Capacitive Displacement Sensor Assembly for Harsh Environments

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-precision displacement sensors face challenges in operating effectively in aggressive and varying environmental conditions, limiting effective displacement monitoring and control of systems and machinery.

Innovation Solution

A sensor assembly with a sensor device comprising a sensing part and attachment parts, arranged between mounting devices, which includes a capacitive sensing zone and non-sensing zones for enhanced precision and durability, along with a compensation sensor for environmental condition adjustments, providing a sensor signal indicative of stretching and capacitance changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional sensing technologies are used in aggressive environments, then the sensor structure becomes complex and expensive, but measurement precision is maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operation in aggressive environmentVSAvoidsensor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical sensing technologies with a capacitive sensing system. The sensor device uses capacitive sensors to detect displacement through changes in capacitance values, eliminating the need for complex mechanical protection structures while maintaining measurement precision in aggressive environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in capacitance parameters to detect displacement. By measuring the change in capacitance values in response to displacement, the system achieves accurate measurement without requiring complex mechanical structures. The evaluation unit processes these parameter changes to determine displacement values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional sensing technologies are used in aggressive environments, then precautional measures are added, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operation in aggressive environmentVSAvoiddisplacement measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sensing with capacitive sensing, which is inherently more resistant to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and corrosion. This substitution maintains measurement precision without requiring additional precautional measures that could interfere with measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation unit continuously processes capacitance changes and adjusts measurements based on detected variations. This feedback mechanism compensates for environmental influences and maintains high measurement precision in aggressive conditions without requiring physical protection structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If sensor width is increased to improve stability, then the sensor device becomes larger, but measurement precision improves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor stabilityVSAvoidsensor device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thin-film capacitive sensor structure that provides high stability without increasing overall device size. The capacitive sensing elements are integrated into a compact form factor, achieving both stability and small dimensions through the use of flexible, thin-film construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The solution enables more precise and reliable displacement measurements over longer distances in harsh environments, maintaining precision despite variations in temperature, humidity, and pressure.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor device comprises a first attachment part for attachment to a first mounting device, a second attachment part for attachment to a second mounting device, and a sensing part arranged between the first attachment part and the second attachment part... the sensor signal is indicative of stretching of the sensing zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11668586B2Displacement sensor assembly

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 ELASTISENSE APS

AI summary

Disclosed is a sensor assembly comprising: a first mounting device for mounting the sensor assembly to a first fixation part; a second mounting device for mounting the sensor assembly to a second fixation part, the second fixation part being displaceable relative to the first fixation part; and a sensor device arranged in a sensor cavity for provision of a sensor signal, the sensor device comprising a first attachment part attached to the first mounting device, a second attachment part attached to the second mounting device, and a sensing part, the sensing part being arranged between the first attachment part and the second attachment part.