Fluid Sensing Array for Accurate Moisture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid sensors are inadequate for accurate and cost-effective sensing of fluids, particularly in specialized environments like medical applications, and fail to provide reliable detection of fluid presence, volume, and identity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sensing array comprising first and second sets of conducting lines with a fluid layer in between, along with a fluid barrier and buffer layers, which defines multiple sensing regions for detecting fluid volume, surface area, and fluid identity through changes in electrical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluid sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple discrete sensing regions formed by intersecting conducting lines, allowing independent measurement at each intersection point. This segmentation enables precise localization and quantification of fluid distribution across the sensor surface, improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor element.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid layer is introduced as an intermediary between the conducting lines and the fluid being detected. This fluid layer facilitates the interaction between the fluid and the sensing elements, enabling accurate detection of fluid presence, volume, and identity through changes in electrical properties at the fluid-conducting line interface.
2Measurement precision
If conventional fluid sensors are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but measurement precision and adaptability to specialized environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: detecting fluid presence, measuring fluid volume, determining fluid identity, and mapping fluid distribution. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated array of conducting lines, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced capabilities provided.
3Measurement precision
If a sensor array with multiple sensing regions is used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing regions are merged into a single integrated array structure where intersecting conducting lines create numerous measurement points within one continuous sensor substrate. This merging approach allows simultaneous measurement across all regions through a unified readout circuitry, improving fluid distribution detection accuracy while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate sensors.
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 described system enables accurate detection of fluid presence, calculation of fluid volume and surface area, and determination of fluid identity, improving upon the limitations of conventional sensors in terms of accuracy and adaptability to medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid layer disposed between the first and second set of conducting lines... Proximate intersections of the sets of conducting lines define a plurality of sensing regions
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for moisture sensing and methods for making and using same. The present disclosure describes a fluid sensing array that comprises a first and second set of conducting lines with a fluid layer disposed between the first and second set of conducting lines. Proximate intersections of the sets of conducting lines define a plurality of sensing regions. Reading the plurality of sensing regions may provide for calculating a value for fluid volume present, a value for surface area where fluid is present, or a determination of the identity, class or a characteristic of a fluid present.