Electric Field Detector Using Charged Proof-Mass Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric field detectors face challenges in accurately measuring weak electric field signals due to high noise levels, which limits their ability to detect faint electromagnetic emissions from equipment and bio-physical signals, especially in noisy environments and mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
An improved electric field detector system utilizing a proof-mass with a source of concentrated charge, coupled to multiple supports with resonant frequencies, and a controller to measure and analyze the electric field characteristics by determining torque and temperature based on resonant frequencies, while minimizing noise interference through geometric and internal isolation structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detectors are used to measure weak electric field signals, then the device can operate in standard environments, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to high noise levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proof mass with concentrated charge as an intermediary element that couples the electric field to the support structure. The charge concentration amplifies the electric field effect on the support, enabling detection of weak fields that would otherwise be lost in noise. This intermediary mechanism transforms the measurement process to be less susceptible to noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration through the support structure's resonant frequency. By designing the support with specific resonant characteristics and measuring its response at these frequencies, the system amplifies the signal from weak electric fields while maintaining immunity to broadband noise. The resonant vibration acts as a frequency-selective amplifier for the desired signal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding or removal of background noise is implemented, then noise interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex shielding structures to filter noise, the patent employs resonant vibration of the support structure. The system is designed to respond strongly at specific resonant frequencies while being insensitive to other frequencies. This frequency-selective approach provides noise rejection without requiring physical shielding, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the detection system by operating at the resonant frequency of the support structure. This parameter change transforms the system's frequency response characteristics, creating a narrow bandwidth operation that inherently rejects out-of-band noise. The parameter change approach is simpler than adding shielding structures.
3Measurement precision
If highly sensitive magnetometers and electrodes are used for bio-physical signal detection, then measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to invasive procedures and complex equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a proof mass with concentrated charge as an intermediary that enables non-contact detection of electric fields. This intermediary mechanism allows the detection of bio-physical signals without requiring direct contact with the patient's body, eliminating the need for invasive electrode placement while maintaining measurement capability through the amplified electric field effect on the charged proof mass.
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 enhances the detection of weak electric fields with reduced noise sensitivity, allowing for non-invasive and non-contact observation of bio-physical signals, such as those from the human brain or heart, while maintaining a compact and mobile design.
Implementation Method 1
a proof-mass including a source of concentrated charge... a controller configured to measure a characteristic of an electric field imparted on the proof-mass based on at least a first resonant frequency
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of sensors, each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors positioned to measure a resonant frequency of a corresponding support of the plurality of supports
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects and embodiments are generally directed to electric field detector systems and methods. In one example, an electric field detector system includes a proof-mass including a source of concentrated charge, a plurality of supports, each individual support of the plurality supports being coupled to the proof-mass, a plurality of sensors, each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors positioned to measure a resonant frequency of a corresponding support of the plurality of supports, and a controller coupled to each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors, the controller configured to measure a characteristic of an electric field imparted on the proof-mass based on at least a first resonant frequency of the measured resonant frequencies.