Method and device for measuring characteristics of fluid media
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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 inaccurate and require laboratory conditions, making them unsuitable for industrial or household applications, and lack a simple, cost-effective solution for continuous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A device using impedance spectroscopy with a sensor and control system to measure complex impedance characteristics of fluid media, allowing for precise and continuous detection of properties like water hardness and detergent concentration, enabling efficient washing processes with reduced environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical measurement methods are used to detect turbidity for determining detergent concentration, then the measurement can be performed in washing devices, but the accuracy is low and results are easily falsified by deposits on the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement methods with electrical impedance spectroscopy. Instead of using light-based sensors that are susceptible to deposits, the invention uses electrical fields to measure the complex impedance of the washing solution, which provides accurate detergent concentration measurements without being affected by sensor contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures multiple parameters of complex impedance (real part, imaginary part, phase angle) across different frequencies to determine detergent concentration. By analyzing changes in these electrical parameters rather than relying on a single optical measurement, the system achieves higher accuracy and robustness against environmental factors.
2Measurement precision
If titration methods are used to determine water hardness, then accurate results can be obtained, but the method requires laboratory conditions and is not suitable for industrial or household applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex chemical titration methods with electrical impedance spectroscopy. By measuring the electrical properties of water containing dissolved substances, the system determines water hardness without requiring chemical reagents, laboratory equipment, or complex procedural steps, making it suitable for integration into washing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance spectroscopy method allows the washing device to autonomously measure water hardness and detergent concentration without external laboratory analysis. The sensor integrated into the device performs continuous monitoring and provides data for automatic dosage control, eliminating the need for separate measurement procedures.
3Loss of information
If complex data evaluation is performed for optical measurement results, then some property determination can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires sophisticated processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical measurement and data evaluation processes with direct electrical impedance measurements. The electrical properties of the washing solution provide immediate information about detergent concentration and water hardness, requiring minimal data processing compared to optical methods that need complex algorithms to interpret turbidity readings.
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 provides accurate and continuous monitoring of fluid media properties, optimizing detergent dosage and water usage, leading to improved washing efficiency and reduced environmental pollution.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor device 4 is supplied with predetermined signals of the physical variables... and within the control device 5 via the activation device 6 the Recording signals from the sensor device 4 are recorded and processed
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves detecting an initial impedance characteristic including feature points (P), and determining each corresponding characteristic points of current observations within ambient frequency ranges of initial impedance characteristic. Differences between the characteristic points of each of the current observations are determined for one of the characteristic points and the respective corresponding characteristic point of the initial impedance characteristics. Control measures are performed if the difference is within a reference range. An independent claim is also included for a device for detecting properties of fluid medium in a predetermined process.