A liquid level sensor for a heating device of an aircraft water supply subsystem
By using a liquid level sensor designed in a collaborative manner with hardware and software, and combining the electromagnetic induction principle of reed switches and buoy assemblies, the problem of reduced reliability of aircraft liquid level sensors during installation and commissioning has been solved, achieving rapid response and accurate measurement.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUHAN AVIATION INSTR
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing aircraft level sensors suffer from reduced reliability during installation and commissioning, making it difficult to meet the requirements for rapid response and accurate measurement during flight.
The liquid level sensor, which adopts a hardware and software co-design, utilizes the electromagnetic induction principle of the reed switch assembly and float assembly through structural optimization design, combined with the design of the housing, locking nut and stop washer, to achieve liquid level measurement and signal conversion, thereby improving the reliability and maintainability of the sensor.
This improves the reliability and maintainability of the liquid level sensor, reduces the difficulty of installation and commissioning, and ensures rapid response and accurate measurement during flight.
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Figure CN122084064A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of liquid level sensor technology, specifically relating to a liquid level sensor for a heating device in an aircraft water supply subsystem. Background Technology
[0002] Accurately controlling the levels of various liquids during aircraft flight is crucial, as it relates to flight safety and the normal performance of the aircraft. Reed switch type liquid level sensors, with their advantages of simple structure, long lifespan, and anti-interference, are widely used in the detection of aviation fuel, hydraulic oil, and lubricating oil. To address the issue of reduced sensor reliability caused by the difficulties in installation and debugging, structural design optimization of liquid level sensors is implemented to improve their reliability. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid level sensor for the heating device of an aircraft water supply subsystem, which meets the requirements for liquid level measurement during aircraft flight. At the same time, it adopts a hardware and software co-design approach to meet the need for rapid response, and improves the reliability of the liquid level sensor by optimizing the structural design.
[0004] This application provides a liquid level sensor for a heating device in an aircraft water supply subsystem. The liquid level sensor includes a reed switch assembly, a float assembly, a housing, an end cap, a lock nut, a stop washer, and a terminal block. When the liquid level rises to the target liquid level area, the magnetic ring inside the float reaches the distance that triggers the reed switch, the reed switch disconnects, the internal circuit of the sensor is disconnected, and the switch signal is in the off state. Similarly, when the liquid level drops to the target liquid level area, the reed switch sensor is activated, and the switch signal is in the on state.
[0005] Preferably, the float contains a magnetic ring that triggers the action of a reed switch. When the liquid level changes, the float inside the liquid level sensor changes accordingly. The movement of the float controls the on / off state of the reed switch to measure the liquid level position.
[0006] Preferably, the round rod structure of the shell is processed into a square rod, which can reduce the contact area of the circular inner wall of the buoy, increase the gap between the buoy assembly and the shell, and add two bosses to the large-diameter end face to reduce the contact area between the bottom surface and the shell and avoid the risk of them sticking together.
[0007] Preferably, the sensor uses the principle that a reed switch is attracted or deactivated when subjected to a certain magnetic force to convert the oil level signal into a switching signal.
[0008] Preferably, the relative position between the reed switch and the float determines the switching point and accuracy of the product.
[0009] Preferably, the entire product is assembled with precision, and the mounting rod is finally assembled inside the housing.
[0010] Preferably, the stop washer and the lock nut are used to limit the upper limit position of the float and are fixed to the front end of the shell by the lock nut.
[0011] Preferably, the stop washer is bent and locked to prevent loosening, and two protrusions are added to both sides of the stop washer to reduce the contact area with the top surface of the float.
[0012] This application has the following technical effects: This invention belongs to the field of liquid level sensors, specifically relating to a liquid level sensor for use in the heating device of an aircraft water supply subsystem. In the application of liquid level sensors, the optimized housing structure significantly reduces the risk of buoy assembly jamming during use, improving product reliability. The design of the locking nut and brake washer facilitates the installation and disassembly of the liquid level sensor buoy assembly, improving product maintainability. Therefore, this invention has significant practical application value. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid level sensor. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a reed switch assembly; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a locking nut for a limit locking structure; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the stop washer for the limit locking structure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the shell structure; Among them, 1. locking gasket, 2. buoy assembly, 3. housing, 4. reed switch assembly, 5. terminal block, 6. end cap, 7. stop gasket, 401. fixing bracket, 402. reed switch, 403. mounting rod. Detailed Implementation
[0014] The technical solution of this invention is: The sensor uses a movable buoy to measure the liquid level and outputs a sensor signal through the principle of electromagnetic induction.
[0015] The liquid level sensor mainly consists of a movable float and a fixed reed switch. The float contains a magnetic ring that triggers the reed switch. When the liquid level drops, the float inside the sensor also drops. When the liquid level falls to the lower limit, the magnetic ring inside the float reaches the distance needed to trigger the reed switch, closing the reed switch, connecting the internal circuitry of the sensor, and generating a low liquid level signal. The microcontroller will then send an alarm signal.
