Concrete Humidity Sensor With Segmented Reader Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidity and moisture measurement instruments in concrete face inaccuracies due to thermal equilibrium issues caused by heat transfer from handling and ambient temperature differences, and manual operation leads to long and uncertain measurement timing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor module embedded in the concrete with a hand-held reader module that automatically takes readings upon connection, minimizing heat transfer through low thermal conductivity materials and a rotationally non-specific connector design, allowing for quick and accurate humidity or moisture measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the probe is handled by a person before insertion, then the probe becomes warmer due to heat transfer, but this causes inaccuracies in RH measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into two separate components: a sensor module that remains embedded in the concrete and a reader module that is handheld. The sensor module acquires measurements autonomously when embedded, eliminating the need to handle the sensing portion, while the reader module handles data retrieval without disturbing the sensor's thermal equilibrium.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication interface acts as an intermediary between the embedded sensor module and the handheld reader module. This allows data transfer without physical contact between the user's hand and the sensor, preventing heat transfer to the sensing element while still enabling easy operation through the wireless reader.
2Measurement precision
If the probe is allowed to equilibrate before measurement, then thermal equilibrium is achieved, but this makes the measurement process long and uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is pre-installed and embedded in the concrete structure during construction or beforehand, allowing it to reach thermal equilibrium with the concrete environment in advance. When measurement is needed, the user simply retrieves data from the already-equilibrated sensor without waiting for equilibration during the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module autonomously maintains itself in thermal equilibrium with the surrounding concrete environment through its embedded position and passive thermal design. The sensor continuously monitors and self-regulates its thermal state without requiring active intervention or waiting periods during the measurement process, enabling immediate data retrieval.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor module remains embedded in the concrete, then thermal equilibrium with the concrete environment is maintained, but the measurement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a simple embedded sensor module and a separate handheld reader module. The sensor module contains only the essential sensing elements and memory, while the reader module handles all complex operations including wireless communication, data processing, and user interface functions, distributing complexity away from the embedded portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical connection and handling mechanisms with wireless electronic communication. The sensor module communicates measurement data wirelessly to the reader module, eliminating the need for physical connectors, cables, or mechanical interfaces that would complicate the embedded installation and increase system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If ambient air temperature differs from concrete temperature, then heat transfer occurs across the probe, but this causes measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing element is extracted from any housing or connector that would expose it to ambient air temperature fluctuations. The sensor module is fully embedded in the concrete, isolating it from ambient air, while only the sealed concrete environment and the embedded sensor are exposed to temperature variations, preventing heat transfer paths from ambient air to the sensing element.
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 provides quicker, simpler, and more accurate humidity or moisture measurements by maintaining thermal equilibrium and reducing heat transfer, while enabling rapid data acquisition and display, even when the reader module is disconnected.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor module includes a humidity or moisture sensor in electrical communication with a first set of terminals
Implementation Method 2
minimizing heat transfer through low thermal conductivity materials
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring humidity or moisture, such as in concrete, is described comprising a sensor module comprising a humidity or moisture sensor in electrical communication with a first set of terminals and a hand-held reader module comprising a controller in electrical communication with a second set of terminals that are mateable with the first set of terminals such that the hand-held reader module is electrically connectable to and electrically disconnectable from the sensor module. The hand-held reader module is configured to read data from the sensor in response to making electrical connection with the sensor module. One set of terminals can comprise plural connector pins and the other set of terminals can comprise plural landing pads, such that the plural connector pins and the plural landing pads make a same electrical connection regardless of the rotational orientation of the hand-held reader module relative to the sensor module.