Semiconductor Liquid Level Sensor Using Conductive Layer Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an efficient method to identify the type of liquid in a semiconductor device without direct contact, which can be harmful and is not accurate in determining liquid levels based on surface tension variations.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a substrate, pair of walls, and a deformable conductive layer that measures resistance changes to correlate with surface tension, allowing for the identification of liquid types without direct contact or harmful interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to identify liquid types (tasting, smelling, touching), then direct contact with liquid is required, but this causes harm to human health and is inaccurate in determining liquid levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/direct contact methods with an electrical measurement system. A conductive layer is used to measure resistance changes that correlate with liquid surface tension, eliminating the need for direct human contact with the liquid while providing accurate identification of liquid types and levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer serves as an intermediary between the measurement system and the liquid. It indirectly senses liquid properties through resistance variations caused by surface tension effects, allowing accurate liquid identification without direct human contact.
2Measurement precision
If a conductive layer is used to measure resistance for liquid identification, then accurate liquid type identification is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin conductive layer that can deform in response to liquid surface tension. This thin-film approach provides accurate liquid sensing while maintaining a relatively simple and compact device structure, avoiding the need for complex mechanical assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical resistance of the conductive layer as a parameter to identify liquid types. By measuring resistance variations that correlate with surface tension differences, the system achieves accurate liquid identification through a simple electrical measurement rather than complex mechanical or chemical analysis.
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 accurate identification of liquid types and detection of liquid level changes by measuring resistance variations, ensuring safety and precision without tasting, smelling, or touching the liquid.
Implementation Method 1
a variation in the resistance is correlated with a surface tension of the liquid in the recess
Implementation Method 2
The conductive layer is disposed above the substrate, and has a resistance, wherein a variation in the resistance is correlated with a surface tension of the liquid in the recess
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a pair of walls and a conductive layer. The pair of walls, disposed on the substrate, are configured to define a recess therebetween to receive a liquid. The conductive layer is disposed above the substrate, and has a resistance, wherein the resistance is correlated with a surface tension of the liquid in the recess.