US 7,466,147 B2
Fluid quality sensor
Daniel Stahlmann, Huntsville, Ala. (US)
Assigned to Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc., Auburn Hills (US)
Filed on Aug. 07, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/500,164.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/706509, filed on Aug. 08, 2005.
Prior Publication US 2007/0056365 A1, Mar. 15, 2007
Int. Cl. G01R 27/26 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 324—663  [324/670; 324/685; 324/686] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A sensor device for detecting a fluid property, comprising:
a first electrode having a fluid passageway through at least a portion of the first electrode;
a second electrode that cooperates with the first electrode to function as a capacitor;
an electrically conductive mounting member secured to the second electrode and having a portion supported by the first electrode, the mounting member supporting the second electrode within the first electrode fluid passageway such that fluid in the passageway can fill a space between the first and second electrodes; and
a temperature sensor directly thermally coupled with the mounting member such that the temperature sensor obtains a temperature indication from fluid that contacts a portion of the mounting member within the fluid passageway.