Integrated Conductivity and Sound Velocity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices require separate components for measuring electrical conductivity and sound velocity in fluids, leading to increased complexity, cost, and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device that combines conductivity electrodes with sound transducers, where the electrodes serve both as electrical elements for conductivity measurement and as reference or reflection elements for sound waves, eliminating the need for a separate reference element and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for measuring electrical conductivity and sound velocity, then measurement functionality is complete, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a conductivity sensor and a sound velocity sensor into a single integrated device. The conductivity sensor housing contains both the electrical conductivity measurement electrodes and the acoustic measurement components, allowing simultaneous measurement of both parameters without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both electrical conductivity measurement elements and as acoustic reflectors for sound velocity measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reference reflectors, reducing device complexity while maintaining complete measurement capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for measuring electrical conductivity and sound velocity, then measurement functionality is complete, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conductivity sensor and sound velocity sensor into a single integrated unit with a common housing structure. The acoustic measurement components are positioned within the conductivity sensor housing, significantly reducing the overall installation space compared to using separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic measurement components are nested within the conductivity sensor housing structure. The electrode assembly serves as both the electrical measurement element and the acoustic reflector, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes space requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for measuring electrical conductivity and sound velocity, then measurement functionality is complete, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single device with a common housing and shared structural elements. By integrating the conductivity sensor and sound velocity sensor, the total weight is reduced compared to using separate devices, while maintaining complete measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is designed to serve dual purposes as both electrical conductivity measurement elements and acoustic reflectors. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and reduces overall device weight while preserving complete measurement capability for both parameters.
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 simultaneous and cost-effective determination of electrical conductivity and sound velocity in fluids, providing complementary information about fluid quality and composition, while reducing installation space and weight.
Implementation Method 1
the sound waves are reflected back to the sound transducer at the first electrode and/or second electrode
Implementation Method 2
to receive the sound waves reflected back to the sound transducer at least at the first electrode and/or second electrode for determining the speed of sound in the fluid
Implementation Method 3
each in direct contact with the fluid, and is configured to determine the electrical conductivity of the fluid according to the conductive principle
Implementation Method 4
Measuring electronics connected to the two electrodes measure the electrical impedance of the conductivity cell
Data Source
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor device (100) for determining the electrical conductivity of a fluid (12) and the speed of sound in the fluid (12). The sensor device (100) according to the invention comprises: at least one electrode pair (110) which has a first electrode (112) and a second electrode (114) electrically isolated from the first electrode (112), each of which are in direct contact with the fluid (12), and is designed to determine the electrical conductivity of the fluid (12) according to the conductive principle; and a sound transducer (130) which is designed to emit sonic waves into the fluid (12) such that the sonic waves are reflected back to the sound transducer (130) by the first electrode (112) and/or second electrode (114) and to receive the sonic waves reflected back to the sound transducer (130) at least by the first electrode (112) and/or second electrode (114) to determine the speed of sound in the fluid (12). (Fig. 1)