Non-Contact Capacitance Liquid Sensing Without Exposed Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sensing devices in consumer products face challenges such as safety concerns, aesthetic issues, and manufacturing inefficiencies due to the use of exposed conductive contacts, which can lead to liquid leakage and damage to electronic components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of non-contact capacitance sensors integrated with electronic modules in consumer devices, such as molded figurines, drinking straws, and beverage containers, allows for safe and efficient liquid sensing without exposed conductive contacts, using changes in capacitance to trigger feedback mechanisms like sounds, lights, or motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exposed conductive contacts are used for liquid sensing, then liquid sensing functionality is achieved, but safety risks and aesthetic issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/conductive contact-based sensing with capacitive sensing technology. The capacitive sensor detects liquid presence through changes in electrical capacitance caused by the liquid's dielectric properties, eliminating the need for exposed conductive contacts that protrude into the liquid environment. This substitution maintains sensing functionality while removing safety hazards associated with exposed conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing mechanism (capacitive field) between the electronic module and the liquid. Instead of direct contact between conductive elements and liquid, the capacitive sensor creates an electromagnetic field that interacts with the liquid's dielectric properties, allowing indirect detection. This intermediary approach preserves sensing capability while eliminating direct exposure risks.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact capacitance sensors are used, then safety and aesthetics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the capacitive sensor into the existing electronic module structure, allowing the same component to serve both as part of the device housing and as the sensing element. This multi-functional integration reduces overall device complexity despite adopting advanced capacitive sensing technology, as it eliminates the need for separate sensor housings or additional structural components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact capacitance sensors are used, then safety and aesthetics are improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitive sensor integration into standard electronic module assembly processes. By designing the sensor to be part of the electronic module itself rather than a separate component, the manufacturing process combines sensor installation with existing PCB assembly or module integration steps, minimizing additional manufacturing complexity and maintaining production efficiency.
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 solution provides a safe, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective means to sense liquid presence, flow rate, or amount, eliminating the risks of liquid leakage and enhancing manufacturing efficiency while enabling versatile feedback mechanisms in consumer devices.
Implementation Method 1
non-contact capacitance sensors configured to operate with (or as an integrated part of) an electronic module
Data Source
AI summary
Consumer devices for providing feedback based upon the presence of a liquid in a detection zone, wherein the detection zone is the area in which a change in capacitance is can be detected by a non-contact capacitance sensor and the forms of feedback include the generation of sound, activation/deactivation of alight, a motion or other physical interaction, or display by way of an LCD or LED display panel.