Resistive Fluid Detection Waveform Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of fluids near electrical devices such as inverters or high-voltage batteries can negatively impact their service life due to potential leaks or contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device with a resistive sensing element comprising two conductive electrodes and a controller that monitors electrical conductivity to detect the presence of fluids by characterizing signal waveforms, distinguishing between standing water, condensate, and coolant based on specific response patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If fluid detection is implemented near electrical devices, then service life of electrical devices is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing element is divided into multiple isolated conductive elements (first conductive element and second conductive element) that are electrically isolated from each other. This segmentation allows the system to detect different fluid types by measuring conductivity changes between specific pairs of elements, enabling sophisticated detection functionality while keeping each individual sensing element simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that periodically monitors signals from the sensing element and characterizes waveform patterns. This intermediary component processes the raw conductivity signals to distinguish between different fluid types (standing water, condensate, coolant) based on their unique electrical conductivity characteristics, thereby managing the complexity of fluid identification without requiring complex sensor hardware.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fluid types are differentiated, then detection precision is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses waveform characterization as a signature identification method, where different fluid types produce distinct signal waveform patterns when they contact the sensing element. Standing water produces one waveform pattern, condensate produces another, and coolant produces a third pattern. This waveform-based identification approach enables precise fluid type differentiation by analyzing the temporal and amplitude characteristics of the electrical signals, similar to how color changes can indicate different substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in electrical conductivity parameters between the conductive elements to identify different fluid types. Each fluid type (standing water, condensate, coolant) has distinct electrical conductivity characteristics that manifest as different waveform patterns in the monitored signal. By tracking these parameter changes over time and comparing them against known patterns, the system achieves accurate fluid identification without requiring complex measurement apparatus.
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
Effectively detects the presence of fluids, preventing damage to electrical devices by accurately differentiating between types of fluid presence, thereby extending the service life and preventing isolation loss or battery pack failure.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is disposed to monitor electrical conductivity between the first conductive element and the second conductive element
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting presence of a fluid is described, and includes a resistive sensing element including a first conductive element proximal to a second conductive element, wherein the first conductive element is electrically isolated from the second conductive element, and a controller disposed to monitor electrical conductivity between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to periodically monitor a signal associated with the electrical conductivity between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. A baseline value for the electrical conductivity between the first conductive element and the second conductive element can be determined based upon the periodically monitored signal, and a signal waveform can be determined based upon the periodically monitored signal. The signal waveform can be characterized, and presence of a fluid can be detected based upon the characterized waveform.