Curved Coaxial Probe for Non-Flat Solid Dielectric Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional open-ended coaxial sensors have a shallow depth of investigation, limiting their effectiveness in measuring dielectric properties of solids due to the risk of large errors from small gaps between the probe and the solid sample, and are primarily suited for flat surfaces, making them unsuitable for non-flat solid samples.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial sensor probe design featuring a central conductor with a tip and a dielectric material surrounded by an outer conductor, which can be shaped to match non-flat surfaces, allowing for improved contact and reduced gap errors, along with a stepper motor system for multiple location measurements and anisotropy analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional open-ended coaxial probe with a flat end is used, then the measurement is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision deteriorates when measuring non-flat solid surfaces due to gap errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the end surface of the coaxial probe, transforming it from a flat surface to a curved surface that matches the curvature of cylindrical or rod-like solid samples. This curved contact surface eliminates air gaps between the probe and the sample, ensuring accurate dielectric measurements while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the probe depth is increased to improve solid sample measurement, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing probe depth, the patent modifies the contact surface geometry to curved. This approach improves measurement capability for solid samples by ensuring full contact, while avoiding the complexity of deeper probe designs. The curved surface adapts to various sample geometries without requiring additional components or complex structures.
3Measurement precision
If a flat-ended probe is used for liquid measurement, then the measurement precision is good, but the adaptability to different sample types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The curved contact surface provides universal adaptability for measuring both liquids and solids. For liquids, the curved surface maintains good contact similar to flat probes. For solids, particularly cylindrical and rod-like samples, the curved surface conformally contacts the sample geometry, eliminating gap errors. This single curved design replaces the need for different probe types for different sample geometries.
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 design enables accurate dielectric measurements on non-flat solid surfaces by minimizing gap errors and allowing for detailed characterization of dielectric permittivity and anisotropy, particularly suitable for rock core samples, with reduced measurement errors and enhanced contact with the sample.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the dielectric permittivity of materials using the reflection of high frequency radiation from the interface between the open end and the material under investigation
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric material surrounding at least a portion of the central conductor
Data Source
AI summary
An open ended coaxial probe is disclosed that can be used to measure the dielectric properties of solids. According to some embodiments, the probe is specially designed to make good contact with solids having flat or non-flat surfaces. This design relies on forcing a good contact between the solid surface with both the center conductor and outer conductor of the coaxial probe. A method is also described in which the coaxial probe is used to monitor the dielectric permittivity of cylindrical samples such as rock cores drilled from a well. Also described are methods of using the coaxial probe to provide a continuous log of the dielectric permittivity of a rock core.