Orthogonal Electrode Array for Consistent Field Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric field deployment systems for determining electrical characteristics of objects, such as shoe scanning, face challenges due to differences in electric field attenuation between orthogonal sets of electrodes, leading to inconsistent results and difficulties in adjusting input voltages.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method involve a dielectric substrate with orthogonal sets of electrodes on the same surface, where discontinuities are formed at electrode crossings to electrically isolate the sets, and electric bridges are created to maintain conductivity, allowing for efficient deployment of electric fields across both sets of electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If orthogonal sets of electrodes are deployed on opposite surfaces of dielectric material, then two-dimensional scanning capability is achieved, but electric field attenuation differences cause inconsistent measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves all electrodes from a two-dimensional arrangement (opposite surfaces) to a three-dimensional configuration where orthogonal electrode sets are positioned on the same surface with vertical spacing. This dimensional change eliminates the harmful electric field attenuation differences that occurred when electrodes were on opposite surfaces, while preserving the two-dimensional scanning capability through the orthogonal electrode arrangements.
2Length of stationary object
If higher voltages are applied to overcome electric field attenuation, then penetration depth increases, but measurement reliability decreases due to inconsistent results between scanning procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the voltage parameter by applying it consistently across orthogonal electrode sets positioned on the same surface, eliminating the inconsistent results that previously required voltage adjustments. The vertical spacing between electrode sets is also optimized to achieve adequate penetration depth without requiring excessive voltage, thereby maintaining both penetration capability and measurement reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If different scanning procedures are used with orthogonal electrode sets, then comprehensive object coverage is achieved, but data interpretation becomes difficult due to procedural differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotential conditions by positioning orthogonal electrode sets on the same surface with consistent vertical spacing, ensuring that electric field deployment is uniform across all scanning directions. This eliminates the procedural differences that made data interpretation difficult, while maintaining comprehensive object coverage through the orthogonal electrode arrangements.
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 ensures consistent and optimized electric field penetration across both sets of electrodes, improving the accuracy and reliability of electrical characteristic determination, particularly in applications like shoe scanning where higher voltages may be required.
Implementation Method 1
an apparatus and a method for deploying electric fields and, in particular, to deploying electric fields to determine electrical characteristics of an object
Data Source
AI summary
Electric fields are deployed to determine electrical characteristics of an object. A dielectric substrate has a first surface and a second surface, a first set of substantially parallel electrodes are located on said first surface and a second set of substantially parallel electrodes are located on the first surface. The second set is substantially orthogonal to said first set thereby defining electrode crossings. Discontinuities are formed in an electrode at each electrode crossing to electrically isolate electrodes of the first set from electrodes of the second set. An electric bridge is created at each discontinuity to maintain electrical continuity. A selected electrode of the first set is energized two or more times while sequentially monitoring remaining electrodes of said first set. This is followed by energizing a selected electrode of the second set two or more times while sequentially monitoring remaining electrodes of the second set.