Flexible Capacitive Fluid Sensor with Segmented Conductive Members
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sensors struggle to provide accurate, fine-tolerance measurements of fluid levels in irregularly shaped containers, as their elongated design limits precision and makes automated readings difficult.
Innovation Solution
A flexible capacitive fluid level sensor with a substrate featuring an array of conductive members arranged in specific configurations, such as angled four-sided or chevron shapes, and a lattice ground grid, which allows for precise capacitive measurements by overlapping conductive members and reducing tolerance errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single elongated sensor member is used, then the sensor can cover a large length for gross measurement, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to large tolerance accumulation over the length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor into multiple discrete conductive members (at least three) arranged in sequence along the substrate, with each member having a defined length and spacing. This segmentation allows the total sensor length to be extended while maintaining small individual member dimensions, thereby reducing tolerance accumulation and improving measurement precision for each segment while covering a large overall length.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical measurement indicia are used on irregularly shaped containers, then visual reading is possible, but automated reading becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement indicia (visual markings) with an electrical sensing system comprising conductive members that generate electrical signals. This substitution enables automated reading through electronic signal processing, eliminating the need for visual interpretation of optical markings while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through flexible substrate fabrication.
3Measurement precision
If conductive members are placed close together to improve measurement resolution, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to more members and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple conductive members onto a single flexible substrate, integrating them into a unified sensor structure. The substrate serves as a common support for all conductive members, and the members are electrically connected through trace patterns on the substrate, reducing the need for separate mounting hardware and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high measurement precision through close spacing.
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 sensor achieves improved measurement accuracy with a tolerance of 0.05% over the entire length, enabling finer and more reliable fluid level readings in various container shapes, facilitating automated and accurate fluid level detection.
Implementation Method 1
flexible capacitive fluid level sensor with a substrate featuring an array of conductive members arranged in specific configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive fluid sensor is provided having a substrate having upper and lower ends and conductive members supported by the substrate. The conductive members are provided between the upper and lower ends of the substrate. The conductive members include an upper end conductive member, a lower end conductive member, and at least one included conductive member which is positioned between the upper and lower end conductive members. Each conductive member is separated from every other one of the members, thereby providing that each member has distinct upper and lower ends and acts as an independent sensor. At least one pair of proximally positioned members are positioned relative to each other such that the distinct lower end of one of the pair of conductive members is positioned closer to the lower end of the substrate than is the distinct upper end of the other one of the pair of conductive members.