Sensor apparatus using an electrochemical cell
US6448621B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01L11/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A novel technology for sensing mechanical quantities such as force, stress, strain, pressure and acceleration has been invented. This technology is based on a change in the electrochemically generated voltage (electromotive force) with application of force, stress, strain, pressure or acceleration. The change in the voltage is due to a change in the internal resistance of the electrochemical cell with a change in the relative position or orientation of the electrodes (anode and cathode) in the cell. The signal to be detected (e.g. force, stress, strain, pressure or acceleration) is applied to one of the electrodes to cause a change in the relative position or orientation between the electrodes. Various materials, solid, semisolid, gel, paste or liquid can be utilized as the electrolyte. The electrolyte must be an ion conductor. The examples of solid electrolytes include specific polymer conductors, polymer composites, ion conducting glasses and ceramics. The electrodes are made of conductors such as metals with dissimilar electronegativities. Significantly enhanced sensitivities, up to three orders of magnitude higher than that of comparable commercial sensors, are obtained. The ma…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.