Moisture Sensing System with Segmented Barrier for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in effectively sensing and responding to moisture exposure, which can lead to damage from liquids, vapors, and humidity, especially in environments where such exposure is likely, and existing solutions do not adequately protect against moisture-induced damage.

Innovation Solution

A moisture sensing system that includes a moisture sensor, control element, warning element, and switch, which can detect moisture levels and alter the device's operation or provide notifications, and is designed to be moisture-resistant, allowing for continuous monitoring and adaptive response to moisture exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If moisture sensing system components are exposed to moisture for continuous monitoring, then moisture detection capability is improved, but the components are vulnerable to moisture-induced damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture detection capabilityVSAvoidcomponent vulnerability to moisture

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides components into moisture-exposed elements (sensor, warning element) and protected elements (control element, power supply) using a moisture barrier. This segmentation allows the exposed components to perform moisture detection while the barrier protects other components from moisture damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A moisture barrier acts as an intermediary element between the moisture sensing components and the protected electronic components. This barrier allows the system to maintain moisture detection capability while preventing moisture from reaching and damaging sensitive electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If power is continuously supplied to all components for full operation, then device functionality is improved, but damage risk increases when moisture is present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddamage risk from moisture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power distribution based on moisture detection. When moisture is detected, the switch terminates power to protected components while maintaining power to the sensor and warning element, allowing the system to adapt its functionality to prevent damage while remaining operational.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts power from components that are vulnerable to moisture damage while maintaining power to the moisture sensing and warning components. This selective power termination protects the device from moisture-induced damage while preserving essential monitoring and alert functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a moisture barrier is introduced to protect components, then component protection is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The moisture barrier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it physically protects electronic components from moisture, defines the boundary for power termination control, and enables the selective exposure of components to moisture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the moisture barrier with the power termination control mechanism. The barrier's position and properties are integrated into the control logic that determines which components receive power, merging the physical protection function with the operational control function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system effectively protects electronic devices by terminating power to sensitive components when moisture exceeds a threshold, enabling safe mode operation and providing user notifications, thus preventing damage from moisture exposure.

Implementation Method 1

The moisture sensor may comprise a capacitance sensor configured to measure the dielectric properties of the ambient conditions to which an electronic device is exposed (i.e., to sense moisture)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric properties sensing: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 2

The IC may be coupled to and configured to drive a heating element upon sensing moisture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10541529B2Methods, apparatuses and systems for sensing exposure of electronic devices to moisture

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 HZO INC

AI summary

Systems, devices and methods for sensing moisture within an electronic device are disclosed. A device may include a housing and a display defining and exterior of an electronic device and an interior of the electronic device. Further, the device may include an integrated circuit (IC) within the electronic device and comprising a control element. The device may also include a moisture sensor such as an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, or both. The moisture sensor, which may be part of the IC, together with the control element may sense moisture within the electronic device.