Capacitive ice thickness sensor

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of capacitive ice thickness sensor, it is related to ice layer thickness monitoring technical field, including: electronic warehouse, first electrode plate, second electrode plate being spaced parallel and fixed in electronic warehouse one side and the oscillation circuit module and signal conditioning circuit module in electronic warehouse, signal filter shaping circuit is equipped between the two. Oscillation circuit module will the capacitance difference generated by electrode plate due to ice layer thickness change into oscillation signal, after filtering and shaping, by signal conditioning circuit module output analog voltage signal to external main control unit calculation ice thickness. The utility model can be directly attached outdoor object surface installation, simple structure, high measurement accuracy, strong outdoor durability, adapt general main control unit, effectively fill in general outdoor object surface ice thickness monitoring technical blank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice thickness monitoring technology, and in particular to a capacitive ice thickness sensor. Background Technology

[0002] In freezing weather and other low-temperature conditions, outdoor objects (such as power transmission towers, building facades, and equipment casings) are prone to icing. Real-time and accurate monitoring of ice thickness is of great significance for power safety, building protection, and equipment maintenance. Currently, ice thickness measurement technologies are mainly divided into two categories: one is the traditional measurement technology based on sound waves and optical principles, and the other is the electrical measurement technology based on capacitance characteristics.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream ice thickness measurement technologies are mainly divided into two categories:

[0004] One approach is the traditional measurement technology based on sound waves and optical principles. Ultrasonic ice thickness measurement devices calculate ice thickness by emitting ultrasonic waves into the ice layer and utilizing the time difference in reflection between the sound waves and the ice interface. Laser ice thickness measurement devices, on the other hand, emit laser beams and infer ice thickness based on the optical path difference of the reflected laser light. However, both technologies have inherent limitations: because their measurement principles rely on a spatial propagation path of "emission-reflection-reception," they must be installed in a fixed position directly above the ice layer using a dedicated bracket, making direct contact with the surface of the object being measured impossible. Furthermore, their applicability is severely restricted by installation space limitations, bracket load-bearing capacity, and complex environmental factors such as strong winds and snow cover, making them particularly unsuitable for monitoring the thickness of naturally formed ice on irregular outdoor surfaces.

[0005] Secondly, there is the electrical measurement technology based on capacitance characteristics. To overcome the installation and scenario limitations of acoustic and optical technologies, the industry has developed a capacitive ice thickness measurement technology that utilizes the difference in dielectric constant between ice and air. The ice thickness is inferred by detecting changes in the capacitance value between the electrodes. However, existing capacitive solutions still have significant shortcomings. For example, the "capacitance ratio type ice thickness sensor and its detection method" disclosed in patent CN200810055051.9 uses a complex modular structure consisting of a rectangular metal shielding protective shell, multiple sets of parallel plate detection capacitors, a reference parallel plate detection capacitor, and a dual-channel programmable control scale selection circuit. It needs to be vertically suspended on objects such as power lines, towers, or tree branches using a hanging hook, making it unsuitable for non-suspended outdoor surfaces. Furthermore, the design of its shielding shell, multiple sets of plates, and selection circuit results in a large overall size and high cost, making it difficult to achieve lightweight installation and widespread application.

[0006] Existing ice thickness measurement technologies are either limited by installation methods or have complex structures and poor scene adaptability, making them unable to meet the monitoring needs of natural ice thickness on the surface of general outdoor objects. Developing a capacitive ice thickness sensor that is simple in structure, easy to install, and highly versatile has become an urgent need in this field. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a capacitive ice thickness sensor, which integrates the electrode plate with the built-in oscillation and signal conditioning circuitry in an electronic chamber. It can be directly attached to the surface of outdoor objects and features high measurement accuracy, strong durability in outdoor environments, and output signal compatibility with general-purpose main control units. It also has a simple structure, low cost, and good versatility.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0009] A capacitive ice thickness sensor is provided, comprising: an electronic chamber, a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, an oscillation circuit module, and a signal conditioning circuit module; the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are spaced apart and parallel to each other, and are fixedly connected to the same side of the electronic chamber; the oscillation circuit module and the signal conditioning circuit module are disposed inside the electronic chamber, the signal input terminal of the oscillation circuit module is electrically connected to the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate respectively, and can generate an oscillation signal from the capacitance difference between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate caused by the change in ice thickness; the input terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module is electrically connected to the output terminal of the oscillation circuit module, and is used to condition the oscillation signal and output it to an external main control unit to calculate the ice thickness.

