Dual-Component Sensor With CO2 Barrier Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors face challenges in simultaneously measuring moisture content and CO2 concentration due to cross-sensitivity issues, requiring multiple sensors and increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A sensor design featuring first and second sensor components with a shared sensitive material, separated by a barrier layer that prevents CO2 penetration to the second sensor component, allowing it to measure moisture levels only, while the first component measures both substances, enabling simultaneous measurement of CO2 and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single sensor uses a sensitive film that responds to both moisture and CO2, then the sensor can detect both substances, but cross-sensitivity causes measurement errors for each individual substance
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into two separate sensor components (first sensor component and second sensor component), each with identical sensitive films. The first component measures both moisture and CO2, while the second component measures only moisture. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between the effects of moisture and CO2 by comparing the readings from both components, thereby resolving the cross-sensitivity problem while maintaining the ability to detect multiple substances.
Solution Approach 2:
A barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary element between the two sensor components. This barrier layer is selectively permeable, allowing moisture to pass through to both sensor components while blocking CO2 from reaching the second sensor component. The barrier layer thus mediates the interaction between the sensitive films and the target substances, enabling precise measurement by controlling which substances reach which sensor component.
2Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used for moisture and CO2 measurement, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple separate sensors into a single integrated sensor device. By combining two sensor components with identical sensitive films and adding a barrier layer, the system achieves the measurement precision of separate sensors while reducing device complexity. The merged structure uses fewer different materials and simplifies manufacturing compared to using completely separate sensors for moisture and CO2 detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Both sensor components use the same sensitive film material, making them universally responsive to multiple substances. This multi-functionality at the material level is combined with the selective barrier to achieve substance-specific measurements. The universal sensitive film design reduces material complexity while the barrier layer provides the necessary selectivity.
3Measurement precision
If a barrier layer is added to prevent CO2 penetration to the second sensor component, then measurement precision for moisture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer is applied locally and selectively in the structure, creating different functional zones. The first sensor component area remains open to both moisture and CO2, while the second sensor component area is protected by the barrier layer that selectively blocks CO2. This local differentiation of properties allows precise moisture measurement in the second component without unnecessarily complicating the entire sensor structure.
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
This configuration allows for the reduction of sensor complexity and cost by enabling a single sensor to accurately measure both CO2 and humidity levels, essential for monitoring perishable goods, without the need for separate sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a barrier (18) for preventing or reducing the second substance from passing into the second sensor component (5)
Implementation Method 2
In a capacitive structure the dielectric constant of the material used to form the structure changes as a function of the substance being measured
Implementation Method 3
In a resistive sensor, the resistance of the material forming the sensor changes as a function of the substances being measured
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A sensor (2) for sensing a first substance and a second substance, the sensor comprising first (3) and second (5) sensor components each comprising a first material (20), the first material being sensitive to both the first substance and the second substance, the sensor further comprising a barrier (18) for preventing the second substance from passing into the second sensor component (5). The barrier layer is preferably composed of a nanocomposite material comprising a nanoclay inserted into a polymide polymore matrix.