Sensor device for detecting fluid properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for detecting liquid properties, such as washing liquor or aqueous solutions, are complex and costly, requiring complicated evaluation processes, which hinders their widespread adoption in washing devices for precise detergent dosing and environmental optimization.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensor device with differently sized sensor elements arranged on an insulating base plate, allowing for reliable detection of liquid properties with a simple structure and cost-effective production, enabling simultaneous or sequential detection of multiple parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensor devices with multiple transformers and electrodes are used for detecting liquid properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is segmented into multiple sensor elements with different geometric dimensions, each capable of detecting different properties of the liquid. This segmentation allows the device to maintain high measurement precision for multiple parameters while keeping each individual sensor element relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensor elements are designed with different local qualities (geometric dimensions) to optimize detection for specific liquid properties. This allows each sensor element to be tailored for particular measurement tasks, improving overall detection precision without requiring a completely complex device architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors with different geometric dimensions are used to detect different liquid properties, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple sensor elements with different geometric dimensions on a single base plate. Each sensor element can detect different liquid properties, making the entire device adaptable to various measurement needs without requiring separate devices for each property.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor elements with different detection capabilities are merged into a single integrated sensor device. This combining approach allows the device to detect multiple liquid properties simultaneously or sequentially, improving adaptability while avoiding the complexity of using multiple separate sensor devices.
3Productivity
If precisely dosed detergent and water are used to optimize washing process, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device provides feedback on liquid properties (such as detergent concentration and water quality) to enable precise dosing control. This feedback mechanism allows the washing system to optimize detergent and water usage based on real-time measurements, improving washing efficiency while maintaining the required measurement precision.
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 precise and reliable detection of liquid properties, facilitating optimized detergent dosing and water usage, reducing environmental pollution, and enabling cost-effective mass production for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor device with differently sized sensor elements arranged on an insulating base plate
Implementation Method 2
detecting properties of aqueous solutions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor device for detecting properties of fluid media in a container, with at least one base plate (42) made of an insulating material with a first surface (42a) exposed to the medium (3), at least two sensor elements (41) with at least one first and a second electrode (41a, 41b), which are 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 in relation to one another.