[0010] The oscillation circuit module includes a timer chip U1, a crystal oscillator Y1, a resistor R8, a capacitor C3, and a capacitor C6. The timer chip U1 is a TLC555ID model, with its VCC pin connected to a +5V power supply and its GND pin grounded. The two ends of the crystal oscillator Y1 are connected to the TRIG pin and THR pin of the timer chip U1, respectively, and one end of the crystal oscillator Y1 is grounded through the resistor R8. One end of the capacitor C3 is connected to the TRIG pin of the timer chip U1, and the other end is grounded. One end of the capacitor C6 is connected to the TRIG pin of the timer chip U1, and the other end is connected to a +5V power supply.

[0011] Preferably, the oscillation circuit module further includes a resistor R3, a capacitor C1, and a capacitor C4; the DISC pin of the time base chip U1 is connected to a +5V power supply through the resistor R3 and grounded through the capacitor C1; the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are connected to the line where the DISC pin of the time base chip U1 is located through a socket, and the capacitor C4 is connected in series in the connection line.

[0012] Preferably, a signal filtering and shaping circuit is provided between the oscillation circuit module and the signal conditioning circuit module. The signal filtering and shaping circuit includes resistor R6, capacitor C7, resistor R7, capacitor C8, resistor R10, and resistor R11. One end of resistor R6 is connected to the OUT pin of the timer chip U1, and the other end is connected to one end of capacitor C7 and one end of resistor R7. The other end of capacitor C7 is connected to one end of resistor R10 and then grounded. The other end of resistor R10 is connected to the connection point of resistors R6 and R7. The other end of resistor R7 is connected to one end of capacitor C8 and the input terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module. The other end of capacitor C8 is connected to one end of resistor R11 and then grounded. The other end of resistor R11 is connected to the connection point of resistors R7 and capacitor C8.

[0013] Preferably, the signal conditioning circuit module includes an operational amplifier U2 (model TPA1862), resistors R1, R2, R4, R5, R9, R13, R14, capacitors C2 and C5; the IN1- pin of the operational amplifier U2 is grounded through resistor R4 and capacitor C5; the IN1+ pin of the operational amplifier U2 serves as the input terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module and is connected to the output terminal of the oscillation circuit module through a voltage divider filter circuit composed of resistors R1, R2, and C2; the OUT1 pin of the operational amplifier U2 is connected to the IN2- pin through resistor R5, the IN2+ pin is connected to a +5V power supply through a voltage divider circuit composed of resistors R13 and R14, and the IN2- pin is also grounded through resistor R9; the OUT1 pin of the operational amplifier U2 serves as the output terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module.

[0014] Preferably, the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are both rectangular, circular or oblong in shape, and both have the same size; their material is copper, brass or aluminum alloy.

[0015] Preferably, the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are fixed to the electronic compartment by means of bolt connection, snap connection or integral molding.

[0016] Preferably, the outer surfaces of both the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are coated with a nickel or chromium anti-corrosion coating.

[0017] Preferably, the outer shell of the electronic compartment is made of ABS engineering plastic or stainless steel, and the surface of the outer shell is provided with a waterproof sealing layer.

[0018] Preferably, the signal output by the signal conditioning circuit module is an analog voltage signal, which is compatible with the analog signal acquisition interface of the external main control unit.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] This utility model provides a capacitive ice thickness sensor. By integrating a first and second electrode plate with an electronic housing containing a built-in oscillation circuit module (composed of a TLC555ID timer chip) and a signal conditioning circuit module (composed of a TPA1862 operational amplifier), it can be directly mounted on various outdoor object surfaces without the need for a dedicated bracket. This solves the problems of limited installation of traditional acoustic / optical sensors and the structural redundancy of existing capacitive sensors. Its oscillation-filtering-shaping-signal conditioning circuit link can accurately convert and optimize the capacitive signal, improving measurement accuracy. The anti-corrosion coating of the electrode plate and the waterproof sealing design of the electronic housing are suitable for complex outdoor environments, enhancing durability. At the same time, the output signal is compatible with a general-purpose main control unit, and the components are conventional, the structure is simple, the cost is low and easy to manufacture, enabling universal monitoring in multiple scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a capacitive ice thickness sensor according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of a capacitive ice thickness sensor according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Electronic compartment; 2. First electrode plate; 3. Second electrode plate.

[0024] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a capacitive ice thickness sensor includes: an electronic chamber 1, a first electrode plate 2, a second electrode plate 3, an oscillation circuit module, and a signal conditioning circuit module; the first electrode plate 2 and the second electrode plate 3 are spaced apart and parallel to each other, and are fixedly connected to the same side of the electronic chamber 1; the oscillation circuit module and the signal conditioning circuit module are disposed inside the electronic chamber 1, the signal input terminal of the oscillation circuit module is electrically connected to the first electrode plate 2 and the second electrode plate 3 respectively, and can generate an oscillation signal from the capacitance difference between the first electrode plate 2 and the second electrode plate 3 caused by the change in ice thickness; the input terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module is electrically connected to the output terminal of the oscillation circuit module, and is used to condition the oscillation signal and output it to an external main control unit to calculate the ice thickness.

[0028] It should be noted that the electronic chamber 1 serves as the carrier of the structure and circuitry. The first electrode plate 2 and the second electrode plate 3 are spaced apart and parallel to each other and fixed on the same side of the electronic chamber 1. They form a capacitance detection unit through parallel arrangement, which can be directly attached to the surface of the outdoor object being measured. By utilizing the difference in dielectric constant between ice and air, the change in ice thickness is converted into a difference in capacitance value between the electrode plates. The oscillation circuit module and the signal conditioning circuit module integrated inside the electronic chamber 1 constitute the core function. The oscillation circuit module is electrically connected to the two electrode plates through the signal input terminal, which can convert the difference in capacitance value between the electrode plates into a recognizable oscillation signal. The signal conditioning circuit module is electrically connected to the output terminal of the oscillation circuit module to perform adaptive processing (such as amplification and shaping) on ​​the oscillation signal, and finally outputs it to the external main control unit. The algorithm is used to back-calculate and realize the quantitative monitoring of ice thickness.

[0029] Furthermore, the oscillation circuit module includes a timer chip U1, a crystal oscillator Y1, a resistor R8, a capacitor C3, and a capacitor C6. The timer chip U1 is a TLC555ID model, with its VCC pin connected to a +5V power supply and its GND pin grounded. The two ends of the crystal oscillator Y1 are connected to the TRIG pin and THR pin of the timer chip U1, respectively, and one end of the crystal oscillator Y1 is grounded through the resistor R8. One end of the capacitor C3 is connected to the TRIG pin of the timer chip U1, and the other end is grounded. One end of the capacitor C6 is connected to the TRIG pin of the timer chip U1, and the other end is connected to a +5V power supply.

[0030] It should be noted that the oscillation circuit module is based on a TLC555ID timer chip U1. This chip is powered by a +5V power supply connected to the VCC pin and grounded via the GND pin. Crystal Y1 serves as the timing reference element, with its two ends connected to the TRIG pin (trigger pin) and THR pin (threshold pin) of the timer chip U1, respectively. One end of Y1 is grounded through resistor R8, providing a stable base frequency reference for the oscillation circuit. Capacitor C3 is connected to the TRIG pin at one end and grounded at the other, while capacitor C6 is connected to the TRIG pin at one end and to the +5V power supply at the other. Together with crystal Y1 and resistor R8, they form a charging and discharging network, which is controlled by T... The level change of the RIG pin and THR pin triggers the timing chip U1 to work. When the capacitance value of the first electrode plate 2 and the second electrode plate 3 is different due to the change in ice thickness (caused by the difference in dielectric constant between ice and air), the capacitance difference will be connected to the oscillation circuit, directly changing the charging and discharging rate of the circuit, thereby modulating the frequency or duty cycle of the basic oscillation signal. The "change in capacitance physical quantity" that could not be directly collected is transformed into "change in oscillating electrical signal" that can be processed by subsequent circuits. This allows the signal filtering and shaping module to remove interference and the signal conditioning module to amplify and adapt, thereby generating a stable oscillation signal basis and providing hardware support for the subsequent connection of electrode plate capacitance changes to modulate the oscillation characteristics.

