Hook-And-Loop Moisture Sensor Using Conductivity Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moisture sensors are limited in their versatility and applicability, particularly in difficult-to-access locations, and do not offer the flexibility and reusability provided by hook-and-loop fastener parts.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device utilizing a hook-and-loop fastener part with integrated electrical conductors, allowing for flexible, reusable, and wash-resistant moisture detection, capable of being applied to various surfaces and environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional moisture sensors are used, then moisture detection function is provided, but versatility and applicability in diverse locations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility and applicabilityVSAvoidmoisture detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the hook-and-loop fastener part enables versatile attachment to diverse surfaces, the electrical conductors provide moisture detection capability, and the non-conducting support offers structural integrity. This multi-functional integration resolves the contradiction by making the sensor both versatile in application locations and reliable in moisture detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device is segmented into distinct functional components: the hook-and-loop fastener part for attachment, the electrical conductors for sensing, and the non-conducting support for structure. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together, enabling the sensor to be applied in diverse locations reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If fixed installation methods are used, then stable measurement is achieved, but flexibility and reusability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and reusabilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hook-and-loop fastener part enables dynamic attachment and detachment of the sensor device, allowing it to be repositioned and reused multiple times. This dynamic attachment mechanism maintains measurement reliability by ensuring secure contact with the surface while providing the flexibility and reusability needed for ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor is made thin and flexible, then adaptability to difficult-to-access locations is improved, but structural integrity and durability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to difficult-to-access locationsVSAvoidstructural integrity and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The non-conducting support is designed as a thin, flexible structure that can conform to difficult-to-access locations while maintaining sufficient structural integrity. The flexibility allows adaptation to complex geometries, while the material properties ensure durability and resistance to degradation during use and cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If the sensor can be frequently detached and reattached, then reusability and flexibility are improved, but contamination and measurement errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device incorporates a cleaning indicator that changes appearance (color or other visual property) to indicate when cleaning is required. This allows users to maintain measurement reliability by cleaning the sensor at appropriate intervals, enabling frequent detachment and reattachment without compromising measurement quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

Enables reliable and reproducible moisture detection in diverse locations, including hard-to-reach areas, with high flexibility and durability, and rapid regeneration for repeated measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor device for determining moisture using an electrical conductivity measurement, wherein a non-conducting support has individual electrical conductors, and wherein the electrical resistance between the electrical conductors is dependent upon the amount of moisture present on the support and the electrical conductors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12546737B2Moisture sensor using electrical conductivity measurement

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 GOTTLIEB BINDER

AI summary

A sensor device is for determining moisture using an electrical conductivity measurement. A non-conducting support has individual electrical conductors. The electrical resistance between the electrical conductors is dependent upon the amount of moisture present on the support and the electrical conductors. The respective electrical conductor is an integral component of a hook-and-loop fastener part.