Capacitive Phase Sensing for Multi-Axis Position Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors are inadequate in accurately determining movement and environmental changes based on phase shift signals, particularly in complex environments where multiple axes and zones are involved, and in applications such as fluid dielectric property monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising transmitting and receiving conductors with a phase shift element, capable of processing phase shift signals to determine movement and changes in dielectric properties, utilizing inductors, capacitors, or RLC networks to create phase shift zones along multiple axes and in various environments, including those with fluids and solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current sensors are used to determine movement and environmental changes, then basic sensing functionality is provided, but measurement precision and accuracy in complex environments with multiple axes and zones deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent conductors (first transmitting conductor, second transmitting conductor, first receiving conductor, second receiving conductor) that can be individually configured and positioned. Each conductor handles specific sensing tasks along different axes, allowing the system to process complex multi-axis movement and environmental changes through segmented, specialized components rather than a single complex sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends sensing from single-axis to multi-axis by adding spatial dimensions. Multiple conductors are arranged in three-dimensional space with specific geometric relationships, enabling detection of movement and environmental changes along multiple axes simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows precise phase shift signal detection in complex environments without requiring overly complex individual sensor components.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are designed for specific applications, then detection accuracy for that application is improved, but adaptability to diverse environments and applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system employs universal components (transmitting conductors, receiving conductors, phase shift elements) that can be configured for multiple sensing applications. The same basic conductor architecture can detect movement, measure dielectric properties, monitor fluid composition, and sense environmental changes across different industries and contexts, maintaining high detection accuracy while achieving broad adaptability through flexible configuration rather than specialized design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability by changing operational parameters (frequency, conductor geometry, spacing, phase shift values) rather than changing the fundamental sensor architecture. This allows the same sensor system to be optimized for different applications (fluid monitoring, movement detection, dielectric measurement) by adjusting parameters while maintaining consistent high-precision detection capabilities across diverse environments.
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 precise tracking of movement and environmental changes, including fluid composition analysis, by processing phase shift signals across multiple axes and zones, improving detection accuracy and applicability in diverse sensing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a phase shift element operably connected to the first transmitting conductor and the second transmitting conductor
Implementation Method 2
processed signals to determine movement of an object within a phase shift zone formed between the first transmitting conductor and the second transmitting conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system adapted to determine changes in phase when a capacitive object enters into the phase detection zone created by a pair of transmitting conductors. One of the transmitting conductors has a receiving conductor located proximate to it and transmits a signal at a certain frequency. The other transmitting conductor transmits a signal that is phase shifted from the signal transmitted by the other transmitting conductor. Capacitive objects entering the space between the two transmitting conductors impacts the phase. Measurements of the change in phase are used to determine the position of an object between the two transmitting conductors.