SENSOR FOR MEASURING HIGH HUMIDITY CONDITIONS AND/OR CONDENSATION
First Claim
1. A humidity sensor comprising:
- a humidity sensitive dielectric material having a surface that may be exposed to ambient air conditions; and
a plurality of capacitor electrodes, the capacitive electrodes formed such that capacitive measurements of the humidity sensitive dielectric material may be obtained, the capacitive measurements being indicative of the humidity levels of the ambient air conditions;
the plurality of capacitor electrodes configured to provide electric fields between the capacitor electrodes, at least some of the electric fields extending beyond a surface of the humidity sensitive dielectric material that is exposed to ambient air conditions such that relative humidity levels of less than 95% may be detected from moisture that ingresses into the humidity sensitive dielectric material and relative humidity levels of greater than 100% may be indicated as a result of the at least some of the electric fields extending beyond the surface of the humidity sensitive dielectric material, the detection of relative humidity levels in excess of 100% being indicative of condensate forming on the humidity sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A humidity sensor is provided having humidity levels approaching 100% relative humidity can be measured, as well as condensation measurements which appear as RH values “above 100%”. The humidity sensor is a capacitance based sensor. The capacitor(s) of the sensor is dimensioned so that substantial electric fields of the capacitor extend to the sensor/ambient air interface so that the conditions at the ambient side of the interface provide data for the sensor. In particular, the capacitance effects of moisture formation on the ambient side of the sensor/ambient air interface are utilized as part of the measurements so that relative humidity levels below and above 100% can be detected. The capacitor(s) of the sensor is dimensioned so that substantial electric fields of the capacitor extend to the air interface so that the conditions at ambient side of the interface provide data for the sensor.
28 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A humidity sensor comprising:
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a humidity sensitive dielectric material having a surface that may be exposed to ambient air conditions; and a plurality of capacitor electrodes, the capacitive electrodes formed such that capacitive measurements of the humidity sensitive dielectric material may be obtained, the capacitive measurements being indicative of the humidity levels of the ambient air conditions; the plurality of capacitor electrodes configured to provide electric fields between the capacitor electrodes, at least some of the electric fields extending beyond a surface of the humidity sensitive dielectric material that is exposed to ambient air conditions such that relative humidity levels of less than 95% may be detected from moisture that ingresses into the humidity sensitive dielectric material and relative humidity levels of greater than 100% may be indicated as a result of the at least some of the electric fields extending beyond the surface of the humidity sensitive dielectric material, the detection of relative humidity levels in excess of 100% being indicative of condensate forming on the humidity sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of configuring a humidity sensor, comprising:
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providing a humidity sensitive material that may be exposed to an ambient air condition; providing electrodes that may be configured to be used in the electrical detection of the ingress of moisture into the humidity sensitive material, the electrical detection providing for detection of humidity levels at least below 95% relative humidity levels in the ambient air condition; and configuring the humidity sensor to detect relative humidity levels of greater than 100%, the detection of relative humidity levels in excess of 100% being indicative of condensate forming on the humidity sensor. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification