode detection piece can better conform to the surface of the medium to be measured with certain curvatures or non-flat shapes, thereby achieving effective filling and close contact of the measurement space 136 in a wider range of application scenarios, further improving the adaptability of the sensor 100 to complex application environments.

[0082] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the second electrode detection piece 130 and the first electrode detection piece 120 are disposed at the same end of the substrate 110, and the second electrode detection piece 130 and the first electrode detection piece 120 are parallel to each other.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 are fixedly mounted on the same end of the substrate 110, maintaining a parallel positional relationship. Specifically, the surfaces of the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 are parallel and aligned with each other. Both the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 are physically connected to the substrate 110, ensuring that their relative positions and spacing remain stable after installation. This same-end layout concentrates the working areas of the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130, facilitating contact with the medium to be measured.

[0084] The parallel design of the second electrode detection piece 130 and the first electrode detection piece 120 allows for the formation of a uniformly distributed electric field between them after energization. Since the electric field completely covers and penetrates the measurement space 136 defined by the opposing surfaces of the two electrode pieces, the sensor 100 can acquire the overall impedance information of the medium to be measured within the measurement space 136 in a comprehensive, three-dimensional, and uniform manner. This effectively avoids the inaccurate data problems caused by traditional planar electrode or point-contact sensors 100, which can only measure surfaces or local areas, significantly improving measurement reliability.

[0085] Optionally, the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 extend in a direction perpendicular to the mounting end face of the substrate 110. The parallel plate-like structure also facilitates the adaptation and installation of the sensor 100 in various media.

[0086] Optionally, the first electrode detection piece 120 has a first tip 126 at its end away from the substrate 110, and the second electrode detection piece 130 has a second tip 138 at its end away from the substrate 110. The shapes of the first tip 126 and the second tip 138 are configured to facilitate the insertion of the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 into the medium to be measured. The design of providing tips at the ends of the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130 allows the tips to guide and reduce insertion resistance when the sensor 100 is used in scenarios requiring insertion measurement, thereby allowing the medium to be measured to fill the measurement space 136 defined by the two electrode pieces more smoothly.

[0087] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode detection sheet 120 includes a first electrode sheet 140, which is disposed on the substrate 110 and has a first electrode 142; the second electrode detection sheet 130 includes a second electrode sheet 144, which is disposed on the substrate 110 and has a second electrode 146; the measurement space 136 is located between the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 146.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first electrode detection piece 120 includes a first electrode piece 140, and the second electrode detection piece 130 includes a second electrode piece 144. Both the first electrode piece 140 and the second electrode piece 144 are integral sheet-like components with good conductivity. Optionally, the first electrode piece 140 and the second electrode piece 144 are integrally manufactured using a printed circuit board manufacturing process to form a face-to-face parallel detection structure with precision circuitry. They are independently mounted on the substrate 110. The first electrode 142 and the second electrode 146 on the two electrode pieces are arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined interval, thereby actively defining and forming a measurement space 136 between the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 146.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 146 serve as a pair of excitation and detection terminals. During measurement, a test signal is applied between the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 146 through the measurement circuit. When the measurement space 136 is filled with the medium to be measured, current flows through the conductive path formed by the first electrode 142, the medium to be measured, and the second electrode 146. The resistivity of the medium to be measured itself determines the resistance value of the conductive path. Specifically, the volume resistivity of the medium to be measured is directly related to its composition, density, humidity, and other factors. When these characteristics of the medium to be measured change, it directly causes a change in the resistance value measured between the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 146. By accurately measuring the resistance value between the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 146, the overall conductivity characteristics of the medium to be measured filled in the measurement space 136 can be reflected. The resistance information, after subsequent circuit processing and calibration, can be converted into the required physical parameters, such as the volumetric water content of soil, salinity, or parameters related to pH.

[0090] In this embodiment, the first electrode sheet 140 includes a third sheet body and a first electrode 142. The third sheet body serves as an insulating support substrate, with one end fixedly connected to the base 110. The first electrode 142 serves as a conductive sensing element and is disposed on the surface of the third sheet body facing the measurement space 136. The sensing surface of the first electrode 142 facing the measurement space 136 constitutes the first surface 122. Through this structure, the third sheet body provides stable mechanical support and positions the first electrode 142 in a predetermined position, while the first electrode 142, as a functional surface, directly participates in the establishment of the electric field and the sensing of signals.

