Cube-Shaped Electric Field Sensor With Orthogonal Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric field sensors are primarily single-axis, requiring reorientation for three-dimensional measurements and often need earth grounding, which can be inconvenient, and produce small output signals prone to measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A cube-shaped electric field sensor with orthogonal sets of planar electrodes and associated transimpedance amplifiers that provide simultaneous three-dimensional measurements without grounding, enhancing signal strength through differential amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single-axis electric field sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for three-dimensional electric field is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into three independent electrode pairs, each sensitive to electric field changes along one of the three orthogonal axes. Each electrode pair functions as an independent sensing element, allowing simultaneous measurement of all three spatial components of the electric field without requiring physical repositioning of the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-axis measurement to three-dimensional measurement by adding spatial dimensions through orthogonal electrode pairs. The electrode pairs are arranged along the x, y, and z axes respectively, enabling the sensor to detect electric field changes in all three spatial dimensions simultaneously.
2Reliability
If earth grounding is required for electric field sensors, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor circuit is designed to be self-contained and self-referenced, eliminating the need for external earth grounding. The measurement system uses the potential difference between the two electrodes in each pair as its reference, making the sensor portable and suitable for use in environments where grounding is unavailable or impractical.
3Measurement precision
If small output signals are produced by electric field sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode pairs into a single integrated sensor assembly with unified signal processing electronics. The outputs from the three electrode pairs are processed by a common circuit system that includes differential amplifiers and signal conditioning components, improving signal strength and measurement accuracy while maintaining a compact form factor.
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, three-dimensional electric field measurements without reorientation and eliminates the need for earth grounding, significantly reducing measurement errors by amplifying weak signals.
Implementation Method 1
The second set of inputs for the transimpedance amplifiers are connected directly to each other to form a virtual ground. When the cube is placed within a varying electric field, the transimpedance amplifiers, due to their very low input impedance, allow current flow between the two electrodes and the magnitude of this current flow is proportional to the magnitude of the time derivative of the electric field.
Implementation Method 2
The two voltage signals from the two transimpedance amplifiers are then coupled as input signals to a differential amplifier. Since the voltage output signal from each transimpedance amplifier is out of phase 180 degrees from the other transimpedance amplifier, the differential amplifier effectively doubles the output signal
Implementation Method 3
Each of the three electric circuits includes a pair of transimpedance amplifiers in which one input of one amplifier is connected to one electrode and the corresponding input of the other transimpedance amplifier connected to the other electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric field sensor having at least a first and second electrically conductive generally planar electrodes that are spaced apart from each other. A circuit is electrically connected to the electrodes which is configured to generate an output signal proportional to a time derivative of a varying electric field surrounding the electrodes. Optionally, three sets of spaced apart electrodes which are arranged perpendicularly relative to each other are used for three-dimensional measurements of the electric field.