Capacitive Fluid Sensor Layout for Multi-Property Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for detecting liquid properties, such as washing liquor in washing machines, are complex and costly, requiring complicated evaluation of measurement results, which hinders their widespread adoption for precise detergent dosing and energy-saving washing processes.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensor device with a cylindrical capacitor design featuring multiple, independently controlled electrode sections made from conductive materials, allowing for precise detection of liquid properties with a simple structure suitable for cost-effective mass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensor devices with multiple transformers and resonant frequencies are used for conductivity measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromagnetic measurement systems (multiple transformers, resonant frequency circuits) with a simple capacitive sensor consisting of two electrodes and a base plate. This substitution of measurement principle dramatically simplifies the device structure while maintaining measurement capability through direct capacitance measurement of the liquid medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates the essential measurement function from the complex multi-transformer system, reducing it to a single capacitive sensing element. By taking out only the necessary components (two electrodes, base plate, connecting lines) and eliminating unnecessary complexity, the device achieves both simplicity and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If sensor devices with complicated evaluation circuits are used for detecting liquid properties, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complicated evaluation circuits with a simple capacitive measurement system. The measurement principle is substituted from complex electromagnetic analysis to simple capacitance measurement, which can be evaluated with basic electronic circuits, thereby dramatically improving ease of manufacture and enabling cost-effective mass production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a sensor design with simple, inexpensive components (electrodes, base plate, connecting lines) that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This approach prioritizes ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness over using expensive, complex components, making the device suitable for widespread adoption in washing machines.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensor devices are used for detecting different liquid properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal capacitive sensor that can detect multiple liquid properties (conductivity, concentration, temperature, fill level) simultaneously using a single sensor arrangement. The two electrodes and base plate configuration serves multiple measurement functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single capacitive sensor system. By combining conductivity measurement, concentration detection, temperature sensing, and fill level detection into one integrated sensor arrangement, the device achieves multi-property detection capability while minimizing structural complexity.
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 reliable and simultaneous detection of multiple properties of aqueous solutions, including detergent concentration and water quality, facilitating optimized washing processes with reduced environmental impact and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device for detecting material properties, in particular for detecting properties of a liquid medium 3, which consists essentially as a capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
The medium to be detected 3 is located between the electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor device for detecting properties of fluid media in a container, with at least one base plate (42) made of an insulating material with a first surface (42a) exposed to the medium (3), at least two sensor elements (41) with at least one first and a second electrode (41a, 41b), which are arranged insulated from one another on the first surface of the base plate and around which the medium flows, the at least two sensor elements being arranged in a predetermined spatial position in relation to one another.