System for detecting an exceeded threshold of the amount contained in a container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive sensors in household appliances, such as water tanks and milk jugs, face issues with scale and fat deposits that lead to inaccurate readings, and the absence of removable trays compromises device reliability and cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A system using a capacitive sensor with a magnet and deformable metal plate, where the magnet protrudes through the container wall to prevent deformation and ensure accurate signal reproduction, and a method to determine a base value upon container removal, allowing for reliable detection of content levels without a removable tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capacitive sensor performs direct measurement on the internal wall of the container, then the sensor can detect the presence of content, but scale or fat deposits on the wall mislead the sensor and cause false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary weighing mechanism (removable tray with force sensor) that indirectly measures content weight by weighing the entire container-tray-content assembly. This intermediary approach avoids direct contact between the sensor and the container interior, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of scale and fat deposits on measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a removable tray is used for weighing the container and its contents, then content quantity can be accurately determined, but the absence of the tray during cleaning compromises device reliability and seal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weighing function from a separate removable tray and integrates it into the container structure itself through a force sensor mounted on the container support. This integration eliminates the need for a removable tray, maintaining measurement precision while ensuring device reliability and seal integrity during cleaning operations.
3Ease of operation
If transparent containers are used to visually indicate content quantity, then users can see the content level, but the transparent wall can be damaged by scale deposits or cleaning, causing micro scratches that affect transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical visualization system (transparent container walls) with a mechanical/electronic sensing system (force sensor that measures weight). This substitution eliminates the vulnerable transparent walls while providing accurate content quantity indication through electronic means, thereby avoiding damage from scale deposits and cleaning.
4Measurement precision
If the magnet protrudes through the container wall to prevent deformation, then accurate signal reproduction is ensured, but the magnet may generate unwanted force of attraction on the insert when the container is in its location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the magnet to protrude through the container wall at a specific location where it can effectively prevent wall deformation without generating unwanted attraction forces on the insert. The magnet's protrusion is localized to achieve signal accuracy while avoiding interference with the insert's function.
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
This solution provides a reliable and robust system for detecting content levels in household appliances, preventing false readings due to scale or fat deposits and ensuring proper appliance operation while simplifying cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor (13) arranged on a second face (15b) of the wall (15) of the deformable zone (14a) and directed towards the first face (15a) of the wall (15)
Implementation Method 2
a magnet (16) fixed in the deformable zone (14a) of the location (14) of the support (11) capable of receiving the container (20)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (1) for detecting the exceeding of a determined threshold (S) of quantity (Q) of content in a container (20) comprising on the one hand a detection device (10) comprising a base (11) having a capacitive sensor (13), a metal plate (17) and a magnet (16), and on the other hand a container (20) having a ferromagnetic insert (22) arranged to interact with the magnet (16).