Capacitive Fluid Level Sensing for Deformable Dispenser Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid dispensers, such as skincare product dispensers, face challenges in determining the remaining fluid level accurately due to deformable cartridges and environmental factors like humidity and temperature, leading to inefficient replacement and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a product level detection system using one or more sensors to monitor fluid levels within the dispenser, specifically positioning sensors near the reservoir's bottom and nozzle to detect capacitance changes across dispenses, allowing for timely notification of threshold levels, thereby preventing waste and ensuring continuous use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection through a dispenser window is used to determine fluid level, then the structure remains simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to cartridge deformation and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection (optical/mechanical method) with capacitive sensing (electrical field method). The capacitive sensor detects fluid level by measuring changes in capacitance caused by the dielectric properties of the fluid versus air, providing accurate measurement without visual line-of-sight requirements and eliminating the need for transparent windows or complex optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitive sensor as an intermediary between the fluid and the detection system. The sensor measures electrical field changes in the space surrounding the cartridge rather than directly observing the fluid, allowing indirect but accurate measurement of fluid level through dielectric property changes without physical contact with the deforming cartridge.
2Loss of substance
If cartridges are replaced based on visual estimation, then the replacement process remains simple, but the loss of substance increases due to premature replacement of non-empty cartridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the capacitive sensor continuously monitors fluid level and provides real-time data to a controller. The system compares measured capacitance values against threshold levels and automatically generates replacement notifications, enabling maintenance personnel to replace cartridges only when truly necessary, thereby minimizing fluid waste from premature replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system performs self-monitoring and self-reporting of fluid levels. The capacitive sensor and controller work autonomously to track consumption patterns and determine when replacement is needed, eliminating the need for manual visual estimation by maintenance personnel and providing objective, data-driven replacement timing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are positioned at different locations in the reservoir, then the measurement precision improves for detecting threshold levels, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into segments by positioning capacitive sensors at different vertical locations within the reservoir (e.g., upper, middle, lower positions). Each sensor monitors a specific zone and detects when the fluid level reaches its corresponding threshold. This segmented approach enables precise detection of multiple threshold levels (low, end-of-life, empty) using simple capacitive measurements from strategically placed sensors.
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 enables accurate detection of low, end-of-life, and empty product levels, reducing unnecessary replacements and user dissatisfaction by providing timely notifications for maintenance, thus optimizing fluid usage and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid detection sensor positioned within the dispenser housing proximate the reservoir and configured to detect a capacitance level within the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser, such as a skincare product dispenser, comprises a dispenser housing configured to hold a reservoir of fluid for dispensing and a drive assembly for interacting with the reservoir and causing dispensing of the fluid. A fluid detection sensor is positioned within the dispenser housing proximate the reservoir and configured to detect a capacitance level therein. A controller is configured to determine, based on data from the fluid detection sensor, a change in the fluid level across a dispense. The controller is also configured to determine, based on the determined change, that the fluid level in the reservoir reaches a threshold level and cause an action, such as providing an alert, sending information to a remote server, or modifying an operating parameter.