[0031] Furthermore, the oscillation circuit module also includes a resistor R3, a capacitor C1, and a capacitor C4; the DISC pin of the time base chip U1 is connected to a +5V power supply through the resistor R3 and grounded through the capacitor C1; the first electrode plate 2 and the second electrode plate 3 are connected to the line where the DISC pin of the time base chip U1 is located through a socket, and the capacitor C4 is connected in series in the connection line.

[0032] It should be noted that the oscillation circuit module adds resistor R3, capacitor C1, and capacitor C4. The DISC (discharge) pin of the timer chip U1 is connected to the +5V power supply through resistor R3 and grounded through capacitor C1, forming an auxiliary charging and discharging circuit to stabilize the chip's discharge process. The first electrode plate 2 and the second electrode plate 3 are electrically connected to the circuit where the DISC pin is located through a socket, and capacitor C4 is connected in series in the connection circuit. This series design can isolate the electrostatic or weak leakage interference that may exist on the surface of the electrode plate, ensuring that the capacitance difference caused by the change in ice thickness can be accurately transmitted to the oscillation circuit, thereby effectively modulating the basic oscillation signal composed of crystal oscillator, resistor, and capacitor, and improving the signal conversion link of "electrode plate capacitance change → oscillation circuit modulation".

[0033] Furthermore, a signal filtering and shaping circuit is provided between the oscillation circuit module and the signal conditioning circuit module. The signal filtering and shaping circuit includes resistor R6, capacitor C7, resistor R7, capacitor C8, resistor R10, and resistor R11. One end of resistor R6 is connected to the OUT pin of the timer chip U1, and the other end is connected to one end of capacitor C7 and one end of resistor R7. The other end of capacitor C7 is connected to one end of resistor R10 and then grounded. The other end of resistor R10 is connected to the connection point of resistors R6 and R7. The other end of resistor R7 is connected to one end of capacitor C8 and the input terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module. The other end of capacitor C8 is connected to one end of resistor R11 and then grounded. The other end of resistor R11 is connected to the connection point of resistors R7 and capacitor C8.

[0034] It should be noted that the signal filtering and shaping circuit performs "noise filtering + waveform optimization" on the signal output by the oscillation circuit through the synergistic effect of two-stage RC low-pass filter networks. The first stage of filtering consists of resistor R6, capacitor C7 and resistor R10: the oscillation signal output by the oscillation circuit module (time base chip U1) is first current-limited by R6 and then enters the RC parallel network composed of C7 (10μF) and R10 (20KΩ). Capacitor C7 exhibits low impedance characteristics to high-frequency noise, which can filter out high-frequency interference mixed in the signal (such as outdoor electromagnetic radiation and circuit parasitic noise) through the grounding path; one end of resistor R10 is connected to C7 and grounded, and the other end is connected back to the connection node of R6 and R7 to form a voltage divider feedback, which can stabilize the node voltage and further suppress high-frequency components, achieving the initial "noise reduction and smoothing" of the original oscillation signal; the second-stage filter consists of resistor R7, capacitor C8 and resistor R11: the signal processed by the first stage is transmitted to the second stage through R7 (100KΩ) and enters another set of RC network composed of C8 (10nF / 50V) and R11 (20KΩ). C8 performs secondary filtering on the residual mid-to-high frequency noise that was not completely filtered out in the first stage. Its small capacitance (10nF) can more accurately suppress higher frequency noise. R11 also forms feedback through the loopback node, working with C8 to adjust the filter cutoff frequency, further regularizing the signal waveform (reducing glitches and fluctuations). Through the step-by-step filtering and shaping of the two-stage RC network, the originally noisy and irregular oscillating signal is optimized into a smooth and stable periodic signal. This retains the core frequency / duty cycle information reflecting the ice thickness and eliminates the impact of interference on subsequent processing, providing a "clean" input foundation for the amplification and adaptation of the signal conditioning circuit module.