[0091] In this embodiment, the second electrode sheet 144 includes a fourth sheet body and a second electrode 146. The fourth sheet body also serves as an insulating support substrate, with one end fixedly connected to the base 110. The second electrode 146 serves as a conductive sensing part and is disposed on the surface of the fourth sheet body facing the measurement space 136. The sensing surface of the second electrode 146 facing the measurement space 136 constitutes the second surface 132. The combination of the fourth sheet body and the second electrode 146 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the first electrode sheet 140, so that the first electrode 142 and the second electrode 146 are opposite to each other, jointly defining the measurement space 136 located between them. In some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode detection sheet 120 includes: a first copper electrode sheet, a first copper alloy electrode sheet, a first titanium alloy electrode sheet, a first stainless steel electrode sheet, a first chromium-plated electrode sheet, or a first zinc-plated electrode sheet.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first copper electrode piece. When the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first copper electrode piece, it is a single component made entirely of copper material, without involving the separate placement of electrodes on an independent substrate. The first electrode detection piece 120, constructed from a single piece of copper, has excellent bulk conductivity and structural consistency. This highly conductive integrated structure enables the first electrode detection piece 120 to efficiently conduct electrical signals, which helps to reduce the basic impedance in the measurement circuit, thereby improving the sensor 100's sensitivity and signal response speed to small changes in the impedance of the measured medium filling the measurement space 136.

[0093] On the other hand, the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first copper alloy electrode piece. When the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first copper alloy electrode piece, it is a single component made entirely of copper alloy material, without involving the separate placement of electrodes on an independent substrate. The first electrode detection piece 120, constructed from a single piece of copper alloy, maintains excellent conductivity while further enhancing the material's mechanical strength, hardness, or corrosion resistance through alloying. This integrated alloy structure allows the first electrode detection piece 120 to maintain stable shape and electrical performance in complex or mechanically stressed measurement environments, ensuring high signal transmission efficiency while improving the overall durability of the sensor. For example, the copper alloy includes high-performance copper alloys such as copper-zinc alloys or beryllium copper, which possess extremely high strength, elasticity, and fatigue resistance.

[0094] On the other hand, the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first titanium alloy electrode piece. When the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first titanium alloy electrode piece, it is a single component made entirely of titanium alloy material, without involving the separate placement of electrodes on an independent substrate. The first electrode detection piece 120, made of a single piece of titanium alloy, maintains the necessary conductivity while possessing extremely high specific strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good biocompatibility.

[0095] On the other hand, the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first stainless steel electrode piece. When the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first stainless steel electrode piece, it is a single component made entirely of stainless steel, without involving the separate placement of electrodes on an independent substrate. The first electrode detection piece 120, constructed entirely of stainless steel, maintains sufficient conductivity while possessing stronger corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. For example, the stainless steel can be austenitic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, or ferritic stainless steel.

[0096] On the other hand, the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first chromium-plated electrode piece. When the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first chromium-plated electrode piece, it is a single component integrally manufactured with steel or other base metal material as the substrate and integrally chromium-plated on its outer layer, without involving the separate placement of electrodes on an independent substrate. The chromium plating layer not only provides excellent corrosion resistance but also effectively resists damage to the electrode surface from abrasive particles in the measurement medium due to its extremely high surface hardness and wear resistance. Furthermore, the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first zinc-plated electrode piece. When the first electrode detection piece 120 is a first zinc-plated electrode piece, it is a single component integrally manufactured with steel material as the substrate 110 and integrally galvanized on its outer layer, without involving the separate placement of electrodes on an independent substrate. The galvanized integrated structure enables the first electrode detection piece 120 to have good rust resistance in common humidity environments, achieving a balance between cost, durability and measurement stability for the sensor 100, making it suitable for a wide range of applications that require both economy and adaptability to normal environments.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second electrode detection sheet 130 may optionally include: a second copper electrode sheet, a second copper alloy electrode sheet, a second titanium alloy electrode sheet, a second stainless steel electrode sheet, a second chromium-plated electrode sheet, or a second zinc-plated electrode sheet.

[0098] In this embodiment, the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second copper electrode piece. When the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second copper electrode piece, it is a single component made entirely of copper material. The second electrode detection piece 130, constructed from a single piece of copper, possesses excellent bulk conductivity and structural consistency.

[0099] On the other hand, the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second copper alloy electrode piece. When the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second copper alloy electrode piece, it is a single component made entirely of copper alloy material. While maintaining excellent conductivity, alloying further enhances the material's mechanical strength, hardness, or corrosion resistance. For example, the copper alloy includes high-performance copper alloys such as copper-zinc alloys or beryllium copper, which possess extremely high strength, elasticity, and fatigue resistance.

