Capacitive PCB Humidity Sensor for Early Condensation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting humidity and impurities in electronic devices are inadequate as they fail to detect condensing humidity early, do not provide user warnings, require multiple sensors for comprehensive protection, and cannot identify conducting impurities like oils, leading to potential damage from wrong installation or neglected maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a humidity sensor with capacitive conductive tracks on the circuit board and an electronic control unit with memory, which issues pre-alarms and alarms based on predetermined thresholds, capable of detecting condensing humidity and impurities, including oils, by maximizing the extent of conductive tracks on the circuit board for early detection and preventive maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional humidity sensors are installed inside the inverter casing, then humidity levels can be monitored, but the system cannot detect condensing humidity on the electronic circuit at the first signs of aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional humidity sensors with a capacitive sensor system formed by conductive tracks directly on the circuit board. This substitution enables direct electrical measurement of condensing humidity effects on the circuit, providing earlier and more reliable detection of dangerous moisture levels before they cause failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive tracks on the circuit board serve as an intermediary element that directly interacts with condensing humidity. By placing the sensing mechanism on the actual circuit board rather than in the air space, the system detects humidity at the point of potential damage, enabling earlier warning and more effective protection.
2Reliability
If multiple humidity sensors are installed throughout the electronic device, then comprehensive humidity monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board itself serves multiple functions: it is both the functional electronic platform and the humidity sensing element. The conductive tracks perform their normal electrical function while simultaneously acting as capacitive sensors for humidity detection, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the circuit board structure with the humidity sensing function. By integrating the capacitive sensor directly into the circuit board traces, the system combines structural and sensing functions into a single element, reducing component count while maintaining comprehensive protection coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional humidity sensors are used, then humidity presence is detected, but the system cannot detect other conducting impurities such as oils and environmental contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent monitors changes in electrical parameters (capacitance, conductance, impedance) of the circuit board traces. These electrical parameter changes respond to various conducting impurities including humidity, oils, and environmental contaminants, enabling versatile detection of multiple types of contaminants through a single sensing mechanism.
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 system effectively detects the first signs of condensing humidity and impurities, preventing damage by issuing timely warnings and allowing for proactive maintenance, while avoiding false alarms and providing comprehensive protection without the need for multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is formed by two or more conductive tracks P arranged on the free surface portion SF of the circuit board and configured to form a capacitive equivalent circuit
Implementation Method 2
The conductive tracks P are supplied with an AC voltage and have time-varying capacitance and potential difference values which can be measured
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to detect condensing humidity and/or impurities includes an electronic device, a humidity sensor, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to issue a pre-alarm or an alarm when said instantaneous condensing humidity value exceeds said first threshold value. The humidity sensor comprises two or more conductive tracks. The two or more conductive tracks are configured to form an equivalent capacitive circuit and are distributed over said free surface portion of said circuit board.