Particulate Detection Device Impedance Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional particulate matter detection devices in internal combustion engine exhausts can't accurately determine the diameter or number of particulates and are prone to detection errors due to electrode deterioration, which affects impedance measurements.

Innovation Solution

The device uses AC voltages of different frequencies to separate the resistance and capacitance components of impedance, allowing for the calculation of intraparticle and particle boundary components, thereby estimating particulate diameter and number with reduced error from electrode deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional impedance-based detection is used, then the amount of particulate matter can be detected, but the diameter and number of particulates cannot be estimated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticulate matter amount detectionVSAvoidparticulate diameter and number information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The impedance detection is segmented into multiple frequency measurements. By measuring impedance at different frequencies (at least two different frequencies), the system separates the resistive and capacitive components of the impedance, which correspond to different aspects of particulate matter characteristics. This segmentation enables extraction of multiple parameters (amount, diameter, number) from the same sensor system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the frequency parameter of the applied voltage to extract different information from the particulate matter. By varying the frequency and measuring the corresponding impedance changes, the system can distinguish between resistive effects (related to particulate amount) and capacitive effects (related to particulate size and number), thereby obtaining comprehensive particulate characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If impedance measurement is performed using conventional sensors, then particulate matter amount can be detected, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to electrode deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticulate matter amount detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection accuracy affected by electrode deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The total impedance is segmented into resistive and capacitive components through frequency-dependent measurements. The capacitive component is primarily influenced by particulate matter characteristics, while the resistive component contains both particulate and electrode deterioration effects. By focusing on the capacitive component or using the ratio between components, the system can minimize the impact of electrode deterioration on measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors impedance at multiple frequencies and uses the relationship between resistive and capacitive components to compensate for electrode deterioration. By analyzing how the impedance spectrum changes over time and comparing it with reference data, the system can distinguish between changes caused by particulate matter accumulation and those caused by electrode degradation, thereby maintaining reliable detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If laser-based particulate meters are used, then the number and diameter of particulates can be measured, but the device becomes large-sized and expensive for vehicle-mounted use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticulate number and diameter measurementVSAvoiddevice size and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The impedance sensor is designed to perform multiple measurement functions using a single device. By measuring impedance at different frequencies and analyzing both resistive and capacitive components, the sensor can simultaneously determine particulate matter amount, average diameter, and number concentration, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized instruments including expensive laser-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex optical measurement systems (laser-based particulate meters) with a simpler electrical impedance measurement approach. By using electrostatic interactions between the sensor electrodes and particulate matter, the system achieves comparable measurement capabilities (diameter and number detection) with a much simpler, smaller, and more cost-effective electrical sensor design suitable for vehicle-mounted applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method enables accurate detection of particulate matter amount, diameter, and number by distinguishing between internal and interfacial characteristics, reducing the influence of electrode deterioration and stabilizing the estimation process.

Implementation Method 1

When the exhaust gas is discharged through the exhaust path, particulate matter in the exhaust gas deposits on the electrodes. This causes the impedance between the electrodes to change.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance change: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

The device uses AC voltages of different frequencies to separate the resistance and capacitance components of impedance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance separation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2525215B1Particle detection device
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP2525215B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2525215B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2525215B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

Disclosed is a particulate matter detection device that detects the diameter and the amount of particulates in exhaust gas while reducing detection error caused by deterioration such as the deterioration of electrodes. In the particulate matter detection device, which measures particulates in a gaseous body, AC voltages having different frequencies are applied to a pair of electrodes disposed apart from each other. The resulting impedances to the different frequencies are detected. A resistance component and/or a capacitance component of the impedances to the different frequencies are calculated. The average diameter and/or the number of particulates in the gaseous body are estimated in accordance with changes in the resistance component and/or the capacitance component.