Position-Dependent Sensitivity Liquid Sensor Using Variable Electrode Surface Area
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors lack the ability to vary sensitivity based on position, making it difficult to effectively detect the presence of liquid in applications like diapers, where different areas require different detection thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with first and second electrodes of thread-like or band-like structures, arranged side by side, where at least one electrode has a larger surface area at a second position, allowing for varying sensitivity by generating different amounts of power when liquid is present, and a communication system to output detection results wirelessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor uses uniform electrode surface area throughout, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the sensitivity cannot be varied by position
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is designed with different surface areas at different positions along its length. Specifically, the electrode includes a first portion with a first surface area and a second portion with a second surface area that is larger than the first surface area. This local variation in surface area enables different detection sensitivities at different positions, allowing the sensor to distinguish between preliminary liquid contact (first portion) and intensive liquid contact (second portion).
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is divided into multiple segments along its longitudinal direction, with each segment having a different surface area. The electrode includes a first portion and a second portion with distinct surface areas, creating segmented detection zones. This segmentation allows independent optimization of sensitivity at different positions without affecting the entire electrode structure.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor uses larger electrode surface area for intensive detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the amount of material and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing the electrode surface area throughout, the invention applies larger surface area only locally at the second portion where intensive detection is needed. The first portion maintains a smaller surface area sufficient for preliminary detection. This localized approach achieves high measurement precision where required while minimizing the total quantity of electrode material used.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor has different surface areas at different positions, then position-dependent detection is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into distinct portions (first portion and second portion) with clearly defined surface area differences. This segmentation provides natural manufacturing targets for quality control, making it easier to verify that each portion meets its specified surface area requirements. The segmented structure also allows for modular manufacturing approaches that can reduce overall precision requirements compared to creating a single complex electrode geometry.
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 sensor system can detect liquid presence with improved sensitivity by generating more power when liquid is present between the electrodes, enabling accurate detection of liquid absorption and timely replacement of absorbent materials like in diapers.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrode and the second electrode are made of different materials, and generated power is generated between the electrodes when the liquid is present between the electrodes as the electrodes come into contact with the liquid existing between the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sensor having different sensitivities depending on the positions. A sensor 1 is a sensor for detecting the presence of a liquid, and includes a first electrode 11 and a second electrode 12. The first electrode and the second electrode each have a thread-like or band-like structure, and are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode includes a first portion 111 having a first surface area at a first position in the longitudinal direction, and includes a second portion 112 having a second surface area larger than the first surface area at a second position in the longitudinal direction different from the first position.