Ionic Liquid Rotational Sensor for High-Precision Tilt Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) solid mass-spring systems face limitations in achieving high-resolution and reliable inclinometers due to their sensitivity to gravity, necessitating improved systems for measuring tilting angles in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor utilizing an ionic liquid based electrolyte with a solid structure featuring a channel that circumnavigates an axis, including a first anode and cathode, and a controller configured to apply voltage and communicate rotation sense signals, allowing for precise measurement of tilting angles between 1° and 179° relative to the gravitational axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional MEMS solid mass-spring systems are used for inclinometer, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the measurement precision and reliability under harsh environmental detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional MEMS solid mass-spring mechanical system with an ionic liquid-based electrochemical system. The inclinometer uses electrochemical reactions in an ionic liquid electrolyte to detect gravitational force components, substituting mechanical mass-spring dynamics with electrochemical sensing mechanisms that provide higher measurement precision while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and material parameters by using ionic liquid electrolyte instead of solid mass-spring elements. This parameter change enables the system to achieve high-resolution tilting angle measurements through electrochemical potential variations that are more sensitive to gravitational changes than traditional mechanical systems
2Reliability
If traditional MEMS solid mass-spring systems are used for inclinometer, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the reliability in harsh environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures combining ionic liquid electrolyte with electrode materials and encapsulation layers. This composite approach creates a sealed sensor unit that maintains reliability under harsh environmental conditions while using manufacturable materials and assembly processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ionic liquid electrolyte which creates an inert, sealed internal environment within the sensor. This inert environment protects the electrochemical components from external harsh conditions while the overall device structure remains manufacturable using standard sealing and encapsulation techniques
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 ionic liquid-based sensor provides high-performance tilting angle measurement with unique rotation sense signals at each angle, overcoming the limitations of traditional MEMS systems and achieving robust performance in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
the axis is at an angle of between 1° and 179° relative to a gravitational axis representing the force of gravity
Implementation Method 2
The controller can be configured to apply a first non-zero voltage between the first anode and the first cathode
Data Source
AI summary
Sensors for measuring rotation about an axis are disclosed, along with methods of making and using the same. The sensors can utilize ionic liquids and electrodes that provide a unique electrical signal at each angle of rotation about an axis. The sensors can include a solid structure with a channel that circumnavigates the axis, electrodes disposed within the channel, and an ionic liquid positioned within the channel.