Electronic Liquid Contact Sensors for Real-Time Intrusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices lack effective real-time detection and response mechanisms for liquid intrusion, leading to unnecessary repairs or scrapping due to limited information provided by dye-based liquid contact indicators.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electronic liquid contact sensors with electrodes that measure resistance and capacitance to detect moisture, allowing for real-time data logging and corrective actions, such as powering down sensitive components, and providing insights for troubleshooting and future design improvements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dye-based liquid contact indicators are used, then liquid contact detection is provided, but real-time detection and response capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical/dye-based indicator system with an active electronic sensing system. Electronic liquid contact sensors with electrodes enable automated, real-time detection through electrical measurements (resistance, capacitance), eliminating the need for manual inspection of dye-based indicators and enabling immediate response actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic liquid contact sensor system provides self-service through automated detection and logging. The sensors continuously monitor liquid contact conditions, automatically log data in storage, and can trigger corrective actions without human intervention, unlike dye-based indicators that require manual inspection and interpretation.
2Reliability
If dye-based liquid contact indicators are used, then liquid exposure is detected, but troubleshooting capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic liquid contact sensor system implements feedback through continuous monitoring and data logging. Sensor data is stored in memory and can be retrieved and analyzed to provide feedback on liquid exposure events, enabling technicians to troubleshoot failures by reviewing temporal and spatial patterns of liquid contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of liquid contact events through data logging and storage. Instead of relying on irreversible dye changes, the electronic system stores information about liquid exposure events, allowing repeated analysis and troubleshooting without altering the physical state of the device.
3Extent of automation
If electronic liquid contact sensors are integrated, then real-time detection and response is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic liquid contact sensors are integrated into existing device components and structures. The sensors utilize available electrodes, connectors, and circuitry within the device, allowing liquid contact detection functionality to be added without requiring entirely separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device 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 detection of liquid exposure events, facilitating timely preventive measures and improving the reliability of electronic devices by differentiating between reparable and non-reparable damage, while enhancing their immunity to liquid exposure.
Implementation Method 1
Control circuitry may make measurements across the electrodes such as resistance and capacitance measurements to detect the presence of liquid
Implementation Method 2
Control circuitry may make measurements across the electrodes such as resistance and capacitance measurements to detect the presence of liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic devices may be accidentally exposed to liquid during operation. To detect liquid intrusion events, an electronic device may be provided with one or more electronic liquid contact sensors. The liquid contact sensors may have electrodes. Control circuitry may make measurements across the electrodes such as resistance and capacitance measurements to detect the presence of liquid. Liquid contact sensor data may be maintained in a log within storage in the electronic device. The liquid contact sensor data can be used to display information for a user of the electronic device or can be loaded onto external equipment for analysis. Liquid contact sensor electrodes may be formed from metal traces on substrates such as printed circuits, from contacts in a connector, from contacts on an integrated circuit, or from other conductive electrode structures.