A non-contact in-tank liquid detection device

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of liquid level detection technology, and particularly relates to a non-contact in-tank liquid detection device. The device includes a fixture support and a detection sensor. The fixture support includes a mounting base with a measuring hole, a sensor bracket disposed on the upper surface of the mounting base, and a support mechanism disposed on the lower surface of the mounting base. The fixture support also includes a connecting shaft mounted on the top of the sensor bracket and a universal joint fixedly connected to the lower end of the connecting shaft. The measuring hole is located directly below the connecting shaft. The detection sensor is connected to the lower end of the universal joint. This invention improves the accuracy and speed of liquid level detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid level detection technology, and in particular to a non-contact liquid detection device for tanks. Background Technology

[0002] In the production and processing of liquid foods such as liquor, vinegar, and soy sauce, large earthenware jars are typically used for storage. These jars are generally available in sizes such as 500 jin (250 catties), 700 jin (350 catties), and 1000 jin (500 catties). Due to the inconsistent firing process, these jars are large, heavy, and irregularly shaped. After being stored in earthenware jars, the liquid is sealed using a sealing layer, and the total volume of the liquid needs to be checked frequently. Liquor, in particular, is volatile. When stored in earthenware jars, it is sealed with a layer of kraft paper, plastic film, and fireproof cotton, and then aged in a cool, humid environment for a long period. Earthenware jars have a unique mesh-like microporous structure, and the seal at the mouth cannot be 100% effective. Therefore, the amount of liquor stored in the earthenware jars gradually decreases due to volatility, and the longer the storage time, the greater the decrease. Therefore, inventory checks are crucial.

[0003] Traditional earthenware jar inventory methods require opening the jar's sealing layer for measurement. For example, when storing stored liquor, wineries need to open the sealing layer composed of kraft paper, plastic film, and fireproof cotton. This not only accelerates the evaporation and loss of the liquor, but also makes it impossible to systematically and clearly grasp the total amount of liquor in a short period of time due to the large number of earthenware jars and the presence of liquor at the bottom of the jars.

[0004] Related technologies propose using radar for non-contact measurement of liquid level in wine jars. For example, patent CN119803614A discloses a method of installing radar on a wine jar to scan its interior, obtain the distance between the jar's opening and the liquid surface, calculate the liquid level based on this distance, and then determine the volume of the liquid inside. This patent can obtain the liquid level in a relatively short time. However, it does not disclose how to install and fix the radar device, and whether the radar wave (i.e., the detection signal) is incident perpendicularly on the liquid surface will affect the accuracy of the liquid level measurement. Furthermore, ceramic jars are often made with uneven surfaces and irregular, asymmetrical shapes, which can easily cause the detection signal from the liquid detection device (i.e., the aforementioned radar device) placed on the jar to be incident at an angle on the liquid surface, reducing the accuracy of the obtained liquid level measurement. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a non-contact liquid detection device for ceramic tanks, which can quickly and accurately measure the liquid level inside the ceramic tank without opening the sealing layer of the ceramic tank. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application aims to at least solve the technical problems existing in the prior art and provide a non-contact liquid detection device for tanks.

[0006] This utility model discloses a non-contact liquid detection device for tanks. The device includes a tooling bracket and a detection sensor. The tooling bracket includes a mounting base with a measuring hole, a sensor bracket disposed on the upper surface of the mounting base, and a support mechanism disposed on the lower surface of the mounting base. The tooling bracket also includes a connecting shaft mounted on the top of the sensor bracket and a universal joint fixedly connected to the lower end of the connecting shaft. The measuring hole is located directly below the connecting shaft. The detection sensor is connected to the lower end of the universal joint.

[0007] The above technical solution: When measuring the liquid level inside the tank, the non-contact liquid detection device is mounted above the tank opening. The end of the support mechanism is in contact with the outer surface around the tank opening, enabling rapid installation and measurement. The top of the sensor bracket is connected to the detection sensor via a connecting shaft and a universal joint. Under the action of the universal joint, even if the outer surface of the tank is uneven or tilted, the detection sensor can swing around the universal joint axis without damping, making the sensor axis vertical, that is, the axis is perpendicular to the liquid surface inside the tank. The detection signal output by the sensor passes through the measuring hole and is vertically injected into the liquid surface inside the tank, which can improve the accuracy and speed of liquid level detection. Even if there is a sealing layer at the tank opening, the detection signal output by the sensor can penetrate the sealing layer, achieving excellent measurement speed and accuracy.

