In line fluid quality sensor
AssigneeSiemens VDO Automotive Corporation
InventorsDaniel Stahlmann, Isabelle McKenzie, Ray Wildeson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid quality sensor (20) includes a first electrode (24) that has a fluid passageway (22) that is adapted to be placed in line with at least one fluid conduit (30). A housing (40) is supported on the first electrode (24) in one example by overmolding a portion (48) of the housing onto a portion of the first electrode (24). A second electrode (50) is supported within the fluid passageway (22) and electrically isolated from the first electrode (24). The first electrode (24) and the second electrode (50) operate as a capacitor for making fluid quality determinations.
Claims25
A sensor device for detecting a fluid property, comprising:
- a first electrode having a fluid passageway extending between ends of the first electrode, at least one of the ends being adapted to be coupled to a fluid conduit;
- a second electrode supported within the first electrode fluid passageway and electrically isolated from the first electrode such that fluid in the passageway can fill a space between the first and second electrodes;
- a housing supported at least partially on the first electrode and electrical conductors that are coupled with the electrodes supported at least partially by the housing;
- and
- an electrically conductive mounting member secured to the second electrode and having a portion supported by the first electrode.
A fluid supply system, comprising:
- a conduit for directing a flow of fluid;
- a sensor in line with the conduit having a first electrode directly coupled to the conduit and a second electrode supported within the first electrode such that fluid flowing in the conduit fills a space between the first and second electrodes;
- and
- a housing supported at least partially on the first electrode and electrical conductors that are coupled with the electrodes supported at least partially by the housing.
A sensor device for detecting a fluid property, comprising:
- a first electrode having a fluid passageway extending between ends of the first electrode, at least one of the ends being adapted to be coupled to a fluid conduit;
- a second electrode comprising a solid rod and supported within the first electrode fluid passageway and electrically isolated from the first electrode such that fluid in the passageway can fill a space between the first and second electrodes;
- and
- a housing supported at least partially on the first electrode and electrical conductors that are coupled with the electrodes supported at least partially by the housing.
A sensor device for detecting a fluid property, comprising:
- a first electrode having a fluid passageway extending between ends of the first electrode, at least one of the ends being adapted to be coupled to a fluid conduit;
- a second electrode supported within the first electrode fluid passageway and electrically isolated from the first electrode such that fluid in the passageway can fill a space between the first and second electrodes;
- a housing supported at least partially on the first electrode and electrical conductors that are coupled with the electrodes supported at least partially by the housing;
- and
- a mounting member comprising a pin having one end connected to the second electrode and a second end supported by the first electrode.
A sensor device for detecting a fluid property, comprising:
- a first electrode having a fluid passageway extending between ends of the first electrode, at least one of the ends being adapted to be coupled to a fluid conduit;
- a second electrode supported within the first electrode fluid passageway and electrically isolated from the first electrode such that fluid in the passageway can fill a space between the first and second electrodes, the second electrode having a parallel portion aligned generally parallel with the first electrode fluid passageway and a transverse portion that is transverse to the parallel portion;
- and
- a housing supported at least partially on the first electrode and electrical conductors that are coupled with the electrodes supported at least partially by the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.