Single-Sensor Vapor Quantification Using Impedance and Capacitance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor sensing technologies, such as metal oxide sensors, face challenges including non-specificity, high false alarm rates, baseline drift, inability to detect slow vapor buildup, large size, high power consumption, and difficulty in differentiating between multiple vapors, particularly in environments with both water vapor and electrolyte vapor, leading to inaccurate and costly detection.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system utilizing a polymer support with ionic salt, capable of absorbing vapors and changing conductivity, measures impedance and phase angle to solve two equations simultaneously, accurately determining quantities of different vapors like water vapor and electrolyte vapor, reducing false alarms and enabling timely corrective action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to detect multiple vapors, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision and ability to differentiate between vapors deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing two different electrical parameters (impedance and capacitance) of the sensing element to detect two different vapors. By measuring how each vapor affects these parameters differently, the system can distinguish and quantify multiple vapors simultaneously using a single sensor, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing element uses a composite material structure consisting of a polymer support and an ionic salt material. This composite structure enables the sensor to respond differently to various vapors through the combined properties of the polymer and ionic salt, allowing differentiation between water vapor and electrolyte vapor while using only a single sensing element
2Reliability
If metal oxide sensors are used for vapor detection, then detection capability is provided, but false alarm rates increase due to non-specificity
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures two different electrical parameters (impedance and capacitance) simultaneously and uses the differential response pattern to identify specific vapors. This multi-parameter approach provides vapor-specific detection signatures that reduce false alarms caused by non-specific sensor responses to different vapor types
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors impedance and capacitance values and compares them against expected patterns for different vapors. By analyzing the feedback from both parameters together, the system can distinguish between actual target vapors and other substances that might cause false alarms, improving detection reliability
3Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used in humid environments, then vapor detection is attempted, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to water vapor interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits the fact that water vapor and electrolyte vapor affect impedance and capacitance differently. By measuring both parameters and analyzing their combined response pattern, the system can mathematically distinguish and quantify electrolyte vapor even in the presence of water vapor, maintaining measurement precision in humid environments
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic salt material acts as an intermediary that selectively interacts with electrolyte vapor while having different interaction characteristics with water vapor. This intermediary enables the sensing element to differentiate between the two vapors through their distinct effects on the electrical parameters
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 system provides accurate and efficient detection of multiple vapors, preventing battery faults and thermal runaway by distinguishing between water vapor and electrolyte vapor, reducing false positives, and enabling timely safety protocols.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing element, configured to react with at least one vapor
Implementation Method 2
determining the impedance of the sensing element is based at least in part on the sinusoidal excitation signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining quantities of multiple vapors using a single sensor. In one embodiment, a method includes determining, by one or more processors an impedance of a sensing element; determining, by the one or more processors, a capacitance of the sensing element; and determining, by the one or more processors and based at least in part on (i) the impedance of the sensing element and (ii) the capacitance of the sensing element, (a) a quantity of a first vapor that has reacted with the sensing element and (b) a quantity of a second vapor that has reacted with the sensing element.