Capacitive Proximity Sensor Electrode Structure for Medical Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive proximity sensors used in medical x-ray equipment exhibit non-linear sensor characteristics due to varying object sizes and positions, leading to inconsistent stopping distances and requiring frequent calibration, especially when mechanical modifications are made.
Innovation Solution
The capacitive type proximity sensor features a structured sensing electrode with electroconductive and non-electroconductive areas, optimizing sensitivity uniformity across the sensor surface, reducing variation in stopping distances, and allowing for small modifications without significant recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor electrode shape and size are determined by the equipment casing shape and size, then the sensor can be integrated into the equipment structure, but the sensor characteristic shows significant variation depending on object size and relative position
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing electrode is divided into multiple zones with different electroconductive properties. The electrode surface comprises first sensing areas with higher electroconductive density and second sensing areas with lower electroconductive density, allowing different regions to compensate for each other's measurement variations and achieve more consistent overall sensor characteristics.
2Reliability
If the sensor geometry remains fixed to reproduce non-linear characteristic, then the sensor can provide consistent non-linear response, but mechanical modifications require recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
By modifying the electroconductive parameter distribution across the sensor surface rather than changing the overall sensor geometry, the system achieves consistent non-linear characteristic reproduction while allowing mechanical modifications. The parameter change is in the electroconductive area distribution, not the physical sensor dimensions.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor measures electrical field between sensing electrode and object, then the sensor can detect objects at various distances, but the stopping distance varies significantly with object size and position
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the sensing electrode have different electroconductive densities optimized for detecting objects at different positions and sizes. The first sensing areas with higher electroconductive density detect objects closer to certain regions, while second sensing areas with lower density detect objects at other positions, resulting in more consistent stopping distances across various object configurations.
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
This approach results in more consistent and balanced stopping behavior across the sensor area, minimizing the impact of object size and position variations, and enabling acceptable performance even with additional mechanical spacers without additional calibration steps.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive type proximity sensor electrodes along the outer boundaries of the casing of moving (Medical) equipment in order to detect the approaching of an object
Implementation Method 2
measuring an electrical field between the sensing electrode and an object
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a capacitive type proximity sensor, comprising a sensing electrode, whereas the sensing electrode has a surface with electroconductive areas 113 and not-electroconductive areas 117, whereas the sensor is adapted for measuring an electrical field 110, 112 between the sensing electrode and an object 109, 111. Further it is described an apparatus for medical x-ray diagnosis and/or x-ray therapy and/or nuclear diagnosis/therapy, e.g. SPECT, a system for medical x-ray diagnosis and/or x-ray therapy and/or nuclear diagnosis/therapy, e.g. SPECT, a method for avoiding collision between an apparatus for medical x-ray diagnosis and/or x-ray therapy and/or nuclear diagnosis/therapy, e.g. SPECT, and an object, a program element and a computer readable medium. It is disclosed a capacitance type proximity sensor whose sensitivity of approaching objects has an improved independence from the special geometry of the sensor itself.