Capacitive Liquid Sensor PCB for Detergent Concentration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for detecting properties of liquids, such as detergent solutions, are complex and costly, making them unsuitable for widespread use in washing machines, where simple, reliable, and cost-effective detection methods are needed to optimize washing processes and reduce pollution.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensor device with insulating base plates and subdivided electrodes allows for precise detection of liquid properties, enabling reliable and efficient monitoring of detergent concentration and water quality, suitable for mass production and integration into washing machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensor units with multiple transformers and electrodes are used to detect liquid properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is segmented into a modular structure consisting of a printed circuit board with integrated sensor elements, eliminating the need for complex external transformer assemblies. The segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing while maintaining detection capabilities through integrated circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electromagnetic sensor components (transformers, physical electrodes) with electronic signal processing methods. Impedance detection is achieved through electronic circuits on the printed circuit board rather than complex mechanical sensor assemblies, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If complex analysis circuits are used to process sensor signals, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor elements, signal processing circuits, and evaluation logic are merged into a single integrated printed circuit board assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate complex analysis circuits and reduces assembly steps, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining measurement precision through integrated signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural support, the signal processing unit, the impedance detection circuit, and the interface for the washing machine control system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated analysis circuits, simplifying manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are arranged in a washing machine to detect detergent properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can detect multiple liquid properties (detergent concentration, water hardness, contamination levels) using a single integrated assembly. This eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors in the washing machine, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
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 sensor device provides accurate and cost-effective detection of liquid properties, enabling optimized detergent dosing and water usage, leading to energy savings, reduced wastewater pollution, and simplified assembly in washing machines.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive sensor device with insulating base plates and subdivided electrodes allows for precise detection of liquid properties
Implementation Method 2
at least one base plate made of an insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor device for detecting properties of fluid media in a container, comprising at least one base plate (42) made of an insulating material and having a first surface (42a) exposed to the medium (3), at least two sensor elements (41) having at least a first and a second electrode (41a, 41b) 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 relative to each other.