Patent · US Expired

Sensor apparatus using an electrochemical cell

US6586810B2 · kind B2 · utility

32Cited by
6References
13Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 12, 2002
Grant dateJul 1, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 12, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01P15/08
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method for sensing mechanical quantities such as force, stress, strain, pressure and acceleration is disclosed. 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 electro negativities. Significantly enhanced sensitivities, up to three orders of magnitude higher than that of comparable commercial sensors, are obtained. The materials are su…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.