Trimmable Capacitive Fluid Level Strip With Length Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive fluid level sensors require factory-setting or daisy chaining for sensing range, limiting flexibility and adaptability to user-specific needs.
Innovation Solution
A trimmable fluid level sensing strip with a flexible substrate and capacitive plates that can be cut to desired lengths, using resistors to determine the new length and compensate for dielectric changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is made trimmable to allow custom length adjustment, then adaptability to user needs is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple discrete capacitive plates (first capacitive plate, second capacitive plate, third capacitive plate) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the sensor to be trimmed to different lengths by removing specific plates, enabling custom sensing ranges while maintaining a manageable structure through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor transitions from a fixed, factory-set configuration to a dynamic, user-adjustable configuration. The trimmable design allows the sensor to be modified after manufacturing to suit different application requirements, making the device adaptable rather than static
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor uses factory-set or daisy chaining for sensing range, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is pre-configured with multiple capacitive plates and associated circuitry during manufacturing, preparing it for potential future trimming. The inclusion of a first capacitor connected between the first and second capacitive plates, and a second capacitor connected between the second and third capacitive plates, establishes the foundational structure before the user performs any trimming operations
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor enables users to perform their own configuration by trimming the sensor to the desired length without requiring complex manufacturing processes or specialized equipment. The user can directly modify the sensor to fit their specific application needs
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is trimmed to custom length, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor incorporates feedback mechanisms through the capacitor configurations that provide information about the sensor's state. The first and second capacitors work together to establish reference conditions that help maintain measurement accuracy even when the sensor is trimmed to different lengths
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor manages parameter changes by adjusting the capacitor configurations based on the trimmed length. When the sensor is trimmed, the system compensates by modifying the electrical parameters (capacitance values) to maintain accurate fluid level detection across different sensing ranges
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 customizable sensing range and accurate fluid level detection by allowing users to trim the sensor to fit specific applications, while maintaining precise capacitance measurements.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive based sensors typically monitor a sensor field between a fill level sensor and a reference electrode. The fill level of fluid in a container affects this sensor field due to a difference between a dielectric constant of the fluid in the container and a dielectric constant of the gas in the container
Implementation Method 2
difference between a dielectric constant of the fluid in the container and a dielectric constant of the gas in the container
Implementation Method 3
A length of the trimmed fluid level sensor is then determined based on a measured parameter (e.g., resistance) of the components remaining in the trimmed fluid level sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods provide for a fluid level sensor including a flexible substrate. A continuous sensor plate is coupled to the flexible substrate. A continuous ground plate is coupled to the flexible substrate and positioned parallel to the continuous sensor plate. A sensor array is positioned parallel to the continuous sensor plate, where the sensor array comprises three or more capacitive plates in a linear alignment. A component array is positioned parallel to the continuous sensor plate, where the component array includes three or more components in a linear alignment, where each of the components corresponds with one of the capacitive plates.