Moisture Detection in Portable Electronics Using Vacuum Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining moisture levels in portable electronic devices are inadequate, as they rely on visual indicators that fail to accurately assess moisture severity, making it difficult for users and repair shops to determine if a device is damaged by water without disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A device with a user-controlled vacuum plenum that samples air from within the device using a microcontroller and relative humidity sensor, allowing for non-invasive detection of moisture levels, displayed on a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If liquid contact indicators (LCIs) are used to detect moisture, then visual indication of water presence is provided, but the severity of moisture levels cannot be accurately assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical LCI system with an electronic sensing system that uses a vacuum pump to draw air through the device and a humidity sensor to electronically measure moisture levels. This substitution enables precise quantitative measurement of moisture severity while maintaining non-invasive detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium to transport moisture information from inside the sealed device to the external humidity sensor. The vacuum pump creates airflow that carries moisture-laden air through the device's existing openings (microphone, speaker, charging port) to the sensor, enabling indirect measurement without disassembly.
2Measurement precision
If disassembly is performed to assess internal moisture, then accurate moisture levels can be determined, but the device structure is damaged and warranty may be voided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air flow as an intermediary to access internal device moisture through existing external openings without disassembly. The vacuum pump draws air through the device's microphone, speaker, or charging port openings, carrying moisture information to the sensor while leaving the device structure intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The device's own structural features (existing openings for microphone, speaker, charging port) are utilized to enable moisture detection without requiring external intervention or disassembly. The system leverages the device's inherent design elements to provide access for sensing.
3Reliability
If conventional drying methods are used, then moisture removal is attempted, but without accurate moisture level detection, effectiveness cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the humidity sensor continuously monitors moisture levels during and after the drying process. This real-time measurement provides feedback on drying effectiveness, allowing users and technicians to verify when the device has been sufficiently dried and when it is safe to power on.
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 and non-destructive assessment of moisture levels within portable electronic devices, aiding in repair and warranty claims by providing a reliable method to determine the extent of water damage without disassembling the device.
Implementation Method 1
A user can attach the sampling port to a portable electronic device and activate a vacuum pump to pull air through the device
Implementation Method 2
A user can attach the sampling port to a portable electronic device and activate a vacuum pump to pull air through the device
Implementation Method 3
A relative humidity sensor, such as but not limited to, a capacitive sensor, can be used to sample the air for relative humidity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a unique method and apparatus for the automatic detection of water in portable electronic devices, such as cell phones, digital music players, pagers, cameras, tablet computers and the like, after these units have been subjected to water, high-humidity conditions, or other unintended deleterious wetting agents that could render such devices inoperable. Such detection can be performed without any disassembly of the device required. At least one embodiment provides a user-controlled vacuum plenum that simultaneously scavenges air from within the portable electronic device while sampling the relative humidity to determine the level of water or moisture within the device. The relative humidity is sampled by a microcontroller and displayed on a user friendly interface to allow repair and retail shops to quickly determine whether the portable electronic device contains water or moisture within its enclosed interior.