0 Hz Permittivity Measurement via Electrostatic Force Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring electric permittivity at 0 Hz are inaccurate, unreliable, and limited to a single state of aggregation, with long measurement times and difficulty in controlling temperature, preventing precise measurements across solid, liquid, and aeriform states.

Innovation Solution

A measurement method using a rheometer with an electrorheology module and a force sensor to determine electric permittivity at 0 Hz by measuring normal force between parallel plates, allowing for temperature control and rapid, accurate measurements across different states of aggregation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If parallel flat-plate capacitors are used to measure electric permittivity at 0 Hz, then measurements can be performed on substances in different states of aggregation, but the accuracy and reliability of the detected quantities are low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capability across different states of aggregationVSAvoidaccuracy and reliability of detected quantities

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional electrical measurement approach (impedance analysis) with a mechanical measurement approach. A force sensor measures the mechanical force between parallel plates when a voltage is applied, and this mechanical force measurement is then converted to determine electric permittivity. This substitution of mechanical measurement for electrical measurement resolves the contradiction by providing both versatility across different substance states and high measurement accuracy through the force sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional impedance analyzer or LCR meter methods are used, then measurements can be made at low to medium frequencies, but the measurement timeline exceeds 10 minutes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermittivity measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement timeline

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming electrical impedance analysis with a rapid mechanical force measurement system. The force sensor provides immediate mechanical force data when voltage is applied between plates, eliminating the lengthy measurement timelines (over 10 minutes) associated with traditional impedance analyzers and LCR meters, while maintaining permittivity measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If known techniques are used to measure electric permittivity, then measurements can be performed, but temperature control is difficult and measurement errors are hard to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement performabilityVSAvoidcontrol of measurement errors and temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical measurement methods that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and measurement errors with a mechanical force measurement system. The mechanical force between plates, measured by a force sensor, provides a more stable and reliable measurement that is less susceptible to temperature control issues and measurement errors, while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables fast, reliable, and non-destructive measurements of electric permittivity at 0 Hz for substances in solid, liquid, or aeriform states, with reduced measurement time and improved accuracy through averaging and temperature control.

Implementation Method 1

imposing a potential difference at 0 Hz between a first plate and a second plate; measuring, by means of a force sensor, a normal force to which the second plate is subjected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Coulomb's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4348233B1Measurement method of electric permittivity at 0 hz

Publication Date: 2025.11.19 UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA LA SAPIENZA

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AI summary

A measurement method (100) of the electric permittivity (ε) at 0 Hz of a substance (1), irrespective of the aggregation state, comprising the steps of: pre-arranging (101) a rheometer (2) comprising an electrorheology module (20), provided with a fixed first plate (21) and said movable second plate (22); connecting (102) a voltage generator (3) to said rheometer (2); placing (103) the substance (1) between said first plate (21) and said second plate (22); arranging (104) said second plate (22) at a distance (D) from said first plate (21); imposing (105) said potential difference (ΔV) at 0 Hz between said first plate (21) and said second plate (22); measuring (106) a normal force (F) to which said second plate (22) is subjected; converting (108) the normal force (F) to obtain the dielectric permittivity (ε) of the substance (1).