Orthogonal Electrode Layout for Consistent Electric Field Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for scanning objects using electric fields, such as those employed in shoe scanning for security purposes, face challenges due to differences in results obtained from scanning procedures using orthogonal electrode sets, leading to difficulties in identifying correct data and adjusting input voltages.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method involve mounting both sets of substantially parallel electrodes on the same surface of a dielectric substrate, creating electrode crossings with discontinuities to electrically isolate the sets, and using electric bridges to maintain conductivity, allowing for sequential energization and monitoring of electrodes to determine electrical characteristics of an object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the second set of electrodes is mounted on the second surface of the dielectric substrate, then two-dimensional scanning can be performed, but the electric fields are attenuated and results differ from the first set of electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first set and second set of electrodes are mounted on the same surface (first surface) of the dielectric substrate, allowing them to work together in a merged configuration. This enables two-dimensional scanning while maintaining consistent electric field penetration and reliable results, as both electrode sets operate from the same surface plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a three-dimensional electrode arrangement (first set on first surface, second set on second surface) to a two-dimensional arrangement (both sets on first surface). This dimensional change eliminates the attenuation problem while preserving the two-dimensional scanning capability through the orthogonal configuration of electrode pairs on the same surface.
2Reliability
If both sets of electrodes are mounted on the same surface, then electric field penetration is optimized, but electrode crossings require electrical isolation
Solution Approach 1:
At each electrode crossing, the continuous electrode path is segmented into discontinuous sections. The first electrode is divided into first and second discontinuous portions, and the second electrode is divided into first and second discontinuous portions. This segmentation provides electrical isolation between orthogonal electrodes while maintaining the benefits of same-surface mounting for optimized electric field penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
A dielectric substrate serves as an intermediary layer between the orthogonal electrode sets. The substrate's dielectric properties enable electrical isolation at crossing points while still allowing the electric fields to penetrate effectively through the material to the object being scanned, resolving the conflict between isolation requirements and field penetration needs.
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, reducing attenuation and enabling more accurate data collection and voltage adjustments, thereby improving the reliability of object scanning applications.
Implementation Method 1
an apparatus for 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 (101) has a first surface and a second surface, a first set of substantially parallel electrodes (121 - 128) are located on said first surface and a second set of substantially parallel electrodes (111 - 118) are also located on the first surface. The second set of substantially parallel electrodes is substantially orthogonal to said first set of substantially parallel electrodes 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, that extends away from the plane of the first surface, to maintain electrical continuity. A selected electrode of the first set of substantially parallel electrodes is energised two or more times while sequentially monitoring two or more remaining electrodes of said first set of substantially parallel electrodes. This is followed by energising a selected electrode of the second set of substantially parallel electrodes two or more times while sequentially monitoring two or more remaining electrodes of the second set of substantially parallel electrodes.