[0100] On the other hand, the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second titanium alloy electrode piece. When the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second titanium alloy electrode piece, it is a single component made entirely of titanium alloy material. The second electrode detection piece 130, constructed from a single piece of titanium alloy, integrates lightweight, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance.

[0101] On the other hand, the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second stainless steel electrode piece. When the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second stainless steel electrode piece, it is a single component made entirely of stainless steel. The second electrode detection piece 130, constructed from a single piece of stainless steel, maintains good conductivity while possessing stronger corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. This corrosion-resistant integrated structure allows the second electrode detection piece 130 to adapt to harsh measurement environments, effectively ensuring the stable performance of the sensor 100 during long-term operation. For example, the stainless steel can be austenitic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, or ferritic stainless steel.

[0102] On the other hand, the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second chromium-plated electrode piece. When the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second chromium-plated electrode piece, it is a single component made entirely of steel or other base metal material and integrally plated with chromium on its outer layer. The dense and hard chromium-plated surface provides excellent barrier protection for the second electrode detection piece 130, effectively resisting oxidation, acid and alkali corrosion, and physical wear.

[0103] Furthermore, the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second galvanized electrode piece. When the second electrode detection piece 130 is a second galvanized electrode piece, it is a single component integrally manufactured with a steel base 110 and integrally galvanized on its outer layer. The integrated galvanized structure gives the second electrode detection piece 130 a long service life in conventional application environments, achieving a good balance between cost and durability for the sensor 100.

[0104] like Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode detection sheet 120 includes a third electrode sheet 147 and a first insulating layer 150, the first insulating layer 150 being disposed on the surface of the third electrode sheet 147; the second electrode detection sheet 130 includes a fourth electrode sheet 151 and a second insulating layer 154, the second insulating layer 154 being disposed on the surface of the fourth electrode sheet 151; the measurement space 136 is located between the first insulating layer 150 and the second insulating layer 154.

[0105] In this embodiment, the present invention provides an implementation scheme based on the principle of capacitive sensing. The third electrode 147 and the fourth electrode 151 serve as a conductive substrate 110, made of a highly conductive metallic material. The first insulating layer 150 and the second insulating layer 154 are dense dielectric material layers, such as solder resist ink, sprayed polymer coating, ceramic coating, or attached insulating film. The first insulating layer 150 and the second insulating layer 154 respectively cover the surfaces of the third electrode 147 and the fourth electrode 151. The third electrode 147 covered by the first insulating layer 150 and the fourth electrode 151 covered by the second insulating layer 154 are fixed parallel and opposite to each other on the substrate 110, and the gap reserved between the first insulating layer 150 and the second insulating layer 154 constitutes a measurement space 136. At this time, the effective physical measurement interface is the outer surface of the first insulating layer 150 and the second insulating layer 154, and the medium to be measured fills the space between the outer surface of the first insulating layer 150 and the outer surface of the second insulating layer 154.

[0106] When the sensor 100 is inserted into or placed in the medium to be measured, the medium fills the measurement space 136 defined by the outer surfaces of the first insulating layer 150 and the second insulating layer 154. During measurement, an AC excitation signal is applied between the third electrode 147 and the fourth electrode 151. Since the third electrode 147 and the fourth electrode 151 are completely covered by the first insulating layer 150 and the second insulating layer 154, current cannot flow through direct conduction. Instead, an alternating electric field is established between the third electrode 147 and the fourth electrode 151. The alternating electric field passes sequentially through the first insulating layer 150, the medium-filled measurement space 136, and the second insulating layer 154, thus physically forming a composite capacitor structure consisting of the third electrode 147, the first insulating layer 150, the medium to be measured, the second insulating layer 154, and the fourth electrode 151 connected in series.

[0107] The overall capacitance of the composite capacitor structure is determined by the inherent capacitance of the first insulating layer 150 and the second insulating layer 154, as well as the capacitance formed by the measurement space 136 filled with dielectric. The dielectric constant of the dielectric in the measurement space 136 has a significant impact on the overall capacitance. For example, the dielectric constant of water is much higher than that of dry soil or air. When the humidity of the dielectric increases, the equivalent capacitance of the measurement space 136 region increases, thereby causing a measurable change in the overall capacitance of the composite capacitor structure. Therefore, by detecting the capacitance between the third electrode plate 147 and the fourth electrode plate 151 through a precision measurement circuit, the change in the dielectric properties of the dielectric in the measurement space 136 can be indirectly sensed, and the humidity information of the dielectric can then be calculated through calibration relationships.

