Multi-Sensor Float for Brake Fluid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling level sensing devices are inadequate for detecting multiple filling levels in liquid reservoirs, particularly in autonomous vehicle brake systems, where no human driver is present to monitor system integrity, leading to potential failures due to undetected liquid losses.
Innovation Solution
A filling level sensing device with a float and at least two sensors, where one sensor detects early signs of liquid loss and another indicates critical levels, using magnetic fields and differing sensitivities to generate distinct warning signals for varying liquid levels, integrated into a compensation tank within the vehicle brake system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single filling level sensing device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision for detecting multiple filling levels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device is segmented into multiple independent sensors (first sensor and second sensor), each responsible for detecting specific filling levels. This segmentation allows the system to detect multiple distinct filling levels with high precision while keeping each individual sensor relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple sensors that can detect different filling levels (first filling level, second filling level, and intermediate levels). This universal approach allows a single sensing system to perform multiple detection functions without requiring separate devices for each level.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed to detect different filling levels, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor elements are arranged in a nested or integrated configuration within the sensing device housing. This nesting approach allows multiple sensors to be compactly arranged without requiring excessive space or complex mounting structures, thereby reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining multi-level detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single integrated sensing device assembly. The first sensor and second sensor are combined with common structural elements (housing, mounting mechanisms), reducing the total number of separate components and simplifying installation while achieving precise multi-level detection.
3Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicle monitoring is implemented without human drivers, then the extent of automation increases, but the reliability of system monitoring may be compromised without human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device provides continuous feedback about the filling levels through multiple sensors that monitor different thresholds. This feedback mechanism enables the autonomous vehicle system to automatically detect and respond to liquid level changes, ensuring reliable monitoring without human intervention by maintaining real-time awareness of system status.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple sensors are positioned to detect filling levels before critical thresholds are reached. The first sensor detects the first filling level and the second sensor detects the second filling level, allowing the system to take preliminary actions (warnings, alerts) before actual failures occur, thereby maintaining high reliability in autonomous operation.
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
Enables reliable detection of at least two different filling levels, providing early warnings for insignificant losses and critical alerts for imminent brake system failures, ensuring vehicle safety by automating monitoring without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
at least one float (16) which is designed to be in contact with the liquid (11) in the liquid reservoir (10)
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor element (26) which is connected to the at least one float (16), and at least two sensors (22, 24) for detecting the position of the at least one sensor element (26)
Data Source
AI summary
A filling level sensing device for a liquid reservoir, in particular for a compensation tank of a vehicle brake system, includes at least one float, at least one sensor element connected to the at least one float, and at least two sensors for detecting the position of the at least one sensor element. The float may be designed to come into contact with the liquid in the liquid reservoir. At least one of the two sensors may sense a change in the filling level of the liquid reservoir depending on the position of the at least one sensor element relative to the at least two sensors.