[0008] Preferably, the detection sensor is connected to the lower end of the universal joint via a pin.

[0009] The above technical solution enables the detection sensor to deflect without damping relative to the lower end of the universal joint.

[0010] Preferably, the sensor bracket includes a first bracket, a second bracket, and a crossbeam connecting the top of the first bracket and the top of the second bracket, and the bottom of the first bracket and the bottom of the second bracket are both fixed to the upper surface of the mounting base.

[0011] The above technical solution uses a beam structure to install the connecting shaft and universal joint, which helps to make the axis of the detection sensor vertical.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting shaft is installed in the middle of the crossbeam.

[0013] The above technical solution improves the structural symmetry of the non-contact in-tank liquid detection device and enhances its stability when mounted on the tank.

[0014] Preferably, a handle is provided on the upper surface of the crossbeam.

[0015] The above technical solution facilitates the carrying, transfer, and placement of the non-contact in-tank liquid detection device via the crossbeam handle.

[0016] Preferably, the support mechanism includes four leg holders distributed on both sides of the lower surface of the mounting base plate, with two leg holders on the same side connected by a leg.

[0017] The above technical solution adopts a symmetrical support leg structure to improve the stability of the non-contact in-tank liquid detection device when placed on the tank.

[0018] Preferably, the leg holder is rotatably connected to the leg.

[0019] The above technical solution facilitates the adjustment of the support angle of the outriggers and improves the stability of the device placed on the tank.

[0020] Preferably, the leg holder and the leg are connected by a rotating pin.

[0021] The above technical solution allows the outriggers to be unfolded or folded, making them easy to carry.

[0022] Preferably, an anti-slip component is provided at the end of the outrigger.

[0023] The above technical solution ensures that the tooling support is stable and does not slide when placed on the inclined surface of the tank.

[0024] Preferably, a substrate handle is provided on the upper surface of the mounting substrate.

[0025] The above technical solution facilitates the portability, transfer, and placement of the non-contact in-tank liquid detection device. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the non-contact liquid detection device for tanks provided by this utility model; Figure 2 This is a top view of the non-contact liquid detection device inside the tank provided by this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the non-contact liquid detection device provided by this utility model installed on the tank body; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid level measurement principle; Figure label: 3. Tank body; 4. Tooling bracket; 401. Measuring hole; 402. Mounting base plate; 403. Connecting shaft; 404. Universal joint; 405. First bracket; 406. Second bracket; 407. Crossbeam; 408. Crossbeam handle; 409. Leg holder; 410. Leg; 411. Anti-slip component; 412. Base plate handle; 413. Rotating pin; 5. Detection sensor; 501. Antenna. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] This utility model discloses a non-contact liquid detection device for tanks. Please see [link / reference]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a tooling bracket 4 and a detection sensor 5. The tooling bracket 4 includes a mounting base 402 with a measuring hole 401, a sensor bracket disposed on the upper surface of the mounting base 402, and a support mechanism disposed on the lower surface of the mounting base 402. The tooling bracket 4 also includes a connecting shaft 403 mounted on the top of the sensor bracket and a universal joint 404 fixedly connected to the lower end of the connecting shaft 403. The measuring hole 401 is located directly below the connecting shaft 403. The detection sensor 5 is connected to the lower end of the universal joint 404, and through the universal joint 404, the detection sensor 5 can deflect without damping around the axis of the universal joint 404.

[0031] In this embodiment, the shape of the mounting substrate 402 is not limited to a rectangle (e.g., ...). Figure 1(As shown) or elliptical, annular, or other irregular shapes. To accurately measure the liquid level inside the tank 3, such as the level of wine, and to ensure that the central axis of the detection sensor 5 is aligned as closely as possible with the central axis of the tank opening, preferably, the measuring hole 401 is located in the center of the mounting base 402. The measuring hole 401 is located directly below the connecting shaft 403 to ensure that the central axis of the detection sensor 5 is within the range of the measuring hole 401 when the non-contact liquid detection device is working. The shape of the measuring hole 401 is not limited to circular (as shown) or elliptical, annular, or other irregular shapes. Figure 1 (as shown) or a rectangle, bar, or other irregular shape.

[0032] In this embodiment, the bottom of the sensor bracket is not limited to being mounted on the upper surface of the mounting base 402 with screws, and the top of the sensor bracket is away from the upper surface of the mounting base 402, which helps to suspend the sensor 5, making its central axis vertical under the action of gravity. The overall shape of the sensor bracket is not limited to a Z-shape or a triangle, and the lower surface of the top of the sensor bracket is not limited to mounting the connecting shaft 403 with screws. The lower end of the connecting shaft 403 and the upper end of the universal joint 404 are not limited to a flange connection or a clamp connection. A clamp connection is preferred, in which the lower end of the connecting shaft 403 is fastened to the journal of the universal joint 404 by a U-shaped clamp and bolts.