[0108] In this embodiment, the first insulating layer 150 and the second insulating layer 154 physically isolate the third electrode plate 147 and the fourth electrode plate 151 from the medium to be measured, completely avoiding electrochemical corrosion, polarization effects, and ion adsorption problems caused by direct electrode contact, thus improving the long-term measurement stability and service life of the sensor 100. The presence of the insulating layer makes the sensor 100 suitable for a wider range of media, even those with slight conductivity or corrosiveness. This structure precisely limits the measurement sensitive area to the medium region between the first insulating layer 150 and the second insulating layer 154, and in principle directly responds to the dielectric constant of the medium, making it particularly suitable for measurement scenarios with significant differences in dielectric constant, such as moisture detection, and exhibiting high sensitivity.

[0109] like Figure 16 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the third electrode sheet 147 includes a fifth sheet body 148 and a fifth electrode 149. The fifth sheet body 148 serves as an insulating substrate, with one end fixedly connected to the substrate 110. The fifth electrode 149 serves as a conductive layer, disposed on the surface of the fifth sheet body 148 facing the measurement space 136. A first insulating layer 150 covers the surface of the fifth electrode 149 and is bonded to the edge region of the fifth sheet body 148, thereby forming a complete package with the first insulating layer 150 and the fifth sheet body 148, which encloses and seals the fifth electrode 149 in all directions. At this time, the outer surface of the first insulating layer 150 constitutes the first surface 122, which faces the measurement space 136.

[0110] like Figure 17As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the fourth electrode sheet 151 includes a sixth sheet body 152 and a sixth electrode 153. The sixth sheet body 152 also serves as an insulating substrate, with one end fixedly connected to the substrate 110. The sixth electrode 153 serves as a conductive layer, disposed on the surface of the sixth sheet body 152 facing the measurement space 136. A second insulating layer 154 covers the surface of the sixth electrode 153 and is bonded to the edge region of the sixth sheet body 152, thereby forming a complete package together with the sixth sheet body 152, which encloses and seals the sixth electrode 153 in all directions. At this time, the outer surface of the second insulating layer 154 constitutes the second surface 132, which faces the measurement space 136.

[0111] Supported and positioned by the substrate 110, the fifth sheet 148 and the sixth sheet 152 are kept parallel and spaced apart. Thus, the outer surfaces of the first insulating layer 150 (first surface 122) and the second insulating layer 154 (second surface 132) are parallel to each other and together define the measurement space 136 between them. In one specific application, the sensor 100 is connected to a multivibrator circuit built around a timer chip. The multivibrator circuit includes a resistor network for setting the oscillation frequency, diodes for signal stabilization, and multiple capacitors for decoupling and reference. When the sensor 100 is inserted into the soil to be measured, the soil fills the measurement space 136 of the sensor 100, forming a variable capacitor.

[0112] The variable capacitor is connected in parallel with the fixed reference capacitor in the circuit, and together they are connected to the timing network of the timer. Changes in soil moisture directly alter its dielectric constant, thus causing a change in the capacitance of the variable capacitor. When soil moisture increases, the capacitance of the variable capacitor increases. According to the working principle of a multivibrator, the increase in the total capacitance in the timing network will lead to a decrease in the oscillation frequency of the square wave signal output by the timer. This square wave signal with varying frequency is converted into a smooth analog DC voltage signal after passing through a voltage divider and filter network composed of specific resistors, and is led out from the analog signal output terminal of the circuit. Therefore, by measuring the voltage value at this output terminal, the soil moisture state can be deduced. A smaller equivalent capacitance and a higher oscillation frequency correspond to dry soil, while a larger equivalent capacitance and a lower oscillation frequency correspond to moist soil, thus achieving stable electrical measurement of soil moisture.

[0113] Optionally, the multivibrator circuit includes: a timer chip for generating a square wave oscillation signal whose frequency varies with the equivalent capacitance of the soil; a diode that guides the current direction or limits the voltage amplitude in the oscillation circuit, thereby stabilizing the charging and discharging process of the oscillation cycle; a first pair of resistors with different resistance values ​​connected in series to form the main part of the timing resistor network, directly participating in setting the oscillation frequency of the square wave output by the timer chip; a second pair of resistors with different resistance values ​​that together form a voltage divider and current limiting network, attenuating and smoothing the high-frequency square wave signal output by the timer chip, converting it into an analog voltage signal suitable for acquisition by the back-end microcontroller; multiple high-frequency decoupling capacitors connected between the power supply and ground to filter out high-frequency noise interference in the power supply line, providing a clean and stable operating voltage for the integrated circuit; a reference capacitor as a fixed component of the oscillator timing capacitor network; small surface-mount packaged components that serve as power supply regulators or signal amplifiers, ensuring that the operating voltage of the timer chip is within a stable range and improving the overall reliability of the circuit; and a positive power supply terminal and a ground terminal that provide the power input interface and a common zero-potential reference point for the entire circuit, respectively. The analog signal output terminal outputs a processed analog voltage signal related to soil moisture, which can be directly connected to the analog-to-digital converter pin of the microcontroller for data acquisition and processing.

