Methods and apparatus for a capacitive sensor
AssigneeSemiconductor Components Industries, LLC
InventorsTakayasu OTAGAKI, Kazuyoshi ISHIKAWA
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Abstract
Various embodiments of the present technology may provide methods and apparatus for a capacitive sensor. The methods and apparatus may provide a pair of capacitive sensors formed along at least one plane of a container to create dual sensing fields. The capacitive sensor provides a first electrode affixed to the container and extending from a lower portion of the container to an upper portion of the container, a second electrode affixed to an upper portion of the container, and a third electrode affixed to a lower portion of the container and spaced a predetermined distance apart from the second electrode.
Claims20
A capacitance sensor for detecting a level of a substance within a container, comprising:
- a first electrode extending upwardly along a first vertical sidewall of the container between a bottom of the container and a top of the container;
- a second electrode disposed along an upper portion of the container;
- and
- a third electrode disposed along lower portion of the container, wherein:
- the second and thirds electrodes are separated from each other by a predetermined vertical distance;
- a first capacitance is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode;
- and
- a second capacitance is formed between the first electrode and the third electrode.
A method for detecting a level of a substance in a container using a capacitive sensor, comprising:
- positioning a first electrode along a first vertical sidewall of the container wherein the first electrode extends upwardly between a bottom of the container and a top of the container;
- positioning a second electrode along an upper portion of the container;
- positioning a third electrode disposed along lower portion of the container, wherein the second and thirds electrodes are separated from each other by a predetermined vertical distance;
- forming first capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode;
- forming a second capacitance between the first electrode and the third electrode;
- and
- detecting an inflection point in a rate of change in the first and second capacitances according to a height of a surface of the substance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.