Contactless Resistance Measurement via Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a simple and cost-effective method for contactless resistance measurement, particularly in scenarios where direct contact is impractical or leads to contamination and equipment failure, such as in medical fluid analysis and sealed device monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Employing the LDC1000 Inductance-to-Digital Converter to measure 'virtual resistance' by generating an electromagnetic field and measuring eddy currents in a passive electrical circuit embedded with the resistive element, allowing for non-contact resistance determination through correlation of PROXIMITY readings with known resistance values and spacer distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contactless measurement technique is implemented, then connector contamination and failure are eliminated, but no simple and cost-effective method is currently available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based resistance measurement system with an electromagnetic field-based inductive measurement system. The LDC1000 generates an electromagnetic field that induces eddy currents in the resistive element, allowing measurement without physical contact. This substitution eliminates connector contamination and failure while providing a simple, cost-effective solution using commercially available components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the measurement system and the resistive element. The LDC1000 uses an inductor to generate an electromagnetic field that couples with the resistive element through the gap material, enabling contactless measurement. This intermediary approach allows measurement without direct contact while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If conventional contact measurement is used, then resistance can be measured, but connector contamination and eventual failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact measurement system with an electromagnetic inductive measurement system. By using the LDC1000 to generate an electromagnetic field that induces eddy currents in the resistive element, the system achieves accurate resistance measurement without physical contact, thereby eliminating connector contamination entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the mechanical connector interface and relocates it to an electromagnetic field-based system. The resistive element remains in its original location within the sealed device, while the measurement capability is transferred to the external LDC1000 system that measures through the gap material without contact.
3Measurement precision
If test strips with connectors are used for medical fluid measurement, then resistance can be measured, but significant material and process costs are required to prevent contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connector-based test strip system with an electromagnetic inductive measurement system. The LDC1000 measures resistance through the gap material without requiring physical contact or robust connector interfaces, significantly reducing material and manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement accuracy for medical fluid applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for expensive, robust connector interfaces by using a disposable or reusable test strip with an embedded passive electrical circuit that can be measured contactlessly. This approach replaces costly connector assemblies with inexpensive passive circuit elements and gap materials, reducing overall system cost.
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
Enables accurate, cost-effective, and contactless resistance measurement in various applications, eliminating the need for connectors and allowing for operation in harsh environments while maintaining reliability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
Employing the LDC1000 Inductance-to-Digital Converter to measure 'virtual resistance' by generating an electromagnetic field and measuring eddy currents in a passive electrical circuit embedded with the resistive element
Implementation Method 2
measuring eddy currents in a passive electrical circuit embedded with the resistive element, allowing for non-contact resistance determination
Data Source
AI summary
A resistance is measured without physical contact/connection to the resistance. A resistive element to be measured is provided, physically connected as part of a passive electrical circuit. Without physically contacting the resistive element, an electromagnetic field is used to produce an excitation in the passive electrical circuit. The resistance of the resistive element is determined based on an effect of the excitation on the electromagnetic field.