[0114] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode detection sheet 120 includes a first sheet body 156 and a plurality of third electrodes 160, the first sheet body 156 being disposed on the substrate 110; the plurality of third electrodes 160 are spaced apart on the first sheet body 156, and the plurality of third electrodes 160 are connected in series or in parallel; the second electrode detection sheet 130 includes a second sheet body 162 and a plurality of fourth electrodes 164. The second sheet body 162 is disposed on the substrate 110; the plurality of fourth electrodes 164 are spaced apart on the second sheet body 162, and the plurality of fourth electrodes 164 are connected in series or in parallel.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first electrode detection piece 120 is composed of a first piece 156 and a plurality of third electrodes 160 supported thereon. The first piece 156 is fixed to the substrate 110, and the plurality of third electrodes 160 are arranged separately from each other at a certain distance on the surface of the first piece 156, and are connected in series or in parallel with each other through a preset conductive path, thereby forming a composite electrode structure with integrated multi-measurement points.

[0116] The second electrode detection piece 130 consists of an independently set second piece body 162 and a plurality of fourth electrodes 164 carried thereon. The second piece body 162 is fixed to the substrate 110, and the plurality of fourth electrodes 164 are arranged at intervals on the second piece body 162 and are connected in series or in parallel through internal connections to form a composite electrode structure.

[0117] By integrating multiple independent electrode units onto a single detection chip and connecting them with a specific circuit, this invention effectively increases the spatial contact points and coupling area between the electrodes and the medium to be measured, enabling the sensor 100 to acquire more representative impedance information within the measurement space 136. By flexibly configuring the connection methods of the multiple electrode units, the equivalent electrical parameters of the composite electrode structure can be adjusted, thereby adapting to measurement requirements with different medium depths, different sensitivities, or different spatial resolutions.

[0118] In some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, a plurality of third electrodes 160 are disposed on the side of the first sheet 156 facing the measurement space 136, and a plurality of fourth electrodes 164 are disposed on the side of the second sheet 162 facing the measurement space 136; or a plurality of third electrodes 160 are disposed on both sides of the first sheet 156, or a plurality of fourth electrodes 164 are disposed on both sides of the second sheet 162.

[0119] In this embodiment, multiple third electrodes 160 are arranged at intervals on one side surface of the first sheet 156 facing the measurement space 136, and multiple fourth electrodes 164 are arranged in the same manner on one side surface of the second sheet 162; alternatively, multiple third electrodes 160 are respectively arranged on both the front and back sides of the first sheet 156, and multiple fourth electrodes 164 are similarly arranged on both sides of the second sheet 162. The electrodes are electrically connected in series or in parallel through a pre-defined conductive path on the sheet.

[0120] Optionally, a third insulating layer is covered on the surface of the plurality of third electrodes 160, and a fourth insulating layer is covered on the surface of the plurality of fourth electrodes 164. After the dielectric fills the measurement space 136, the plurality of third electrodes 160 and fourth electrodes 164 covered with insulating layers form a plurality of parallel capacitive coupling channels through the dielectric. After an excitation signal is applied, the electric field couples with the dielectric through the insulating layer on each electrode, and the dielectric characteristics are sensed by measuring the overall impedance or capacitance change.

[0121] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, a portion of the plurality of third electrodes 160 are disposed on one side of the first sheet 156, and another portion of the third electrodes 160 are disposed on the other side of the first sheet 156. The first sheet 156 is provided with a first through hole 158 for electrical connection between the third electrodes 160 disposed on different sides of the first sheet 156; a portion of the plurality of fourth electrodes 164 are disposed on one side of the second sheet 162, and another portion of the fourth electrodes 164 are disposed on the other side of the second sheet 162. The second sheet 162 is provided with a second through hole 166 for electrical connection between the fourth electrodes 164 disposed on different sides of the second sheet 162.

[0122] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the first electrode detection sheet 120 includes a first printed circuit board 260 and a first electrode layer 262, the first electrode layer 262 being disposed inside the first printed circuit board 260; the second electrode detection sheet 130 includes a second printed circuit board 270 and a second electrode layer 272, the second electrode layer 272 being disposed inside the second printed circuit board 270.

