Membrane Status Monitoring via Interrupted Conductor Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Partially permeable membranes with small holes face challenges in detecting microscopic cracks, which can lead to impaired functionality, especially in medical and hygienic applications, as it is difficult to determine the membrane's condition due to their small structure size.
Innovation Solution
The integration of thin, sensitive conductor tracks on the membrane surface, which can be interrupted by cracks, allowing for the detection of electrical current changes to determine the membrane's state, with options for arrangement and materials like SiO2, Si3N4, or diamond-like layers to prevent false readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the membrane structure size is reduced to achieve fine filtration (1 μm and smaller holes), then filtration precision is improved, but crack detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces conductor tracks as an intermediary element between the membrane structure and the detection system. These thin conductor tracks (10-1000 nm thickness) serve as a mediator that translates microscopic crack formation into detectable electrical signal changes, enabling indirect detection of cracks that would otherwise be impossible to observe directly at this scale
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/optical inspection methods with an electrical detection system. Instead of attempting to visually or mechanically detect cracks on the membrane surface, the system uses electrical current flow through conductor tracks to sense crack formation, substituting a mechanical detection approach with an electrical field-based approach that is far more sensitive at this scale
2Measurement precision
If conductor tracks are made thinner to improve crack sensitivity, then crack detection sensitivity is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the conductor track thickness parameter to a specific range (10-1000 nm) that balances two competing requirements: thin enough to be interrupted by microscopic cracks for sensitive detection, but thick enough to maintain sufficient mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between sensitivity and strength
3Reliability
If conductor tracks cover the entire membrane surface to maximize crack detection, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the membrane surface into multiple detection zones, each covered by its own conductor track. Rather than using a single complex continuous track, multiple simpler track segments provide distributed detection coverage, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies conductor tracks selectively to areas particularly at risk of cracking rather than uniformly across the entire membrane surface. This partial coverage approach achieves sufficient detection reliability for critical regions while minimizing the total amount of conductor material and system 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 reliable detection of cracks and damaged areas, ensuring the membrane's functionality by outputting an error message when cracks form, thus preventing unwanted particle passage, and allowing for monitoring of the membrane's condition.
Implementation Method 1
at least one conductor track (20) through which current flows
Implementation Method 2
the at least one conductor track is provided with a passivation layer, preferably made of SiO 2 , Si 3 N 4 , diamond or diamond-like layers, polymers such as polycarbonate or SiC
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2~6
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a membrane. It is provided with at least one current-carrying conductor (20f, 20g) on each side of the membrane, which can be interrupted if the membrane is damaged, and the condition of the membrane can be determined by detecting the electric current through the conductor.