NFC Coil Liquid Detection for Spill-Safe Cup Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-field communication (NFC) cup holders in vehicles are prone to liquid damage, posing risks to electronic components and safety due to liquid spills, fires, and potential loss of vehicle control.
Innovation Solution
A modified NFC circuit with a surrounding coil detects liquid presence by measuring dielectric permittivity changes, using a variable capacitor and transistors to switch modes for communication and detection, and evaluating resonant frequency shifts to trigger warnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NFC circuit is integrated into cup holder for wireless communication and charging, then inter-device communication and charging capabilities are improved, but the risk of liquid damage to electronic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of liquid presence in the cup holder before allowing NFC operations. The detection system continuously monitors for liquid using dielectric permittivity measurements, and only permits NFC communication or wireless charging when the cup holder is confirmed to be empty, thereby preventing liquid damage before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the detection system continuously provides information about liquid presence to the NFC control system. Based on this feedback, the NFC operations are dynamically enabled or disabled, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to the current state of the cup holder
2Device complexity
If standard NFC circuit configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to detect liquid presence is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the NFC coil serve dual functions: its primary function for NFC communication and wireless charging, and a secondary function as a sensor for liquid detection. By measuring the dielectric permittivity through the same coil used for NFC operations, the system achieves multi-functionality without adding separate detection hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the NFC communication function and liquid detection function into a single integrated system. The same coil structure and circuitry are used for both purposes, combining what could have been separate systems into one unified device that performs both communication and sensing
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
Enhances safety by providing early warnings of liquid accumulation, protecting electronic components and occupants, while maintaining NFC functionality without significant hardware additions.
Implementation Method 1
measuring at least one so-called present physical quantity by means of the coil of the circuit, said present physical quantity being representative of the dielectric permittivity of the medium bounded by the container
Implementation Method 2
said present physical quantity is measured using measurement of the resonant frequency of the coil, which is affected by the dielectric permittivity of the medium bounded by the container and therefore by the presence of a liquid in the container
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting the presence of a liquid in a container by a near-field communication circuit that includes at least one coil surrounding the container. The method being designed to adopt a first communication mode, in which the circuit can communicate with a compatible object arranged in the container, and a second detection mode for detecting a liquid. The second detection mode including the following steps: measuring at least one so-called present physical quantity by the coil of the circuit, the present physical quantity being representative of the dielectric permittivity of the medium bounded by the container, and transmitting a signal indicating detection of a liquid in the container if the present physical quantity crosses a predetermined reference threshold.