Movable Electrode Gas Sensor with Variable Gap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas sensors face challenges in achieving high detection sensitivity, particularly for gases like hydrogen, due to limitations in electrode design and manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The sensor design incorporates a movable electrode member with a convex surface, supported by adjustable support members, creating a variable gap with a fixed electrode member, which enhances electrical capacitance changes in response to gas concentration, thereby improving detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional sensor structure with fixed electrode spacing is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the detection sensitivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable electrode member that can change its position relative to the fixed electrode member in response to gas concentration changes. This dynamic structure allows the gap between electrodes to vary, thereby changing the electrical capacitance to enhance detection sensitivity while maintaining a relatively simple overall sensor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the electrode gap distance dynamically. By allowing the movable electrode member to shift position, the gap between electrodes changes in response to gas concentration, which directly modifies the electrical capacitance parameter to improve measurement precision without requiring complex external control systems.
2Measurement precision
If the electrode gap is reduced to increase capacitance change rate, then detection sensitivity improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixing the electrode gap at a small value during manufacturing, the patent makes the gap dynamic through the movable electrode member. This allows the system to achieve high capacitance change rates during operation without requiring extremely precise initial gap control during manufacturing, as the gap adjusts automatically in response to gas concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable electrode member automatically adjusts the electrode gap in response to gas concentration changes without requiring external control systems. This self-adjusting mechanism enables the sensor to optimize its own detection sensitivity while reducing the burden on manufacturing precision, as the system compensates for initial variations in gap distance.
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
This configuration increases the change rate of electrical capacitance, allowing for more accurate detection of gas concentrations while simplifying manufacturing processes and maintaining high sensitivity across a wide dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
the change rate of electrical capacitance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode is high
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a base body, and a first sensor part. The first sensor part includes fixed and movable electrode members, and first and second support members. The fixed electrode member includes a fixed electrode fixed to the base body. The movable electrode member includes a movable electrode. The movable electrode member includes first and second movable portions, and a third movable portion between the first and second movable portions. The first support member is fixed to the base body and connected with the first movable portion. The second support member is fixed to the base body and connected with the second movable portion. The first and second support members support the movable electrode member to provide a first gap between the fixed and movable electrode members. The fixed electrode member includes first, second, and third fixed electrode portions facing the movable portion.