Liquid Sensor Electrode Segmentation for Dielectric Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sensors face accuracy issues in detecting liquid levels due to variations in the dielectric constant of different liquids, leading to incorrect readings when the type or quality of the liquid changes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid sensor design with multiple electrodes and a detection circuit that corrects capacitance readings based on the dielectric constant differences, ensuring accurate liquid level detection by immersing a second electrode portion below the first, allowing for precise capacitance measurement and accounting for variations in liquid type or quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pair of electrodes is used to detect liquid level, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to dielectric constant variations of different liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is divided into two distinct pairs: a first pair of electrodes for primary liquid level detection and a second pair of electrodes for dielectric constant measurement. This segmentation allows each pair to serve its specific function independently, with the second pair专门用于 measuring dielectric constant variations to compensate for inaccuracies in the first pair's readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The second pair of electrodes acts as an intermediary measurement system that indirectly compensates for dielectric constant variations. By measuring the capacitance change of the second pair, the system obtains dielectric constant information that can be used to correct the liquid level readings from the first pair, effectively mediating between the raw measurement and the final accurate reading.
2Ease of operation
If capacitance measurement is used to detect liquid level, then the detection is non-contact and simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to dielectric constant variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the capacitance measurement from the second pair of electrodes as feedback to correct the liquid level detection from the first pair. The dielectric constant information obtained from the second pair is fed back to adjust and compensate for variations in the first pair's readings, creating a feedback loop that continuously improves detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter by introducing a second capacitance measurement that specifically targets dielectric constant variations. By measuring capacitance changes in the second pair of electrodes, the system obtains dielectric constant data that can be used to correct the liquid level detection, effectively changing the approach from direct level measurement to indirect correction-based measurement.
3Measurement precision
If the second electrode portion is positioned below the first, then the measurement precision improves by capturing dielectric constant variations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode arrangement extends into the vertical dimension by positioning the second pair of electrodes below the first pair in the depth direction. This dimensional arrangement allows both pairs to simultaneously interact with the liquid at different depths, enabling the second pair to measure dielectric constant variations while the first pair measures liquid level, thus improving precision without excessive horizontal 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
The liquid sensor achieves higher accuracy in detecting liquid levels and detects abnormalities with high precision by considering dielectric constant variations, providing reliable readings regardless of the liquid's type or quality.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical capacitance between the first and second electrodes changes in keeping with the liquid level
Implementation Method 2
the dielectric constant of a liquid will vary according to the type or quality of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a liquid sensor capable of detecting a liquid level with high accuracy regardless of the type and quality of the liquid. The liquid sensor detects a liquid level in a state where at least part of the liquid sensor is immersed in the liquid. The liquid sensor includes a substrate. A plurality of electrodes are formed on the substrate. A first electrode portion is constructed by a first pair of electrodes included in the plurality of electrodes. A second electrode portion is constructed by a second pair of electrodes included in the plurality of electrodes. A hole is formed in the substrate. The first pair of electrodes are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the substrate formed by the hole. In a state where the liquid sensor is immersed in the liquid, the second electrode portion is positioned below the first electrode portion.