Capacitive Moisture Sensor With Dielectric Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective methods to detect moisture or wetness in articles, such as absorbent products or clothing, without direct contact, which can lead to delayed detection of liquid presence.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising electrically conductive plates separated by a dielectric layer, configured to measure changes in electrical charge influenced by moisture, allowing for non-contact detection of wetness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical indicators are used to detect moisture, then moisture detection is enabled, but the indicators are single use and cannot indicate the amount of moisture present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical indicators with a capacitive sensor system that uses electrical fields to detect moisture. The sensor comprises a first plate and a second plate separated by a dielectric layer, forming a capacitor whose electrical properties change with moisture content. This substitution enables reusable, quantitative moisture detection through electrical measurements rather than single-use chemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (capacitance, impedance, or dielectric constant) of the sensor plates in response to moisture exposure. The measurement means detects these parameter changes to determine moisture presence and quantity, providing continuous, quantitative information rather than binary chemical indicator responses.
2Reliability
If traditional sensors are used to detect moisture, then moisture presence can be detected, but direct contact with the article is required which complicates the sensor design and article integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric layer as an intermediary between the sensor plates and the article being monitored. This dielectric layer allows the sensor to detect moisture in the article without direct contact, as moisture changes in the article affect the electrical field through the dielectric. This intermediary simplifies integration while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing with electrical field-based sensing. The capacitive sensor detects moisture through changes in electrical properties rather than physical contact, reducing mechanical complexity and facilitating easier integration into articles such as absorbent products or clothing layers.
3Loss of time
If constant checking is performed to detect liquid presence, then timely detection is achieved, but this requires continuous monitoring which increases energy consumption and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where the sensor is activated at intervals to measure moisture levels. The controller performs measurements at predetermined times rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while still providing timely detection. The capacitive sensor can quickly transition between measurement states, enabling efficient periodic sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor system is designed to be passive, requiring minimal activation energy. The sensor naturally responds to moisture changes in the electrical field, and the measurement means only needs to periodically query the sensor state. This self-responsive characteristic reduces the energy required for monitoring compared to active continuous sensing systems.
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 system accurately detects moisture levels in articles without direct contact, providing timely alerts and improving user safety and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a first plate (11) and a second plate (12), the first plate and the second plate being electrically conductive... wherein the first plate is separated from the second plate by a dielectric intermediate layer (20)... configured for measuring a value representative for an electrical charge influenced by moisture
Implementation Method 2
wherein the first plate is separated from the second plate by a dielectric intermediate layer (20)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor, system and method for detecting or sensing moisture or wetness of an article. Instead of conventional methods for detecting or sensing moisture or wetness of an article such as visual checking which requires constant inspection of the article, and for many articles is not possible, or the use of chemically activated indicators which are generally single use, the present invention uses electrical charge to detect or sense the moisture or wetness of an article. In that way, the present invention aims to provide a reusable way for detecting or sensing moisture or wetness in different articles. The present invention may be used in applications where moisture or wetness changes often.