PCB Liquid Intrusion Detection Using Multiplexed Sensor Traces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-rugged computers lack an airtight design, leading to moisture intrusion during humidity tests, which can damage chips and components without timely notification.
Innovation Solution
A liquid intrusion detection device integrated with circuit boards, featuring multiple liquid detection components, a multiplexer, and a computing component that switches the multiplexer to output detection signals and issue notifications when moisture intrusion is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple liquid detection components are disposed on circuit boards, then liquid intrusion detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple liquid detection components are integrated onto a single circuit board, combining multiple detection functions into one unified platform. This allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple areas for liquid intrusion while maintaining a compact design that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural platform for electronic components and as the integration substrate for liquid detection components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection hardware, thereby improving detection capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If additional detection components are installed on circuit boards, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid detection components are combined with the existing circuit board structure, eliminating the need for separate detection modules or additional PCB assemblies. This integration reduces manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and associated costs while maintaining high detection precision through direct contact with potential liquid intrusion points.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board performs dual roles as both the electronic component platform and the liquid detection substrate. By utilizing existing structural elements for detection purposes, the design avoids additional manufacturing costs associated with producing separate detection components or dedicated sensor mounting structures.
3Device complexity
If a multiplexer and computing component are used to switch detection signals, then device complexity is reduced, but detection speed may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer implements periodic switching among multiple liquid detection components, sequentially sampling each sensor. This time-division multiplexing approach allows a single computing component to monitor multiple detection points effectively, reducing device complexity while maintaining acceptable detection speed through rapid sequential sampling that can detect liquid intrusion events in real-time.
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
The solution enables effective detection of moisture intrusion on circuit boards without additional detection components, reducing costs and allowing for timely action to prevent component damage.
Implementation Method 1
output a liquid intrusion notification signal when a response signal of the detection signal meets a preset potential
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid intrusion detection device includes at least one circuit board, a plurality of liquid detection components, a multiplexer and a computing component. The plurality of liquid detection components are disposed on the at least one circuit board. The multiplexer is disposed on the at least one circuit board and has a plurality of output pins respectively connected to the plurality of liquid detection components. The computing component is disposed on the at least one circuit board and connected to the multiplexer, and is configured to switch the multiplexer to output a detection signal to one of the plurality of liquid detection components through one of the plurality of output pins, and output a liquid intrusion notification signal when a response signal of the detection signal meets a preset potential.