Impedance Spectroscopy Sensing for Continuous Fluid Property Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting material properties of fluid media, such as detergent concentration and oil quality, are complex and require significant effort for data acquisition and analysis, making them inefficient for continuous monitoring and environmental sustainability.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing impedance spectroscopy with a sensor device and control device to determine complex impedance characteristics across a frequency range, allowing for precise and continuous detection of material properties by analyzing discrete measurement points and their frequency positions relative to stored reference values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If impedance spectroscopy is used to detect material properties across a frequency range, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of material propertiesVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor device and control device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency range is segmented into multiple discrete frequency points for measurement. Instead of continuous frequency scanning, the patent measures impedance at specific discrete frequencies (e.g., 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz), which simplifies the measurement process while maintaining detection accuracy across the full frequency spectrum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from continuous frequency scanning to discrete frequency point measurement. By selecting specific frequency points where characteristic impedance behavior occurs, the system achieves accurate material property detection without requiring complex continuous frequency sweep capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If continuous monitoring of material properties is implemented, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous detection capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption of sensor device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs periodic measurements at discrete frequency points. The sensor device measures impedance at selected frequencies only when needed, rather than continuously scanning across the entire frequency range, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to detect changes in material properties over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of time

If discrete measurement points are analyzed instead of full frequency spectrum, then data processing effort is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing timeVSAvoidaccuracy of material property determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical frequency sweeping with electrical measurement at fixed frequency points. By using discrete frequency measurements combined with mathematical evaluation of impedance characteristics at these points, the system achieves accurate material property determination without requiring time-consuming full spectrum analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 quick and accurate detection of fluid media properties, reducing data processing effort and enabling automated control of detergent dosing and resource management, leading to energy and resource savings while maintaining optimal cleaning results.

Implementation Method 1

A device and method utilizing impedance spectroscopy with a sensor device and control device to determine complex impedance characteristics across a frequency range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance spectroscopy: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP2533035B1Method and device for detecting material properties
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 ROBERT SEUFFER
  • EP2533035B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2533035B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2533035B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has a measuring unit provided with a sensor (4), which stays in connection with a fluid medium (3), and an actuator (6) for actuating the sensor with signals of a predetermined frequency range. A controller (5) is provided for controlling the operation of the measuring unit and set point of the predetermined frequency range. The actuator is provided for determining the course of an impedance of the medium corresponding to the predetermined frequency range depending on the frequency, and is provided for emitting detection signal.