Rotating Kelvin Probe Head for Noise-Free Surface Charge Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Kelvin probe systems face issues with noise and mechanical fragility due to vibration, acoustic modes, and the need for frequent calibrations, which disrupt long-term measurements.

Innovation Solution

A rotating Kelvin probe system with a calibration system that uses multiple Kelvin probe faces made of different materials and sizes, allowing for continuous self-calibration and improved positioning accuracy, reducing noise and fragility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the probe vibrates to change distance to the object for measurement, then measurement capability is enabled, but noise and mechanical problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vibration system with an electrical field-based measurement system. Instead of physically vibrating the probe to modulate capacitance, the system uses electrical signals to detect changes in the electrical field between the probe and the object, thereby eliminating mechanical vibration and associated noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrical field as an intermediary between the probe and the object. Rather than direct mechanical contact or vibration, the measurement is performed through the electrical field that exists in the space between the probe and the object, allowing non-contact measurement without mechanical disturbance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the probe is made thin and long for precise measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but the probe becomes fragile

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidfragility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for a fragile mechanical probe structure by replacing it with an electrical field-based sensing system. The measurement is performed through electrical field interactions rather than requiring a physically extended probe, thereby achieving precision without fragility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If the probe vibrates laterally due to acoustic modes, then measurement coverage increases, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vibration that causes lateral movement with an electrical field-based measurement approach. This eliminates acoustic modes and unwanted probe movement while maintaining measurement capability through electrical field sensing, thereby preserving positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Duration of action of moving object

If long term tests are conducted, then measurement duration is extended, but calibration requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement durationVSAvoidcalibration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-calibration mechanism where the system automatically performs calibration using built-in reference elements or known electrical field characteristics. This self-service calibration eliminates the need for manual intervention during long-term measurements, allowing extended operation without interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous calibration and measurement operations by integrating calibration functions into the normal measurement process. The system can perform calibration actions continuously or periodically without stopping the measurement workflow, ensuring long-term operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 rotating design eliminates vibration-related noise and fragility, enabling continuous self-calibration and precise measurements without interruptions, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of surface charge and hydrogen detection in metallic samples.

Implementation Method 1

the KP's core is an electrical capacitor in which one vibrating plate is actuated at a certain height above a metallic substrate acting as the second plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

Volta potentials measured from a sinusoidal current are converted in real-time into corrosion potentials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3314272B1Kelvin probe system with a rotating probe face

Publication Date: 2022.10.05 INDIKEL AS

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AI summary

A Kelvin probe system (100) for analyzing a sample for testing (134), the Kelvin probe system comprising: a drive (102) controlled and powered by a drive control/power (103) for rotating an object (106, 120) around a rotational axis; a Kelvin probe head (120) connected to the drive (102), comprising a Kelvin probe (122), having at one end a Kelvin probe face (124); characterized in that the Kelvin probe face is provided on a side face of the Kelvin probe head with respect to the rotational axis. A calibration system for a Kelvin probe system (100), and a method for measuring presence of hydrogen using a Kelvin probe system (100) are also provided.