[0123] In this embodiment, the present invention utilizes the laminated structure of the PCB to directly fabricate and encapsulate the first electrode layer 262 and the second electrode layer 272, which serve as conductive layers, inside the first printed circuit board 260 and the second printed circuit board 270 through standard printed circuit board processes such as etching and lamination.

[0124] Both the first printed circuit board 260 and the second printed circuit board 270 have multilayer structures. The conductive first electrode layer 262 and second electrode layer 272, as inner circuit layers, are completely covered and sealed by two or more layers of insulating substrate and prepreg. This completely isolates the electrode layers from the external environment, allowing them to couple with the outside world only through the dielectric properties of the insulating material. Two such electrode-embedded circuit boards are fixed parallel to each other on the substrate 110, and the space between them constitutes the measurement space 136.

[0125] Optionally, the surface of the first printed circuit board 260 is provided with a first pad 230, the first electrode layer 262 is electrically connected to the first pad 230, and the first pad 230 serves as an electrical interface.

[0126] The surface of the second printed circuit board 270 is provided with a second pad 240, and the second electrode layer 272 is electrically connected to the second pad 240, which serves as an electrical interface. By setting the first pad 230 and the second pad 240, signal extraction is achieved.

[0127] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first electrode detection sheet 120 and / or the second electrode detection sheet 130 may optionally be electrode sheets produced by printed circuit board manufacturing process.

[0128] In this embodiment, the electrode sheet is a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), manufactured using PCB fabrication technology. The specific process involves: first, selecting an insulating substrate material as the carrier; then, forming conductive copper foil patterns with specific shapes and distributions on one or both sides of the substrate through pattern transfer and etching processes; these patterns constitute the functional electrode areas of the electrode sheet. Next, conductive vias are fabricated on the substrate according to circuit connection requirements to achieve electrical interconnection between different layers of the same substrate or between different electrodes on the same layer; finally, the exposed copper foil patterns can undergo surface treatment, such as tin plating, nickel plating, or immersion gold plating, to enhance corrosion resistance.

[0129] In some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the surfaces of the first electrode detection sheet 120 and / or the second electrode detection sheet 130 are provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0130] In this embodiment, the anti-corrosion coating directly covers the working surface of the first electrode detection piece 120 and / or the working surface of the second electrode detection piece 130. The anti-corrosion coating is a dense protective film formed by processes such as electroplating, chemical deposition, or spraying. Optionally, the anti-corrosion coating includes one of the following: tin coating, nickel coating, silver coating, gold coating, or alloy coating.

[0131] Optionally, the surfaces of the first electrode detection piece 120 and / or the second electrode detection piece 130 undergo surface treatment. Surface treatment includes micromachining the working surfaces of the electrode pieces to form a physical structure with micro-roughness or regular uneven texture. The micro-roughness structure formed on the surface directly increases the actual physical contact area between the electrode piece and the medium to be measured filling the measurement space 136, enhances the electrical coupling strength, and helps to obtain a more stable and sensitive impedance measurement signal.

[0132] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor 100 may optionally include a first wire 170 and a second wire 174. The first wire 170 is disposed on the substrate 110, one end of the first wire 170 is connected to the first electrode detection piece 120, and the other end of the first wire 170 forms a first connector 172. The second wire 174 is disposed on the substrate 110, one end of the second wire 174 is connected to the second electrode detection piece 130, and the other end of the second wire 174 forms a second connector 176.

[0133] In this embodiment, the sensor 100 further includes a first wire 170 and a second wire 174. One end of the first wire 170 is securely connected to the first electrode detection piece 120 by means of welding, crimping, or conductive adhesive. The other end of the first wire 170 serves as an exposed conductor end or is connected to a separate connector, forming a first connector 172 for external electrical connection. Similarly, the second wire 174 is reliably connected to the second electrode detection piece 130 at one end, and forms a second connector 176 at the other end.

[0134] Optionally, both the first conductor 170 and the second conductor 174 are fixed to the base 110 or within the base 110 by means of threading, embedding or attaching, and their routing is constrained to avoid loosening of the connection due to movement.

[0135] Optionally, the sensor 100 also includes a measuring element. One end of the first wire 170 is electrically connected to the first electrode detection element 120, and the other end is connected to the measuring element. One end of the second wire 174 is electrically connected to the second electrode detection element 130, and the other end is also connected to the measuring element. The first wire 170 and the second wire 174 form a dedicated signal transmission path between the measuring element and the two electrode elements. During operation, the measuring element forms a complete built-in measurement loop with the first electrode detection element 120 and the second electrode detection element 130 through the first wire 170 and the second wire 174. The measuring element generates an excitation signal, which is applied to the two electrode elements through the wires, and the response signal between the electrode elements is acquired synchronously through the wires. All signal excitation, acquisition, and processing are completed inside the sensor 100. The measuring element finally outputs the processed impedance or humidity information directly through its own external interface.