[0035] Furthermore, the signal conditioning circuit module includes an operational amplifier U2 (model TPA1862), resistors R1, R2, R4, R5, R9, R13, R14, capacitors C2 and C5; the IN1- pin of the operational amplifier U2 is grounded through resistor R4 and capacitor C5; the IN1+ pin of the operational amplifier U2 serves as the input terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module and is connected to the output terminal of the oscillation circuit module through a voltage divider filter circuit composed of resistors R1, R2, and capacitor C2; the OUT1 pin of the operational amplifier U2 is connected to the IN2- pin through resistor R5, the IN2+ pin is connected to a +5V power supply through a voltage divider circuit composed of resistors R13 and R14, and the IN2- pin is also grounded through resistor R9; the OUT1 pin of the operational amplifier U2 serves as the output terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module.

[0036] It should be noted that after the signal from the oscillation circuit module is filtered and shaped by the pre-stage filter, it is input to the IN1+ (non-inverting input) of operational amplifier U2 through a voltage divider filter circuit consisting of resistors R1 and R2 and capacitor C2. R1 and R2 adjust the amplitude of the input signal to the linear operating range of U2 through voltage division, while C2 filters out residual high-frequency noise in the signal. The IN1- (inverting input) of U2 is grounded through resistor R4 and connected in parallel with capacitor C5. R4 provides a stable ground reference potential, and C5 further suppresses low-frequency interference, ensuring the stability of the input signal reference. Secondly, the OUT1 (output) of U2 is fed back to the IN2- (second inverting input) through resistor R5, forming a negative... The feedback loop, combined with the ground reference of IN1-, achieves linear signal amplification based on the op-amp's "virtual short" and "virtual open" characteristics. The amplification factor is determined by the resistance ratio of R4 and R5. Simultaneously, IN2+ (the second non-inverting input) is connected to a +5V power supply through a voltage divider circuit composed of resistors R13 and R14, providing the op-amp with a DC bias voltage adapted to the acquisition requirements of the external main control unit, thus preventing cutoff or saturation distortion in the output signal. Resistor R9 assists in adjusting the potential of IN2- to optimize the feedback characteristics. Finally, the amplified and bias-conditioned signal is output from OUT1, becoming a stable analog voltage signal that can be directly acquired by the external main control unit, providing a reliable electrical signal basis for ice thickness calculation.

[0037] Furthermore, the first electrode plate 2 and the second electrode plate 3 are both rectangular, circular or oblong in shape, and both have the same size; their material is copper, brass or aluminum alloy.

[0038] It should be noted that the material used is copper, brass, or aluminum alloy, because these metals have high conductivity, which ensures accurate transmission of capacitance signals. The shape is designed to be rectangular, circular, or oval with the same dimensions. The variety of shapes can be adapted to different outdoor object surfaces being tested (e.g., rectangles for flat surfaces, circles for curved surfaces), ensuring that the plates can fit tightly to the surface being tested. This allows changes in ice thickness to be accurately reflected in the capacitance changes between the two plates, laying an accurate physical detection foundation for subsequent signal conversion and ice thickness calculation in the circuit.

[0039] Furthermore, the first electrode plate 2 and the second electrode plate 3 are fixed to the electronic compartment 1 by means of bolt connection, snap connection or integral molding.

[0040] It should be noted that bolted connections achieve detachable and vibration-resistant fixation through threaded fastening; snap-fit ​​connections achieve rapid assembly through elastic fastening; and one-piece molding eliminates assembly errors through integrated manufacturing. All three methods can ensure the structural stability of the "parallel spacing" of the two plates, avoid capacitance errors introduced by loose connections or positional misalignment, and ensure the accuracy of testing.

[0041] Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the first electrode plate 2 and the second electrode plate 3 are both coated with a nickel or chromium anti-corrosion coating.

[0042] It should be noted that the coating can form a dense protective film, isolate outdoor corrosive media, prevent the electrode substrate from oxidizing and rusting, and does not affect conductivity, ensuring stable and accurate capacitance detection.

[0043] Furthermore, the outer shell of the electronic compartment 1 is made of ABS engineering plastic or stainless steel, and a waterproof sealing layer is provided on the surface of the outer shell.

