Moisture Detection Apparatus Using Frequency-Dependent Resistivity Quotient

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moisture detection technologies face challenges in accurately setting frequencies for detecting water veins in the ground, relying heavily on skilled engineers and lacking precision in non-expert usage.

Innovation Solution

A moisture detecting apparatus and method that includes multiple pairs of current and potential electrodes, a frequency allotting means, resistivity calculating means, and an estimation means, which systematically vary frequencies to calculate resistivity values and determine moisture content by analyzing the quotient of maximum to minimum resistivity values, allowing for accurate detection without relying on skilled engineers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If frequencies are set based on experiences of skilled engineers, then detection accuracy may be improved in expert hands, but the device becomes difficult to operate for non-experts and lacks accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidoperability for non-experts
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically selects optimal frequencies and performs measurements without requiring user expertise. The control unit autonomously manages the frequency selection process, allowing non-experts to operate the device while maintaining high detection accuracy through automated expert-level decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically adjusts frequency parameters based on ground conditions and measurement requirements. By dynamically changing frequency parameters without user intervention, the system maintains optimal detection accuracy while simplifying operation for non-expert users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple frequencies are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but the complexity of frequency selection and measurement process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture detection accuracyVSAvoidfrequency selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit uses feedback from initial ground resistance measurements to automatically determine optimal frequencies for subsequent measurements. This feedback mechanism allows the device to select appropriate frequencies based on actual ground conditions, improving accuracy while keeping the user interface simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement process is made dynamic and adaptive, with frequencies selected based on real-time ground conditions rather than fixed predetermined values. The system automatically adjusts measurement parameters to optimize detection accuracy for each specific measurement scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If fixed frequency ranges are used, then the device is easier to operate, but adaptability to different ground conditions and moisture levels is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of useVSAvoidadaptability to different ground conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically changes frequency parameters based on measured ground resistance values and detected ground conditions. This allows the system to adapt to different soil types, moisture levels, and geological conditions while maintaining a simple fixed-range interface for the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to universally handle various ground conditions using a single fixed frequency range, with automatic internal adaptation through the control unit. This multi-functionality allows the same device to effectively detect moisture in diverse geological environments without requiring user configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 highly accurate detection of moisture in the ground, even by non-experts, by systematically varying frequencies and analyzing resistivity values, improving detection precision and usability.

Implementation Method 1

the first calculation means calculates a first resistivity value indicating a resistivity in the predetermined region of the ground using a current and a voltage based on an alternating current having a first frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistivity: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS10386317B2Moisture detecting apparatus, moisture detecting method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium that stores therein moisture detection program
Publication Date: 2019.08.20 SC INT CO LTD
  • US10386317B2 patent drawing
  • US10386317B2 patent drawing
  • US10386317B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A moisture detecting apparatus includes a pair of current electrodes, a pair of potential electrodes, a frequency allotting section, a resistivity calculating section, and an estimation section. The frequency allotting section allots frequencies at regular frequency intervals ΔF in a range between first and second frequencies F1 and F2 (>F1) to a frequency of an alternating current. Each time a frequency is allotted, the resistivity calculating section calculates a resistivity value ρ in a predetermined region of the ground using a current value A detected by the current electrodes and a voltage value V detected by the potential electrodes. The estimation section obtains a maximum value ρ1 and a minimum value ρ2 among resistivity values ρ and estimates such that the smaller a quotient (ρ1/ρ2) obtained by dividing the maximum value ρ1 by the minimum value ρ2 is, the more moisture the predetermined region contains.