[0033] In this embodiment, preferably, please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sensor bracket includes a first bracket 405, a second bracket 406, and a crossbeam 407 connecting the tops of the first bracket 405 and the second bracket 406. The bottoms of the first bracket 405 and the second bracket 406 are both fixed to the upper surface of the mounting base 402. The first bracket 405 and the second bracket 406 are not limited to being L-shaped; their short sides are fixed to the upper surface of the mounting base 402, and their long sides are screwed to one end of the crossbeam 407.

[0034] In this embodiment, more preferably, the connecting shaft 403 is installed in the middle of the crossbeam 407. Specifically, the connecting shaft 403 is installed on the lower surface of the crossbeam 407 by screws. When the lower surface of the crossbeam 407 is a plane, it can also be called the lower plane.

[0035] In this embodiment, more preferably, a handle 408 is provided on the upper surface of the crossbeam 407. Specifically, the handle 408 is fixed to the upper surface of the crossbeam 407 by screws.

[0036] In this embodiment, preferably, the detection sensor 5 is connected to the lower end of the universal joint 404 via a pin. The detection sensor 5 includes a sensor housing, and an external shaft is provided on the top of the sensor housing. The external shaft and the lower end of the universal joint 404 are respectively provided with a pin hole. The pin hole of the external shaft and the pin hole of the lower end of the universal joint 404 are connected by the pin, thereby realizing the connection between the detection sensor 5 and the pin at the lower end of the universal joint 404.

[0037] In this embodiment, the end of the support mechanism away from the mounting base plate 402 is in contact with the surface of the tank 3. The support mechanism is not limited to a hollow or non-hollow cover structure, nor is it limited to a cover that is smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, or a cylindrical cover, or a rectangular cover (not shown).

[0038] In this embodiment, preferably, please see Figure 1 As shown, the support mechanism includes four leg holders 409 distributed on both sides of the lower surface of the mounting base 402, with two leg holders 409 installed on each side. The two leg holders 409 on the same side are connected by a leg 410. This leg structure is lighter and more secure when mounted above the opening of the tank 3. The leg holders 409 can be installed on the lower surface of the mounting base 402 with screws.

[0039] In this embodiment, preferably, the leg holder 409 is rotatably connected to the leg 410. This allows the leg 410 to be unfolded or folded relative to the leg holder 409, facilitating storage and carrying. More preferably, the leg holder 409 and the leg 410 are connected by a rotating pin 413. Specifically, each leg 410 has two connecting parts, each rotatably connected to two leg holders 409 on the same side. Each leg holder 409 and its corresponding leg connecting part are provided with matching pin holes. The rotating pin 413 is inserted into the pin holes of the leg holder 409 and the leg 410, achieving a rotatable connection. Rotating the pin 413 allows the leg 410 to rotate around the pin axis. The leg holder 409 is made of nylon, whose good toughness allows the leg 410 to maintain stability when unfolded or folded.

[0040] In this embodiment, preferably, an anti-slip element 411 is provided at the end of the support leg 410. The anti-slip element 411 is not limited to an anti-slip pad or an anti-slip cap. The anti-slip pad can be glued or screwed to the end of the support leg 410, and the anti-slip cap can be sleeved on the end of the support leg 410. The anti-slip element 411 ensures that the tooling bracket 4 is placed stably on the inclined surface of the tank body 3 and will not slide.

[0041] In this embodiment, preferably, a substrate handle 412 is provided on the upper surface of the mounting substrate 402, and one or two substrate handles 412 may be provided on the mounting substrate 402. For ease of operation, please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 A substrate handle 412 is provided at each end of the upper surface of the mounting substrate 402. The substrate handle 412 can be fixedly connected to the upper surface of the mounting substrate 402 by screws.