[0044] It should be noted that ABS engineering plastic has lightweight, low-temperature resistance and insulation properties, making it suitable for outdoor low-temperature environments and preventing short circuits. Stainless steel, on the other hand, has high strength and impact resistance to resist physical damage such as outdoor collisions. Both materials can provide structural support and physical protection for core components such as internal oscillation circuit modules and signal conditioning circuit modules. The waterproof sealing layer on the outer shell can fill gaps and form a barrier, effectively preventing outdoor rainwater, moisture, dust and other impurities from entering the electronic compartment 1, preventing circuits from short circuits, corrosion and other failures due to moisture and pollution, and ensuring stable operation of internal circuits in complex outdoor environments.

[0045] Furthermore, the signal output by the signal conditioning circuit module is an analog voltage signal, which is compatible with the analog quantity acquisition interface of the external main control unit.

[0046] It should be noted that the signal conditioning circuit module outputs an analog voltage signal and is compatible with the analog signal acquisition interface of the external main control unit, enabling seamless integration between the two and facilitating the main control unit to acquire signals and calculate ice thickness.

[0047] The working principle and usage method of a capacitive ice thickness sensor in this embodiment are as follows:

[0048] This embodiment provides a capacitive ice thickness sensor. The surface is coated with a nickel or chromium anti-corrosion coating. A first electrode plate 2 and a second electrode plate 3, fixed to the same side of the electronic chamber 1, are tightly attached to the surface of the outdoor object being measured. Utilizing the difference in dielectric constant between ice and air, the change in ice thickness is converted into a difference in capacitance between the two electrode plates. Inside the electronic chamber 1, an oscillation circuit module with a TLC555ID timer chip as its core provides a stable oscillation reference through a basic charging and discharging network consisting of crystal oscillator Y1, resistor R8, and capacitors C3 / C6. Simultaneously, an auxiliary charging and discharging circuit composed of resistor R3 and capacitor C1 provides stable operation. The electrode plates are connected to the DISC via a series capacitor C4. The pin circuit modulates the capacitance difference into an oscillation signal. This oscillation signal is filtered by a two-stage RC filter and shaping circuit composed of resistors R6 / C7 / R10 and R7 / C8 / R11 to remove high-frequency noise and normalize the waveform. It is then input to a signal conditioning circuit module with a TPA1862 operational amplifier as its core. After being filtered by a voltage divider of resistors R1 / R2, stabilized by a reference potential of resistors R4 / C5, linearly amplified by negative feedback of resistor R5, and provided with DC bias by a voltage divider of resistors R13 / R14, it outputs an analog voltage signal that is compatible with the analog signal acquisition interface of the external main control unit. Finally, the external main control unit uses an algorithm to back-calculate the real-time ice thickness based on the correspondence between the voltage signal and the ice thickness.

[0049] In use, firstly, select the appropriate first electrode plate 2 and second electrode plate 3 according to the shape of the outdoor object being measured (rectangular for flat surfaces, circular for curved surfaces, etc.), and fix them on the same side of the electronic chamber 1 with bolts, ensuring that the two electrode plates are parallel and tightly attached to the surface of the object being measured; secondly, connect the VCC pin of the oscillation circuit module inside the electronic chamber 1 to a +5V DC power supply and ground the GND pin, and connect the OUT1 pin (output terminal) of the signal conditioning circuit module to the analog signal acquisition interface of the external main control unit; then, turn on the power supply and the external main control unit, and the sensor will start automatically; the electrode plates sense the changes in ice thickness in real time and convert them into capacitance differences. After modulation by the internal oscillation circuit, optimization by the two-stage RC filter shaping circuit, and amplification and biasing by the signal conditioning circuit, an analog voltage signal is output, which is then used by the main control unit to calculate and display the real-time ice thickness through an algorithm; during use, the waterproof sealing layer of the electronic chamber 1 shell and the anti-corrosion coating of the electrode plates resist the influence of the outdoor environment, and regular checks on the electrode plate adhesion and circuit connection stability are sufficient to maintain normal use.

