Capacitive Electrode Array for Permittivity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for examining non-homogeneous objects like biological specimens and living tissues using electric fields face challenges in accurately identifying regions of differing permittivity and conductivity, particularly when deploying layering techniques in varying environments.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a plurality of substantially parallel electrodes coated with an insulator, a generator for energization pulses, and a processor to establish capacitively coupled electrode pairs with adjustable layering, allowing for the identification of regions with differing permittivity and conductivity, incorporating a machine-learning system for data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If layering technique is deployed with increasing electrode separation distance, then penetration depth is improved, but the amount of information available from each layer becomes less reliable due to environmental variations
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple groups, with each group containing electrodes that are capacitively coupled to examine specific layers. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer's examination while maintaining overall system reliability through multiple parallel measurement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts examination parameters including electrode selection, coupling configurations, and signal processing based on detected object properties and environmental conditions. This enables adaptive optimization of measurement precision across different layers and environments.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple electrode combinations are used to achieve deep penetration, then layering capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is designed with universal functionality where each electrode can serve multiple roles: as a transmitter, receiver, or part of different capacitive couples depending on the examination layer and object being analyzed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate electrode sets for different penetration depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic electrode selection and reconfiguration capabilities, allowing the examination protocol to adaptively choose optimal electrode pairs for each layer based on real-time feedback. This dynamic approach simplifies the physical hardware while maintaining deep penetration capability through software-controlled flexibility.
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 accurate identification of permittivity and conductivity in complex objects by capturing rich data sets through capacitive coupling, allowing for precise analysis and detection of substances within these objects, improving upon existing layering techniques by adapting to different environments and enhancing data processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
capacitively coupled electrode pairs, in which each of the first set of n electrodes is capacitively coupled with a second set of m electrodes
Implementation Method 2
examining objects using electric fields to identify regions of differing permittivity and conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
Non-biological objects, biological specimens and living tissues are examined using electric fields to identify regions of differing permittivity and conductivity. Substantially parallel electrodes are deployed in capacitive alignment with an object and energization pulses are generated for application to any of the electrodes as a transmitter. Output signals from any remaining electrode are monitored, in which a peak value of an output signal is indicative of permittivity and a decay rate of an output signal is indicative of conductivity. A first set of n electrodes (one to fifteen) is selected, each of which is capacitively coupled with a second set of m electrodes (two to eight) that are the nearest neighbouring electrodes to an electrode selected from the first set.