[0136] Optionally, the sensor 100 can also be used in conjunction with external measuring equipment. During operation, the first wire 170 and the second wire 174 serve as signal transmission channels. When it is necessary to measure the sensor 100, the external measuring equipment establishes an electrical connection with the first wire 170 and the second wire 174 through the first connector 172 and the second connector 176, respectively. The measurement signal is transmitted to the first electrode detection plate 120 through the first wire 170. After stimulating and acquiring the electrical response of the medium, the corresponding electrical signal is then transmitted from the second electrode detection plate 130 through the second wire 174 and returned to the external measuring equipment, thus completing one measurement loop.

[0137] Optionally, the sensor 100 also includes a wire bundle 180. The wire bundle 180 is disposed on the outer surface of the first wire 170 and the second wire 174 extending from the substrate 110. The wire bundle 180 gathers and fixes the extended first wire 170 and the second wire 174 into a neat wire bundle, thereby standardizing the direction of the wires after they extend out of the substrate 110 and avoiding scattering.

[0138] Optionally, the first wire 170 includes a first connecting segment and a first extension segment, and the second wire 174 includes a second connecting segment and a second extension segment. The first connecting segment and the second connecting segment are respectively used to achieve a fixed connection with the first electrode detection piece 120 and the second electrode detection piece 130. The first extension segment and the second extension segment extend outward from the substrate 110, and their material and construction allow for moderate bending to facilitate wiring operations during sensor 100 installation.

[0139] like Figure 22 , Figure 23 , Figure 24 , Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor 100 may optionally further include a signal processing component 190, which includes a first signal processing unit 192 and a second signal processing unit 198; the first signal processing unit 192 is electrically connected to the first electrode detection piece 120 and is used to amplify the electrical signal generated by the first electrode detection piece 120; the second signal processing unit 198 is electrically connected to the second electrode detection piece 130 and is used to amplify the electrical signal generated by the second electrode detection piece 130.

[0140] In this embodiment, the signal processing component 190 exists as a separate hardware circuit module and is integrated onto or inside the substrate 110. The first signal processing unit 192 is directly connected to the first electrode detection piece 120, thereby forming an independent physical path from signal sensing to primary processing. Similarly, the second signal processing unit 198 is directly connected to the second electrode detection piece 130, forming another symmetrical and isolated processing path.

[0141] The two signal processing sections amplify the raw, weak electrical signals from the first electrode detection plate 120 and the second electrode detection plate 130, respectively, reducing the risk of signal attenuation or noise introduction before transmission to external circuits, thereby effectively improving the signal-to-noise ratio and integrity of the measurement signal. Secondly, the independent dual-path processing architecture avoids crosstalk that may occur between the two signals in the early stages within the sensor 100, ensuring the independence and authenticity of the signals acquired from the two electrodes.

[0142] Optionally, the signal processing component 190 is a plate-shaped component, such as a printed circuit board, on which the circuits of the first signal processing unit 192 and the second signal processing unit 198 are integrated. The plate-shaped component is disposed inside the substrate 110 and has a thickness of 1.5 mm.

[0143] Optionally, the substrate 110 has a shape-matched receiving cavity inside, and the signal processing component 190 is placed in the receiving cavity. A second fixing component is also provided in the receiving cavity, which securely holds the signal processing component 190 in a predetermined position within the receiving cavity, preventing the signal processing component 190 from moving or loosening.

[0144] Optionally, the signal processing component 190 further includes a first output point 196 and a second output point 200 for external connection. The sensor 100 also includes a first lead 210 and a second lead 220. One end of the first lead 210 is electrically connected to the first output point 196, and the other end extends to the outside of the base 110 and forms a connector for connecting to an external device. One end of the second lead 220 is electrically connected to the second output point 200, and the other end also extends to the outside of the base 110 and forms a connector.

[0145] In an embodiment of the present invention, a measuring device is provided, which includes a sensor 100 as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0146] In this embodiment, the measuring device proposed by the present invention, because it includes the sensor 100 as in any of the above embodiments, has all the beneficial effects of the sensor 100 in any of the above embodiments.