[0050] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is used only to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, and is not intended to limit the protection scope of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model are included within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "upper end", "lower end", "upper surface", "lower surface", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0052] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A capacitive ice thickness sensor, characterized in that, include: An electronic chamber (1), a first electrode plate (2), a second electrode plate (3), an oscillation circuit module, and a signal conditioning circuit module are provided. The first electrode plate (2) and the second electrode plate (3) are spaced apart and arranged in parallel, and are fixedly connected to the same side of the electronic chamber (1). The oscillation circuit module and the signal conditioning circuit module are located inside the electronic chamber (1). The signal input terminal of the oscillation circuit module is electrically connected to the first electrode plate (2) and the second electrode plate (3) respectively, and can generate an oscillation signal by converting the capacitance difference between the first electrode plate (2) and the second electrode plate (3) caused by the change in ice thickness. The input terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module is electrically connected to the output terminal of the oscillation circuit module, and is used to condition the oscillation signal and output it to the external main control unit to calculate the ice thickness.

2. The capacitive ice thickness sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The oscillation circuit module includes a timer chip U1, a crystal oscillator Y1, a resistor R8, a capacitor C3, and a capacitor C6. The timer chip U1 is a TLC555ID model, with its VCC pin connected to a +5V power supply and its GND pin grounded. The two ends of the crystal oscillator Y1 are connected to the TRIG pin and THR pin of the timer chip U1, respectively, and one end of the crystal oscillator Y1 is grounded through the resistor R8. One end of the capacitor C3 is connected to the TRIG pin of the timer chip U1, and the other end is grounded. One end of the capacitor C6 is connected to the TRIG pin of the timer chip U1, and the other end is connected to a +5V power supply.

3. A capacitive ice thickness sensor as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The oscillation circuit module also includes a resistor R3, a capacitor C1 and a capacitor C4; the DISC pin of the time base chip U1 is connected to the +5V power supply through the resistor R3 and grounded through the capacitor C1; the first electrode plate (2) and the second electrode plate (3) are connected to the line where the DISC pin of the time base chip U1 is located through a socket, and the capacitor C4 is connected in series in the connection line.

4. A capacitive ice thickness sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A signal filtering and shaping circuit is provided between the oscillation circuit module and the signal conditioning circuit module. The signal filtering and shaping circuit includes resistor R6, capacitor C7, resistor R7, capacitor C8, resistor R10, and resistor R11. One end of resistor R6 is connected to the OUT pin of the timer chip U1, and the other end is connected to one end of capacitor C7 and one end of resistor R7. The other end of capacitor C7 is connected to one end of resistor R10 and then grounded. The other end of resistor R10 is connected to the connection point of resistors R6 and R7. The other end of resistor R7 is connected to one end of capacitor C8 and the input terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module. The other end of capacitor C8 is connected to one end of resistor R11 and then grounded. The other end of resistor R11 is connected to the connection point of resistors R7 and capacitor C8.

5. A capacitive ice thickness sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The signal conditioning circuit module includes an operational amplifier U2 (model TPA1862), resistors R1, R2, R4, R5, R9, R13, R14, capacitors C2 and C5. The IN1- pin of operational amplifier U2 is grounded through resistor R4 and capacitor C5. The IN1+ pin of operational amplifier U2 serves as the input terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module and is connected to the output terminal of the oscillation circuit module through a voltage divider filter circuit composed of resistors R1, R2, and capacitor C2. The OUT1 pin of operational amplifier U2 is connected to the IN2- pin through resistor R5. The IN2+ pin is connected to a +5V power supply through a voltage divider circuit composed of resistors R13 and R14, and the IN2- pin is also grounded through resistor R9. The OUT1 pin of operational amplifier U2 serves as the output terminal of the signal conditioning circuit module.

6. A capacitive ice thickness sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first electrode plate (2) and the second electrode plate (3) are both rectangular, circular or waist-shaped, and both have the same size; their materials are copper, brass or aluminum alloy.

7. A capacitive ice thickness sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first electrode plate (2) and the second electrode plate (3) are fixed to the electronic compartment (1) by means of bolt connection, snap connection or integral molding.

8. A capacitive ice thickness sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surfaces of the first electrode plate (2) and the second electrode plate (3) are coated with a nickel or chromium anti-corrosion coating.

9. A capacitive ice thickness sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outer shell of the electronic compartment (1) is made of ABS engineering plastic or stainless steel, and a waterproof sealing layer is provided on the surface of the outer shell.

10. A capacitive ice thickness sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The signal conditioning circuit module outputs an analog voltage signal, which is compatible with the analog signal acquisition interface of the external main control unit.

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