Liquid Conductivity Sensing with Fast Temperature Extrapolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing devices face challenges in quickly and accurately determining the temperature and electrical conductivity of a liquid, especially when the device is immersed in washing liquid almost simultaneously with detergent addition, as the temperature sensor is physically isolated and requires time to reach the liquid's temperature, leading to unreliable conductivity measurements due to varying water quality across geographical regions.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device that measures electrical conductivity instantly and determines temperature by evaluating a fraction of the temperature response characteristic between initial and intermediate temperatures, allowing for quick and accurate determination of both parameters, even before detergent significantly dissolves, using multiple conductivity measurements averaged and temperature extrapolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the temperature sensor is physically isolated from the liquid by encapsulation, then the sensor is protected against harsh chemical environment, but the temperature measurement time is extended as the sensor requires time to reach liquid temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing temperature response characteristics of the encapsulated temperature sensor in memory before actual use. These characteristics, obtained during manufacturing or calibration, allow the microprocessor to immediately calculate liquid temperature upon immersion without waiting for the sensor to thermally equilibrate with the liquid, thus resolving the time delay caused by encapsulation protection.
2Productivity
If the sensing device is immersed in washing liquid simultaneously with detergent addition, then the device can monitor detergent concentration from the beginning, but the electrical conductivity measurement is affected by varying water quality across geographical regions rather than reflecting only detergent concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the microprocessor to continuously monitor electrical conductivity and compare it against dynamically adjusted reference values stored in memory. The system learns the baseline conductivity of local water by taking initial measurements before detergent is added, then uses this feedback to compensate for regional water quality variations throughout the washing cycle, enabling accurate detergent concentration monitoring from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of the washing liquid's electrical conductivity and temperature before detergent is added, storing these baseline values in memory. This preliminary action establishes the regional water quality reference that will be used to compensate for variations during subsequent detergent concentration measurements, allowing immediate monitoring without accuracy loss.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrical conductivity measurements are performed and averaged, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing a limited number of electrical conductivity measurements (typically 3-5) and averaging them, rather than continuing measurements indefinitely. The microprocessor stops the averaging process when a predetermined number of measurements have been taken or when the average stabilizes within a threshold, thus achieving sufficient measurement accuracy without excessive time consumption.
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 reliable and rapid assessment of electrical conductivity and temperature, enabling timely detection of detergent shortages and ensuring accurate detergent concentration monitoring in washing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature of the water for which the electrical conductivity has been substantially instantly measured is determined by evaluating temperature measurement data during only a fraction of the temperature response characteristic of the sensor between an initial temperature and an intermediate temperature
Implementation Method 2
The electrical conductivity is measured substantially instantly, preferably within 30 seconds from the immersion in the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and sensing device capable of determining a temperature of a liquid and an electrical conductivity of the liquid at the temperature. The sensing device comprises at least one temperature sensor for providing temperature measurement data arranged such that the temperature sensor is physically isolated from the liquid when the sensing device is immersed in the liquid. The device further comprises an electrical conductivity sensor, storage means containing temperature characteristics and a processor. The processor is arranged for instantly measuring an electrical conductivity of a liquid and for evaluating temperature measurement data for determining the temperature of the liquid on the basis of the temperature characteristics.