Electrical field sensors for detecting fluid presence or level

US7432725B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Freeescale Semiconductor, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Philip J. Sieh · San Jose, US
• Bradley Stewart · Eugene, US
• Michael Steffen · Stockdorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2006
• Grant date: Oct 7, 2008
• Expiry date: Mar 15, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R29/12
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present disclosure provides several systems. In general, it provides E-field sensor systems that utilize at least one electrode 100 adapted for creating an E-field in an area 210 within a detection volume where fluid presence 400 or presence of a solid body 300 is to be detected. The electrical field sensor is configured to generate a detected signal responsive to a change in capacitance of the electric field, and is communicatively coupled to the electrode 100. In addition, a processor 275 is configured to determine a quantitative measure of a fluid or solid body within the detection volume in accordance with a capacitive relationship with the detection volume. Described are examples of the system for fluid presence detection, fluid level measurement and measurement of proximity to a solid object.