Electrode Sensor Arrays for Selective Material Impedance Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic tomographic and spectrographic measurement devices face challenges in accurately characterizing specific volumes of materials under test, particularly in determining electromagnetic impedance characteristics and correlating them with physical properties in a clinical or field environment.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrode sensor arrays that transmit oscillating electromagnetic field signals across a range of frequencies, using signal generators and detectors, and employing series and parallel circuit theories to compute complex impedance, allowing for non-conductive communication with materials under test and enabling the determination of electromagnetic impedance spectrographic and tomographic characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of electrodes in the sensor array is increased to characterize more layers and volumes of the MUT, then the measurement precision and coverage are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple electrode elements that can be independently controlled and measured. Each electrode or electrode pair can be used to characterize specific layers or volumes of the MUT, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision through segmented measurement while managing device complexity through modular electrode design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array electrodes serve multiple functions: they can be used to measure different volumes of the MUT, characterize different layers, and perform both tomographic imaging and spectroscopic analysis. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor array to achieve comprehensive characterization without requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are taken at different frequencies and electrode configurations to obtain comprehensive electromagnetic characteristics, then the measurement precision is improved, but the measurement time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic measurements at different frequencies and electrode configurations to capture comprehensive electromagnetic characteristics. By systematically varying frequency and measurement configuration in a periodic manner, the system achieves high measurement precision through multiple data points while improving productivity through automated sequential measurement protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system maintains continuous operation by seamlessly transitioning between different frequency measurements and electrode configurations. The system continuously collects electromagnetic data without interruption, ensuring that comprehensive characterization is achieved efficiently through uninterrupted multi-parameter measurement.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor array is designed to measure specific sub-volumes of the MUT, then the measurement precision for those volumes is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring deeper or more distant volumes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from measuring only surface-level sub-volumes to characterizing deep volumes by adding the frequency dimension to measurements. By measuring electromagnetic characteristics across a range of frequencies and using equivalent circuit models, the system extends its measurement capability into deeper volumes of the MUT while maintaining precision through multi-dimensional data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces equivalent circuit models as intermediaries to bridge the gap between surface measurements and deep volume characterization. These models act as mediators that translate electromagnetic measurements taken at the sensor array into accurate representations of deep sub-volumes, enabling precise measurement of difficult-to-access regions.
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
This approach allows for the precise characterization of selected volumes of materials, correlating impedance characteristics with physical properties and anomalies, enhancing data accuracy and efficiency in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a signal generator operably connected with the array of electrodes, the signal generator for transmitting oscillating electromagnetic field signals through the array of electrodes at a range of selected frequencies
Implementation Method 2
obtain a complex impedance over a range of frequencies of volumes or voxels of the MUT with a linear or a planar array of electrodes in communication with the MUT
Data Source
AI summary
A method of extracting complex impedance from selected volumes of the material under test (MUT) combined with various embodiments of electrode sensor arrays. Configurations of linear and planar electrode arrays provide measured data of complex impedance of selected volumes, or voxels, of the MUT, which then can be used to extract the impedance of selected sub-volumes or sub-voxels of the MUT through application of circuit theory. The complex impedance characteristics of the sub-voxels may be used to identify variations in the properties of the various sub-voxels of the MUT, or be correlated to physical properties of the MUT using electromagnetic impedance tomography and/or spectroscopy.