[0147] In this embodiment, sensor 100 is integrated as a sensing unit within the measuring device. Sensor 100, with its stable measurement space 136 structure, provides the measuring device with a direct and reliable capability to acquire dielectric impedance information. This foundation enables the final measuring device to output accurate, stable, and three-dimensionally representative physical property parameters, fundamentally improving the overall measurement performance of the device.

[0148] For example, the measuring device can be a monitoring instrument used in the fields of agriculture or environmental monitoring, which directly measures and displays the volumetric water content of the soil by inserting a built-in sensor 100 into the soil.

[0149] The measuring equipment can also be a moisture analyzer used in industries such as grain, building materials and chemicals to detect the moisture content of granular, powdery or paste-like materials.

[0150] Optionally, the measuring device also includes a processor electrically connected to the output of the sensor 100, for receiving signals from the sensor 100, executing algorithms to convert raw impedance information into target parameters that are readable by the user, and controlling the operating logic of the measuring device.

[0151] The measuring equipment also includes a human-machine interface unit, such as a display screen, buttons, or touch screen, for setting parameters, displaying measurement results, and device status.

[0152] The measuring equipment also includes a data storage and transmission module, which stores historical measurement data and transmits the data to a host computer or cloud platform via wired or wireless means.

[0153] The measuring device also includes a power module to power the sensor 100, processor and other electronic components.

[0154] In the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, the term "plural" refers to two or more. Unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the descriptive process, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have the described specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, these descriptions should not be construed as limiting the invention. The terms "connected," "installed," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection between multiple objects, a detachable connection between multiple objects, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection between multiple objects or an indirect connection between multiple objects through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood based on the specific circumstances described above.

[0155] In the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0156] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sensor, characterized in that, include: Matrix; A first electrode detection piece is disposed on the substrate; A second electrode detection piece is disposed on the substrate. The second electrode detection piece is disposed at a distance from the first electrode detection piece, and a measurement space is provided between the second electrode detection piece and the first electrode detection piece. The first electrode detection piece and the second electrode detection piece are used to measure the impedance information of the medium to be measured placed in the measurement space.

2. The sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode detection piece includes a first surface, which faces the measurement space; The second electrode detection piece includes a second surface facing the measurement space, and the second surface is opposite to the first surface.

3. The sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second electrode detection piece and the first electrode detection piece are disposed at the same end of the substrate, and the second electrode detection piece and the first electrode detection piece are parallel to each other.

4. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first electrode detection sheet includes a first electrode sheet disposed on the substrate, and the first electrode sheet has a first electrode; The second electrode detection sheet includes a second electrode sheet disposed on the substrate, the second electrode sheet being spaced apart from the first electrode sheet, and the second electrode sheet having a second electrode; The measurement space is located between the first electrode and the second electrode.

5. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first electrode detection sheet includes: a first copper electrode sheet, a first copper alloy electrode sheet, a first titanium alloy electrode sheet, a first stainless steel electrode sheet, a first chromium-plated electrode sheet, or a first zinc-plated electrode sheet; and / or The second electrode detection sheet includes: a second copper electrode sheet, a second copper alloy electrode sheet, a second titanium alloy electrode sheet, a second stainless steel electrode sheet, a second chromium-plated electrode sheet, or a second zinc-plated electrode sheet.

6. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first electrode detection sheet includes a third electrode sheet and a first insulating layer, wherein the first insulating layer is disposed on the surface of the third electrode sheet; The second electrode detection piece includes a fourth electrode piece and a second insulating layer, wherein the second insulating layer is disposed on the surface of the fourth electrode piece; The measurement space is located between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer.

7. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first electrode detection piece includes: A first piece is disposed on the substrate; Multiple third electrodes are spaced apart on the first sheet, and the multiple third electrodes are connected in series or in parallel. The second electrode detection piece includes: The second piece is disposed on the substrate; Multiple fourth electrodes are spaced apart on the second sheet, and the multiple fourth electrodes are connected in series or in parallel.

8. The sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that, Multiple third electrodes are disposed on the side of the first sheet facing the measurement space, and multiple fourth electrodes are disposed on the side of the second sheet facing the measurement space; or Multiple third electrodes are respectively disposed on both sides of the first sheet, and multiple fourth electrodes are respectively disposed on both sides of the second sheet.

9. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first electrode detection piece includes a first printed circuit board and a first electrode layer, wherein the first electrode layer is disposed inside the first printed circuit board; The second electrode detection sheet includes a second printed circuit board and a second electrode layer, wherein the second electrode layer is disposed inside the second printed circuit board.

10. A measuring device, characterized in that, include: The sensor as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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