Camping Vehicle Water Supply Socket with Level Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water supply systems for camping vehicles are labor-intensive and prone to spillage, as they require manual control of hoses and pumps, and it is difficult to assess the water level in the internal tank, especially when filling from external sources or when vehicular access to mains water is limited.
Innovation Solution
A water supply system with a socket that includes a water supply connector, a power outlet connector for an external pump, a normally closed solenoid valve, and a level sensor to automatically control filling from either a mains water supply or an external tank, ensuring the internal tank is filled to a predetermined level, with a pressure switch to prevent overfilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual control of hose pipe and tap is used for filling the internal water tank, then the system structure remains simple, but the filling operation becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic filling by allowing the internal water tank to self-regulate its filling process through the level sensor that automatically detects water level and controls the solenoid valve, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining simple system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control of tap and hose is replaced by an automated system using electrical components (level sensor, solenoid valve, and socket with power outlet) that automatically control the filling process based on water level detection
2Reliability
If manual control is used during filling operation, then the system remains simple to operate, but the risk of spillage increases due to difficulty in assessing water level
Solution Approach 1:
The level sensor provides continuous feedback about the water level in the internal tank to the control system, enabling automatic adjustment of the solenoid valve to prevent overfilling and spillage, thereby improving reliability without significantly complicating operation
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual assessment of water level is replaced by an automated level sensor system that electrically detects and reports water level, eliminating the difficulty of visual assessment and preventing spillage automatically
3Adaptability or versatility
If a portable external water tank is used when mains water supply is unavailable, then water supply flexibility is improved, but the filling process becomes more labor-intensive requiring manual pump control
Solution Approach 1:
The socket with integrated power outlet and solenoid valve control enables the system to universally accept multiple water sources (mains water supply or portable external tank) while maintaining consistent automated operation, improving adaptability without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The automated level-controlled system performs self-service by automatically managing the filling process from any water source through the solenoid valve control, eliminating manual pump control and reducing labor intensity while maintaining flexibility
4Manufacturing precision
If automatic level control is implemented, then filling accuracy is improved preventing overfilling, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The level sensor provides automatic feedback control that precisely manages water level by continuously monitoring and adjusting the solenoid valve, achieving high filling accuracy while keeping the control logic simple through direct level-to-valve control
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve acts as an intermediary component between the simple level sensor detection and the complex filling control, translating level signals into automated valve control to achieve precision without excessive system complexity
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 system allows for efficient and automatic filling of the internal water tank, reducing manual labor and risk of spillage, and can operate with either mains or external water sources, ensuring accurate water level management.
Implementation Method 1
a level sensor associated with the internal water tank, said level sensor being adapted to control the supply of power to the solenoid and the socket
Implementation Method 2
a normally closed solenoid valve controlling fluid communication between the water supply connector and the internal tank
Implementation Method 3
the socket incorporates a pressure switch adapted to cut power to the solenoid valve when the water pressure at the water supply connector is below a predetermined level
Implementation Method 4
an external pump, such as a submersible pump
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A water supply system for an internal water tank of a camping vehicle comprising a socket, having a water supply connector for connecting to a water supply hose and a power outlet connector for supplying electrical power to an external pump, such as a submersible pump, a normally closed solenoid valve controlling fluid communication between the water supply connector and the internal tank, and further comprising a level sensor associated with the internal water tank, said level sensor being adapted to control the supply of power to the solenoid and the socket, shutting off the power supply to the solenoid and socket when the water level in the internal tank reaches a predetermined level.