Sensor Arrangement, Method for Its Manufacture, and Use of the Sensor Arrangement

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a novel sensor arrangement, primarily designed as a stable, high-resolution temperature sensor. It features a substrate with contactable working and counter electrodes spaced apart, and a unique sponge-like porous matrix placed over them. The matrix is filled with a liquid containing redox-active molecules, which can freely diffuse between the electrodes. Temperature changes alter the viscosity of the liquid, in turn affecting the diffusion of the redox-active molecules and changing the measurable electrical current or voltage. This relationship is used to sense temperature over a wide range. The patent also covers methods for manufacturing the sensor and its use in temperature measurement, with flexibility for other sensor functions.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Temperature sensors for industrial processes requiring high stability and a wide temperature range
• Wearable health and fitness monitors needing flexible, miniature, or printed temperature sensors
• Remote environmental monitoring devices in challenging conditions (e.g., humidity or vibration)
• Integration into smart packaging for food/pharmaceutical logistics to track temperature history
• Flexible or printed electronics applications where sensors must conform to surfaces
• Scientific instruments that need sensitive, long-lasting temperature sensing capabilities
• Use in harsh environments due to robust passivation and choice of substrate materials
• Measurement or monitoring of viscosity changes in fluids as an indirect sensor for chemical or physical processes

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly stable performance over long periods, minimizing sensor drift
• Wide operational temperature range, customizable by selecting specific ionic or eutectic liquids
• Miniaturization and flexibility: sensors can be printed in various shapes and on flexible substrates
• Non-volatile and thermally stable sensing liquids allow use in harsh or variable environments
• Potentially low-cost, scalable manufacturing via printing processes
• Electrically isolated and passivated design increases durability and environmental resistance
• Customizable sensor properties (temperature range, sensitivity) by varying matrix or liquid composition
• Novel sensing mechanism provides potentially higher resolution or accuracy than traditional resistive or thermocouple sensors

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement, comprising a substrate, at least one contactable working electrode arranged on the substrate, at least one contactable counterelectrode arranged spaced apart from the working electrode, and a sponge-like matrix arranged on the working electrode and the counterelectrode opposite the substrate and connecting the working electrode and the counterelectrode to one another for exchange of molecules, the sponge-like matrix having pores which are filled with a liquid and the liquid comprising redox-active molecules which can diffuse freely between the working electrode and the counterelectrode. The invention also relates to a method for producing the sensor arrangement and to the use thereof.