Capacitive Fluid Sensor with Dielectrically Spaced Planar Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for sensing measurement variables in the sanitary sector are bulky and cost-intensive, making it impractical to implement multiple sensors within water supply or sanitary apparatuses, which limits their application in smart home systems and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with multiple sensors, including a first sensor for flow rate and a second sensor for temperature or pressure, integrated into a fluid line, utilizing dielectrically spaced planar electrodes to form capacitors that vary capacitance with fluid flow or pressure, allowing for simultaneous measurement of multiple variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple individual sensors are used for data acquisition in the sanitary sector, then measurement capability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single integrated device that can be installed in water lines. The device integrates flow rate sensing (via capacitance changes), temperature sensing, and pressure sensing capabilities into one compact unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining measurement capability across all parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various measurement tasks using a single integrated system. The capacitive sensor detects both flow rate and pressure, while additional temperature sensors provide thermal measurement capability, creating a universal sensing platform that replaces multiple specialized sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple individual sensors are used for data acquisition in the sanitary sector, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single integrated device that can be installed in water lines. The device integrates flow rate sensing (via capacitance changes), temperature sensing, and pressure sensing capabilities into one compact unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining measurement capability across all parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses capacitive coupling to create an electrical model of the fluid flow system. By measuring capacitance changes between electrodes separated by dielectric material, the system creates an electrical copy of the fluid's physical state, enabling non-contact measurement of flow rate and pressure through simple electrical measurements rather than complex mechanical sensor arrays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual sensors are built-in separately, then measurement function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single integrated device that can be installed in water lines. The device integrates flow rate sensing (via capacitance changes), temperature sensing, and pressure sensing capabilities into one compact unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining measurement capability across all parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems with an electrical field-based measurement approach. By using capacitive sensors that detect changes in electrical capacitance caused by fluid flow and pressure, the system eliminates the need for moving parts, mechanical linkages, and complex mechanical sensor assemblies, significantly reducing 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 efficient and cost-effective sensing of multiple water flow variables, facilitating applications such as consumption measurement, temperature monitoring, leak detection, and automatic calibration of electronic fittings, while reducing the device's size and enhancing its suitability for domestic water lines and sanitary apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly form a first capacitor as the first sensor such that a first capacitance, formed by the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode, can be varied under the influence of a fluid and in accordance with a flow velocity of the fluid as the first measurement variable
Implementation Method 2
The first planar electrode and the second planar electrode are dielectrically spaced apart from each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device, containing a first sensor, designed and arranged for sensing a first measurement variable of a fluid, and a second sensor, designed and arranged for sensing a second measurement variable of the fluid, a first electrode assembly has a substrate and a first planar electrode overlying the substrate. A second electrode assembly has a second planar electrode. The first planar electrode and the second planar electrode are dielectrically spaced apart from each other. The first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly form a first capacitor as the first sensor such that a first capacitance, formed by the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode, can be varied under the influence of a fluid and in accordance with a flow velocity of the fluid as the first measurement variable.