Capacitance Electrode Sensing for Liquid Level and Freezing State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object amount detection devices for ice making devices cannot determine the extent of water freezing or the amount of ice formed, limiting their ability to assess the state of solidifiable liquids.
Innovation Solution
An object amount detection device with a container and an electrode system that detects changes in capacitance to determine the position and state of a solidifiable liquid's surface, using a processor to calculate the permittivity and assess the liquid's state based on capacitance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrostatic capacitance sensors with multiple insulated electrodes are used to detect water amount, then water amount detection is achieved, but the device cannot determine the extent of freezing or amount of ice formed
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple detection regions along its length, with each region capable of independently detecting capacitance values. This segmentation allows the system to analyze capacitance variations at different positions, thereby determining both the liquid level and the freezing state of the solidifiable liquid at each region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode are used to detect different properties: upper regions detect the freezing state by comparing capacitance values, while lower regions detect the liquid level. This local differentiation of detection functions enables simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters with a single electrode structure.
2Device complexity
If a single capacitance detection point is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot determine both liquid level and freezing state
Solution Approach 1:
The single electrode is segmented into multiple detection regions along its length, allowing it to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously. This approach maintains structural simplicity while achieving multi-parameter detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single electrode structure is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting liquid level, detecting freezing state, and determining the position of the liquid-solid interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for each parameter.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple insulated electrodes are attached to the container, then water amount detection is enabled, but the device cannot assess the state of solidifiable liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes changes in capacitance parameters at different electrode regions to detect both the quantity and state of the solidifiable liquid. By analyzing the relationship between capacitance values from different regions, the system determines whether the liquid is frozen, partially frozen, or liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode acts as an intermediary that interacts with the solidifiable liquid to detect both its presence and state. The capacitance measurements serve as intermediate data that the processor analyzes to determine the freezing state and liquid level simultaneously.
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 accurate detection of the amount and state of solidifiable liquids, ensuring effective operation of systems like vehicle washer liquid management by determining whether the liquid is frozen or unfrozen, thus preventing operational failures.
Implementation Method 1
an object amount detection device includes a container configured to contain a solidifiable liquid object, an electrode extending in a vertical direction in the container, and configured to allow for detection of a change in capacitance accompanying a positional change in the vertical direction of a liquid surface of the object or an exterior surface of the object having been solidified
Data Source
AI summary
An object amount detection device includes a container configured to contain a solidifiable liquid object, an electrode extending in a vertical direction in the container, and configured to allow for detection of a change in capacitance accompanying a positional change in the vertical direction of a liquid surface of the object or an exterior surface of the object having been solidified, and a processor configured to execute program instructions stored in a memory to detect continuously or intermittently, based on the capacitance of the electrode, a position of the liquid surface or the exterior surface of the object in the container, to obtain a permittivity of the object from the capacitance of the electrode, and to determine a state of the object based on the obtained permittivity.