[0016] This invention belongs to the field of liquid level sensors, specifically relating to a liquid level sensor for use in the heating device of an aircraft water supply subsystem. The liquid level sensor mainly consists of a reed switch assembly, a float assembly, a housing, an end cap, a locking nut, a retaining washer, and wiring terminals. The reed switch assembly primarily comprises a reed switch, a mounting rod, and a fixing bracket. The mounting rod is screwed into the housing, and the end cap is fixed to the housing by laser welding. The float contains a magnetic ring that triggers the reed switch. When the liquid level decreases, the float inside the liquid level sensor decreases accordingly. When the liquid level rises to the target liquid level area, the magnetic ring inside the float reaches the distance that triggers the reed switch, causing the reed switch to disconnect and the internal circuitry of the sensor to break, at which point the switch signal is in the off state. Similarly, when the liquid level drops to the target liquid level area, the reed switch sensor activates, and the switch signal is in the on state.
[0017] This liquid level sensor is designed to improve maintainability and reliability. This application provides a feasible solution for the reliability design of liquid level sensors used in aircraft liquid level monitoring.
[0018] The sensor uses a movable float to measure the liquid level and outputs a signal through electromagnetic induction. The liquid level sensor mainly consists of a movable float and a fixed reed switch. The float contains a magnetic ring that triggers the reed switch. When the liquid level drops, the float inside the sensor also drops. When the liquid level reaches the lower limit, the magnetic ring inside the float reaches the distance that triggers the reed switch, closing the switch, connecting the internal circuitry of the sensor, and outputting a low liquid level signal.
[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid level sensor mainly consists of a reed switch assembly, a float assembly, a housing, an end cap, a locking nut, a stop washer, and wiring terminals. When the liquid level drops to the lower limit, the magnetic ring inside the float reaches the distance that triggers the reed switch, closing the reed switch and connecting the internal circuitry of the sensor, at which point the switch signal is on. Similarly, when the liquid level rises, the reed switch sensor activates, at which point the switch signal is off. like Figure 2 The diagram shows a reed switch assembly. The sensor utilizes the principle that the reed switch opens or closes when subjected to a certain magnetic force to convert the oil level signal into a switching signal. The relative position between the reed switch and the float determines the switching point and accuracy of the product. This product is designed with a mounting bracket to initially fix the reed switch, and then the product accuracy is adjusted by adjusting the position of the reed switch on the mounting rod. Finally, the mounting rod is assembled into the housing. like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the stop washer and locking nut are used to limit the upper limit position of the float. The locking nut secures it to the front end of the housing. The washer is bent to lock and prevent loosening. Two protrusions are added to both sides of the washer to reduce the contact area with the top surface of the float. Its features include simple operation, no welding required, and reduced installation difficulty and debugging risk. This solution reduces the difficulty of installing and debugging the level sensor and improves its reliability.
[0020] like Figure 5 As shown, the round rod structure of the shell is processed into a square rod, which can reduce the contact area of the circular inner wall of the buoy, increase the gap between the buoy assembly and the shell, and add two bosses to the large-diameter end face to reduce the contact area between the bottom surface and the shell, avoid the risk of them sticking together, and improve the reliability of the sensor.
Claims
1. A level sensor for a heating device in an aircraft water supply subsystem, characterized in that, The liquid level sensor includes a reed switch assembly, a float assembly, a housing, an end cap, a lock nut, a stop washer, and a terminal block. When the liquid level rises to the target liquid level area, the magnetic ring inside the float reaches the distance that triggers the reed switch, the reed switch disconnects, the internal circuit of the sensor is disconnected, and the switch signal is in the off state. Similarly, when the liquid level drops to the target liquid level area, the reed switch sensor is activated, and the switch signal is in the on state.
2. The level sensor for the heating device of an aircraft water supply subsystem according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buoy contains a magnetic ring that triggers the reed switch. When the liquid level changes, the buoy inside the liquid level sensor changes accordingly. The movement of the buoy controls the on / off state of the reed switch to measure the liquid level position.
3. The level sensor for the heating device of an aircraft water supply subsystem according to claim 1, characterized in that, By machining the round rod structure of the shell into a square rod, the contact area of the round inner wall of the buoy can be reduced, and the gap between the buoy assembly and the shell can be increased. Two bosses are added to the large-diameter end face to reduce the contact area between the bottom surface and the shell and avoid the risk of them sticking together.
4. The level sensor for the heating device of an aircraft water supply subsystem according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor uses the principle that a reed switch will open or close when subjected to a certain magnetic force to convert the oil level signal into a switching signal.
5. The level sensor for the heating device of an aircraft water supply subsystem according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relative position between the reed switch and the float determines the product's switching point and accuracy.
6. The level sensor for the heating device of an aircraft water supply subsystem according to claim 1, characterized in that, A mounting bracket was designed to initially secure the reed switch. The product precision was then adjusted by changing the position of the reed switch on the mounting rod. Finally, the mounting rod was assembled into the housing.
7. The level sensor for an aircraft water supply subsystem heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stop washer and lock nut are used to limit the upper limit position of the float and are fixed to the front end of the shell by the lock nut.
8. The level sensor for an aircraft water supply subsystem heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stop shim is bent and locked to prevent loosening. Two protrusions are added to both sides of the stop shim to reduce the contact area with the top surface of the float.