Capacitive Sensor Testing via Dry Signal Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing capacitive measuring devices used in liquid level detection and phase boundary detection in laboratory equipment are time-consuming, require extensive manual intervention, and are prone to errors due to issues like stray capacitances and crosstalk between adjacent channels, necessitating a more efficient and automated testing process.
Innovation Solution
A method for testing capacitive measuring devices that involves evaluating fast and slow signals using filtering processes, allowing the device to recognize critical situations and errors independently without manual intervention, and can be performed in a non-contact, dry process, reducing the need for special labware configurations and minimizing the risk of sensor contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional testing methods are used for capacitive measuring devices, then testing can be performed with basic equipment, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and requires extensive manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated preliminary testing actions by equipping the laboratory device with test conductors that can automatically perform capacitive measurements before actual liquid handling operations. The control unit pre-configures test sequences and automatically executes them, eliminating the need for manual setup and reducing testing time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device performs self-testing through integrated test conductors and automated control units that can independently evaluate capacitive sensor functionality. The system automatically generates test signals, measures capacitance changes, and evaluates sensor responses without requiring external manual intervention or specialized testing equipment.
2Reliability
If manual testing procedures are employed, then simple equipment can be used, but errors occur due to stray capacitances and crosstalk between adjacent channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the testing function from manual operations by implementing dedicated test conductors (14, 15) that are electrically separated from the main measuring channels. This extraction allows individual channel testing without interference from adjacent channels, eliminating crosstalk issues inherent in manual multi-channel testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces test conductors as intermediary elements between the control unit and the capacitive sensors. These intermediaries provide controlled electrical connections that minimize stray capacitance effects and allow precise measurement of capacitance changes without the interference that plagues manual testing procedures.
3Ease of operation
If extensive manual intervention is used for testing, then detailed evaluation can be performed, but the complexity of the testing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the testing functionality directly into the laboratory device by integrating test conductors and control unit capabilities. This combination eliminates the need for separate manual testing procedures and external equipment, simplifying the overall process while maintaining comprehensive evaluation capabilities through automated multi-channel assessment.
4Measurement precision
If traditional liquid-based testing is performed, then phase boundary detection can be validated, but sensor contamination risk increases and special labware configurations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates electrical copies of the capacitive sensing function using test conductors that simulate the electrical behavior of actual sensors without requiring physical contact with liquids. The control unit generates test signals and measures capacitance changes through these conductors, validating phase boundary detection capability while completely avoiding sensor contamination risks associated with liquid-based testing.
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 enables faster, more reliable testing of capacitive measuring devices, reducing the time and effort required for testing while minimizing manual intervention and maintaining sensor integrity, and allows for real-time identification of faulty connections and noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
the gas-liquid phase boundary can be determined via a change in capacitance
Implementation Method 2
Since a gas and a liquid have significantly different dielectric constants, the gas-liquid phase boundary can be determined via a change in capacitance
Implementation Method 3
An electronic charging/discharging circuit 2 ensures charging and discharging in order to be able to measure the effective capacity between a sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A
AI summary
The method involves executing an infeed movement of a probe (3) of a channel. The signal of the channel is processed by using a measuring circuit (13). The phase boundry between the two media in a liquid container is detected by a measuring circuit. A connection statement about the electrical connection is provided between the probe and the measuring circuit. The signal testing criterion is applied during processing of the signal. The signal is anlayzed using the signal testing criterion to make a statement about the noise. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a capacitively operating measuring device; and (2) a laboratory apparatus.