Impedance Spectroscopy for Precise Fluid Property Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting the properties of fluid media, such as water hardness and detergent concentration in washing machines, are complex, costly, and lack precision, making it difficult to optimize washing processes efficiently and economically.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using impedance spectroscopy to detect properties by analyzing initial and current impedance curves, determining characteristic points, and comparing differences within defined frequency ranges, allowing for precise and continuous monitoring of fluid media properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical measurement methods are used to detect turbidity of detergent solution, then detergent concentration can be determined approximately, but measurement accuracy is low and results are easily distorted by deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement methods with electrical impedance spectroscopy. Instead of using light-based sensors that are susceptible to optical interference from deposits, the invention uses electrical impedance measurements that are not affected by optical obstructions. The sensor unit measures impedance characteristics of the detergent solution, providing reliable measurements even in the presence of deposits on sensor surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures multiple impedance parameters across different frequencies rather than relying on a single optical parameter. By analyzing impedance magnitude and phase angle across a frequency spectrum, the system extracts multiple characteristics (initial impedance, characteristic frequencies, impedance changes) that provide more accurate and reliable detergent concentration data compared to single-parameter optical methods.
2Loss of information
If complex analysis of data from multiple sensors is performed to determine detergent concentration, then more information can be obtained, but the analysis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential impedance characteristics from the full impedance spectrum. Instead of performing complex analysis on complete frequency-domain data, the method identifies and extracts key parameters such as initial impedance at reference frequency, characteristic frequencies where impedance changes occur, and impedance variations at these frequencies. This extraction approach provides sufficient information for detergent concentration determination while significantly simplifying the analysis process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of characteristic frequencies and impedance changes before final concentration calculation. By first measuring the impedance spectrum, identifying characteristic frequencies where significant impedance changes occur, and then using these pre-identified frequencies for subsequent measurements, the system simplifies the overall analysis process and reduces computational complexity.
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 accurate and efficient detection of fluid media properties, optimizing washing processes with minimal environmental impact by determining optimal detergent dosing and water usage, reducing pollution and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an initial impedance curve, including a plurality of characteristic points on the initial impedance curve in a complex impedance plane
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for detecting properties of fluid media within a predefined process using impedance spectroscopy, the method detecting an initial impedance curve, including a plurality of characteristic points on said initial impedance curve determining an initial value of the properties of the fluid medium, determining respective surrounding frequency ranges around each of the characteristic points, conducting further detections of current impedance curves determining respective characteristic points of the current detections within the surrounding frequency ranges of the initial impedance curve, determining differences between the characteristic points of each of the current detections of the impedance curve for at least one of the characteristic points and the respective corresponding characteristic point on the initial impedance curve and comparing the difference with a predetermined reference range, and performing control measures on the process for the purpose of continuing said process if said difference is within the reference range.