Integrated Sensor Detecting Humidity and Corrosion via Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring devices for structural environments cannot reliably detect humidity, water presence, and acidity/basicity levels, nor assess corrosion stages of metal parts within structures, due to corrosion issues and inability to measure multiple parameters simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electronic device with conductive members and a measurement module, enclosed by a separation layer, measures impedance to detect humidity, water presence, and acidity/basicity, using an electromagnetic circuit with exposed electrodes to avoid corrosion and provide robust parameter detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passivating layer completely coats the integrated sensor and circuitry to ensure robustness and long operative lifetime, then reliability and duration of action are improved, but the ability to detect humidity and acidity/basicity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a protected integrated circuit module (enclosed by passivating layer) and external electrode assemblies (exposed to environment). This segmentation allows the sensitive electronics to remain protected while the sensing elements interact with the environment, resolving the contradiction between protection and sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assemblies act as intermediaries between the protected integrated circuit and the environment. These electrodes transmit electrical signals to and from the environment without requiring the integrated circuit itself to be exposed, enabling humidity and acidity detection while maintaining the protective passivating layer over the electronics.
2Measurement precision
If external electrodes are exposed to the environment for sensing, then the ability to detect environmental parameters is improved, but corrosion of metal parts occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the sensing function (external electrodes exposed to environment) from the electronic processing function (protected integrated circuit). This allows the electrodes to perform their sensing role in contact with environmental parameters while the vulnerable electronic components remain shielded, addressing the corrosion issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs impedance measurement techniques that can detect environmental parameters through changes in electrical properties. By measuring impedance variations of the electrode assembly rather than relying on direct electrical contact of internal circuitry with the environment, the system achieves accurate sensing while minimizing corrosion impact on critical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated into a single device for simultaneous parameter detection, then versatility and measurement capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit module is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple sensing functions through a single electrode assembly. The same basic structure can detect different parameters (humidity, acidity, corrosion) by measuring impedance variations, eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors for each parameter and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities into a single integrated device by merging the electrode assembly with the integrated circuit module. This unified structure allows simultaneous or sequential measurement of multiple parameters through one cohesive system, reducing the complexity that would arise from assembling 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 device effectively detects humidity, water presence, and acidity/basicity levels, and corrosion stages, maintaining functionality even when external components corrode, enabling reliable monitoring in various conditions, including within solid structures.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode assembly forms with the first and second conductive members an electromagnetic circuit having an impedance that varies based upon exposure to the surrounding environment. The measurement module measures the impedance between the first and second measurement terminals to detect at least one parameter related to the humidity, presence of water, and acidity/basicity of the environment surrounding the device.
Implementation Method 2
A separation layer may include an insulating material and may be configured to enclose the first and second conductive members and the measurement module so as to be separated from the surrounding environment.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated electronic device, for detecting for detecting changes in an environmental parameter indicative of an environment surrounding the device, includes: a first conductive element and a second conductive element; a measurement circuit including a first measurement terminal and a second measurement terminal respectively coupled to the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The measurement circuit is configured to provide an electrical potential difference between the first conductive element and the second conductive element is configured to determine a change in an impedance of an electromagnetic circuit including the first conductive element and the second conductive element and formed between the first measurement terminal and the second measurement terminal. The device determines that an increase in a presence of water within the environment has occurred in response to a decrease in a real part of the impedance of the electromagnetic circuit.