Fluid Property Sensor With Distributed Point Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate fluid level sensing is complex and expensive, leading to fluid waste and premature replacement of fluid tanks and devices, as well as low-quality products due to inadequate supply levels.
Innovation Solution
A new type of fluid property sensor featuring a narrow elongated circuit with multiple sensors mounted on a substrate, packaged to protect bond wires and circuitry, providing increased resolution and accuracy by distributing sensors non-linearly along the circuit length, allowing for complex impedance measurements and fluid property sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluid level sensing methods are used, then fluid level detection is achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple discrete sensing elements distributed along the elongated circuit, each capable of independent fluid detection. This segmentation allows the system to achieve accurate fluid level measurement through multiple distributed points rather than a single complex sensor, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through modular sensing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated circuit integrates multiple sensing functions including fluid level detection, fluid property sensing, and temperature sensing into a single unified structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through integrated measurements from multiple sensor types.
2Measurement precision
If conventional fluid level sensing methods are used, then fluid level detection is achieved, but fluid waste occurs due to premature replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The high-precision sensing system provides advance detection of fluid levels and properties before critical thresholds are reached. By monitoring fluid levels continuously with high accuracy, the system enables proactive refilling or adjustment actions, preventing fluid waste that would occur from premature replacement based on inaccurate or delayed detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system provides continuous feedback on fluid level and fluid property conditions, enabling real-time monitoring and control. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect actual fluid status accurately and trigger appropriate responses only when necessary, preventing both fluid waste from premature replacement and quality issues from inadequate supply levels.
3Measurement precision
If conventional fluid level sensing methods are used, then basic level detection is achieved, but product quality deteriorates due to inadequate supply levels
Solution Approach 1:
The high-precision sensing system detects fluid level and fluid property conditions before they reach critical thresholds that would compromise product quality. By providing advance warning of inadequate supply levels, the system enables corrective actions to be taken before product quality degradation occurs, preventing harmful effects on the final product.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces basic mechanical level detection with electronic sensing elements that provide continuous, high-resolution measurement of fluid levels and fluid properties. This substitution enables more precise monitoring and control, ensuring that fluid supply levels are maintained within optimal ranges to prevent product quality degradation from inadequate supply.
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 solution enables precise fluid level monitoring and characterization, reducing waste and improving product quality by providing high-density sensor arrays that can detect fluid levels and properties with enhanced accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor portion including a temperature sensor, an electrical impedance sensor, and a capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive sensor
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a fluid property sensor includes an electrical circuit assembly (ECA), an elongated circuit (EC), and an external interface. The EC is attached to the ECA and includes multiple point sensors distributed along a length of the EC. The external interface is electrically coupled to a proximal end of the EC. The EC and the external interface are packaged together with an encasement on both sides of the ECA to form the fluid property sensor.