[0042] In this embodiment, the detection signal sent by the detection sensor 5 is not limited to frequency-modulated continuous wave radar signals or microwave signals. This detection signal is applicable to all liquid foods, especially liquor, and is unaffected by steam, foam, or dust inside the tank 3, resulting in very stable liquid level measurement. The detection sensor 5 also includes a microwave transceiver integrated chip, a microcontroller, a wireless communication module, and an antenna 501, all housed inside the sensor housing. The microcontroller is electrically connected to both the microwave transceiver integrated chip and the wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module is electrically connected to the antenna 501. The antenna 501 can be a horn antenna extending from the sensor housing or a patch antenna mounted on the surface of the sensor housing. The microwave transceiver integrated chip is not limited to the IWR68403 integrated chip; it incorporates an ARM Cortex-R4F core and can be used to run liquid level detection algorithms. Therefore, it can directly feed back the measured liquid level height inside the tank 3 to the microcontroller via a serial port. The microcontroller is not limited to an ARM processor or a 411 series microcontroller. The wireless communication module is not limited to existing LoRa or WIFI modules. The microcontroller transmits the obtained liquid level height to the wireless communication module via the UART serial port. The wireless communication module then outputs a data packet containing the liquid level height to the backend server or mobile terminal via antenna 501. The liquid level detection algorithm can be calculated using the existing FMCW ranging formula principle; this invention does not improve the algorithm. It should be noted that the algorithms involved in the above process are not within the protection scope of this invention and are only used to illustrate and explain the calculation principle of the non-contact in-tank liquid detection device provided in this application for obtaining the liquid level height.

[0043] The working process of the non-contact liquid detection device provided in this embodiment is as follows: The assembled non-contact liquid detection device is mounted above the opening of the tank 3. After mounting, the end of the support mechanism away from the mounting base plate 402 is in contact with the surface of the tank 3. The detection sensor 5 is hung in the middle of the tooling bracket 4, and its central axis is as vertical as possible under the action of gravity. The detection sensor 5 is activated, and the detection sensor 5 emits a detection signal. The detection signal passes through the measuring hole 401 and the sealing layer of the tank opening. The sealing layer is not limited to fireproof cotton, plastic film, and kraft paper. The detection signal contacts the liquid level inside the tank 3 and then reflects back. The microwave transceiver integrated chip or microcontroller calculates the distance between the detection sensor 5 and the liquid level inside the ceramic tank 3 according to the existing FMCW ranging formula principle. Please see Figure 4 The distance between the detection sensor 5 and the reference plane at the tank opening is a constant value. The actual distance between the liquid level inside the ceramic jar 3 and the plane of the opening of the ceramic jar 3 is... This means obtaining the actual liquid level height as L, and using a wireless communication module to upload L to the backend server or mobile terminal.

[0044] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," "a implementation," "a preferred implementation," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0045] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A non-contact in-cask liquid detection device, characterized by, The device includes a tooling bracket (4) and a detection sensor (5); The tooling bracket (4) includes a mounting base (402) with a measuring hole (401), a sensor bracket disposed on the upper surface of the mounting base (402), and a support mechanism disposed on the lower surface of the mounting base (402). The tooling bracket (4) also includes a connecting shaft (403) installed on the top of the sensor bracket, a universal joint (404) fixedly connected to the lower end of the connecting shaft (403), and a measuring hole (401) located directly below the connecting shaft (403); The detection sensor (5) is connected to the lower end of the universal joint (404).

2. The non-contact in-cask liquid detection device of claim 1, wherein, The detection sensor (5) is connected to the lower end of the universal joint (404) by a pin.

3. A non-contact in-tank liquid detection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor bracket includes a first bracket (405), a second bracket (406), and a crossbeam (407) connecting the top of the first bracket (405) and the top of the second bracket (406). The bottom of the first bracket (405) and the bottom of the second bracket (406) are both fixed to the upper surface of the mounting base plate (402).

4. The non-contact in-cylinder fluid detection device according to claim 3, characterized by, The connecting shaft (403) is installed in the middle of the crossbeam (407).

5. A non-contact in-tank liquid detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A handle (408) is provided on the upper surface of the crossbeam (407).

6. A non-contact in-tank liquid detection device according to claim 1, 2, 4, or 5, characterized in that, The support mechanism includes four leg holders (409) distributed on both sides of the lower surface of the mounting base plate (402), with two leg holders (409) on the same side connected by a leg.

7. A non-contact in-tank liquid detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support leg holder (409) is rotatably connected to the support leg (410).

8. A non-contact in-tank liquid detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The leg holder (409) and the leg (410) are connected by a rotating pin (413).

9. A non-contact in-tank liquid detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Anti-slip components (411) are provided at the ends of the outriggers (410).

10. A non-contact in-tank liquid detection device according to claim 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, or 9, characterized in that, A substrate handle (412) is provided on the upper surface of the mounting substrate (402).

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