Perpendicular Electrode Sensor Unit for Orientation-Independent Fluid Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor units for fluid power units can only reliably measure fluid parameters when installed in a specific orientation, limiting their versatility and accuracy in measuring fluid level and other parameters, such as conductivity, when operated in horizontal positions.

Innovation Solution

A sensor unit with two electrode pairs oriented perpendicular to each other, allowing for flexible mounting and automatic assignment of measuring and reference electrodes, enabling accurate parameter measurement in various orientations without adjustment, and incorporating a multiplexer and oscillator for temperature and time compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single electrode pair is used for fluid level measurement, then the measurement is simple and cost-effective, but the sensor unit can only measure fluid level in a specific orientation and cannot reliably measure parameters when installed in different orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation independenceVSAvoidsensor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor unit is designed with two electrode pairs oriented perpendicular to each other, enabling it to measure fluid parameters in multiple orientations (horizontal and vertical positions). This multi-functional design allows the same sensor unit to be universally applied regardless of the fluid power unit's installation orientation, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By adding a second electrode pair perpendicular to the first, the sensor transitions from a single-dimensional measurement capability to a two-dimensional measurement capability. This dimensional expansion enables the sensor to detect fluid parameters in any orientation without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms, effectively resolving the orientation dependency issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If a rod probe is inserted from the side in horizontal position, then the sensor can be installed horizontally, but only threshold value monitoring is possible without accurate fluid level measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid level measurement accuracyVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dual electrode pair design enables the sensor to maintain accurate fluid level measurement capability in both vertical and horizontal installations. The perpendicular arrangement ensures that one electrode pair remains effective for precise measurement regardless of the unit's orientation, eliminating the threshold-only limitation of side-inserted probes while preserving installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrode pairs are fixed in specific orientations, then the sensor structure is simple, but the sensor unit requires adjustment when changing installation orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereusability in different orientationsVSAvoidsensor assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The two electrode pairs are deliberately arranged perpendicular to each other in fixed orientations during manufacturing. This asymmetric but complementary arrangement ensures that regardless of how the sensor unit is installed, one of the electrode pairs will be optimally positioned for accurate measurement. The perpendicular fixed arrangement eliminates the need for post-installation adjustment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enables reliable measurement of fluid level and conductivity in different orientations, increasing the sensor unit's and fluid power unit's variability, with automated electrode assignment and reduced need for user calibration, and providing continuous fluid level detection and contamination monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

capacitive fluid level measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

change in the conductivity of the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11371871B2Sensor unit, fluid power unit with sensor unit and method for measuring parameters of a fluid

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 HAWE HYDRAULIK SE

AI summary

A sensor unit is described for measuring parameters of a fluid, in particular a hydraulic fluid, in a fluid power unit, in particular a hydraulic power unit, as well as a fluid power unit with a sensor unit and a method for measuring parameters of a fluid in a fluid power unit. The sensor unit has a contact module and two electrode pairs with two electrodes each. The electrode pairs are connected to the contact module and the longitudinal axes of the electrode pairs are arranged essentially perpendicular to each other. This enables capacitive fluid level measurements with different orientations of the sensor unit without the need to adjust the sensor system. The additional measurement of other parameters of the fluid by means of the method efficiently allows for statements about the quality of the fluid to be made.