Bilge Pump Strainer With Integrated Electric Field Sensor

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional bilge pump systems with strainers are complex and costly due to the addition of separate water level detectors, which increase installation complexity and cost, and do not effectively prevent debris from entering the pump.

Innovation Solution

A straining device with a built-in non-contact liquid level sensor, such as an electric field sensor, that detects the liquid level and sends activation signals to the pump, eliminating the need for separate detectors and simplifying installation by integrating sensing functionality directly into the strainer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate water level detector is added to control the bilge pump, then the pump operation can be controlled, but the installation complexity and system cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump operation controlVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid level sensor is integrated directly into the straining device body, combining the straining function and liquid level detection function into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate water level detectors and reduces installation complexity while maintaining pump operation control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The straining device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a strainer to prevent debris entry and a liquid level sensor to control pump operation. The sensor arrangement within the body allows the same device to monitor liquid levels and trigger pump activation, making the system more versatile without adding extra components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a separate water level detector is added to control the bilge pump, then the pump operation can be controlled, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump operation controlVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid level sensor is integrated directly into the straining device body, combining the straining function and liquid level detection function into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate water level detectors and reduces installation complexity while maintaining pump operation control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The straining device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a strainer to prevent debris entry and a liquid level sensor to control pump operation. The sensor arrangement within the body allows the same device to monitor liquid levels and trigger pump activation, making the system more versatile without adding extra components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the sensing field extends downwardly, then the sensor can detect liquid level, but false activations occur when liquid is below the strainer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid level detectionVSAvoidfalse activations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor arrangement is designed so that the sensing field is concentrated and directed upwardly from the sensor location within the strainer body. This localized sensing approach ensures that only liquid at or above the strainer level is detected, preventing false activations from liquid below while maintaining accurate level detection where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allowing the sensing field to extend in all directions including downwardly, the sensor arrangement is configured to direct the sensing field upwardly only. This inverted approach to field directionality solves the false activation problem by ensuring detection occurs only when liquid reaches the strainer level or higher.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution simplifies installation, reduces costs, and ensures efficient operation by preventing debris entry and ensuring the pump only operates when necessary, thereby enhancing system reliability and reducing false activations or deactivations.

Implementation Method 1

the liquid level sensor comprises non-contact sensing means. Preferably, said liquid level sensor comprises at least one electric field sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field sensing: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS9121399B2Strainer for a bilge pump

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 MUNSTER SIMMS ENG

AI summary

A straining device for a drainage pump, the straining device comprising a body defining an inner chamber; at least one straining element by which liquid may enter the chamber; and at least one outlet by which liquid may leave the chamber. The straining device further includes a liquid level sensor arranged to detect the level of a liquid in which said straining device is located during use and, upon determining that said liquid level exceeds a threshold, to cause an activation signal to be sent to said pump. The liquid level sensor comprises non-contact sensing means such as an electric field sensor. The sensor is located at the top of the straining device and arranged to project its sensing field upwardly.