Capacitive Electric Field Sensor for Harsh Marine Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric field imaging technologies fail to accurately measure true electric potentials and fields in harsh environments due to parasitic leakage currents and charging effects, which complicate the measurement process and reduce resolution.
Innovation Solution
A camera-like electric field imaging system with a differential electric potential and field sensor system, featuring a sensing head with rotating electric potential sensors and a hydrophobic, multifaceted container to minimize leakage effects and allow for direct measurement of electric fields in harsh conditions, using a processor to map and display electric field images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electric field sensors are used in harsh environments, then measurement capability is provided, but parasitic leakage currents and charging effects degrade measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful parasitic elements (leakage paths, charged components) from the measurement system by using a capacitive sensor that operates without direct electrical contact with the environment, thereby eliminating the source of leakage currents and charging effects that degrade measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary capacitive coupling mechanism between the sensor and the electric field being measured, allowing the sensor to detect electric fields through capacitance changes without direct electrical connection, thus preventing parasitic leakage and charging while maintaining measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If direct electrical contact sensors are used, then electrical potential measurement is enabled, but intrinsic charging occurs that prohibits true measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the direct electrical contact between the sensor and the measurement environment, extracting the harmful intrinsic charging effects by using a capacitive sensing mechanism that measures electric fields through displacement currents rather than direct conduction, thereby enabling true electric potential measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical contact-based measurement system with a capacitive field-based measurement system, substituting direct electrical measurement with indirect capacitive coupling, which eliminates intrinsic charging effects while preserving measurement capability
3Ease of operation
If sensor components and supporting structures are present, then measurement system functionality is provided, but parasitic capacitances, resistances, and inductances complicate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the parasitic electrical characteristics (capacitances, resistances, inductances) from the measurement system by using a capacitive sensor design where the sensor itself forms the primary capacitance, rendering parasitic effects from mounting structures and supporting components negligible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the measurement system by operating in the capacitive regime rather than the resistive regime, where the dominant parameter is capacitance change, thereby making parasitic resistances and inductances insignificant compared to the measured capacitive effects
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 accurate imaging and characterization of electric potentials and fields in harsh environments by eliminating intrinsic charging and enhancing measurement sensitivity, allowing for three-dimensional imaging and remote source characterization.
Implementation Method 1
the container may be configured to be hydrophobic
Implementation Method 2
measure the true quantitative electric potential and electrostatic field emanating from, passing through and around objects
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide technology that may be used in harsh marine and harsh weather environments for the imaging of electric potentials and electric fields to characterize objects or regions. Various embodiments may enable a camera or eye type electric field imaging system that may be used in harsh weather or harsh environments (e.g., harsh marine environments, etc.) to image electrical potentials and electric fields.