Operating liquid container with capacitive level detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating liquid containers face challenges in accurately determining fill levels due to the failure of lever sensors, especially in aqueous solutions, which can freeze and damage equipment, and the need for improved accuracy and long-term stability in capacitive level sensors.
Innovation Solution
An operating liquid container equipped with a capacitor having two electrodes made of electrically conductive plastic, where the evaluation device determines capacitance to accurately measure fill levels and properties of the liquid, with the electrodes positioned to minimize interaction with the container material and maximize interaction with the liquid, allowing for precise fill level and state determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lever-type sensors are used to determine fill level, then the sensor structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sensor requires large installation space and is prone to failure when exposed to freezing aqueous solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lever-type sensor with a capacitive level sensor that uses electrical fields instead of mechanical components. The capacitive sensor comprises a measuring electrode and reference electrode that detect liquid level through capacitance changes, eliminating moving parts that are susceptible to damage from freezing conditions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integration into the container wall.
2Reliability
If capacitive level sensors with external electrodes are used, then reliability in freezing conditions is improved, but the sensor requires complex installation and has larger installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capacitive level sensor with the container wall structure by integrating the measuring electrode and reference electrode directly into the wall material. This integration eliminates separate sensor housings and complex mounting arrangements, reducing installation complexity and space requirements while maintaining the reliability benefits of contactless capacitive measurement.
3Ease of operation
If traditional capacitive sensors are used, then contactless measurement is achieved, but measurement precision and accuracy need improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the measuring electrode and reference electrode in specific configurations within the container wall, with the measuring electrode facing the liquid and the reference electrode positioned to provide a stable reference potential. This localized electrode arrangement optimizes the electric field distribution for accurate capacitance-based liquid level detection while maintaining contactless measurement.
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 solution provides increased accuracy and long-term stability in determining fill levels and liquid properties, as the capacitance is directly dependent on the fill level, and the use of electrically conductive plastic electrodes avoids corrosion and electrical shorts, enabling reliable operation in various operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive measuring device for determining the fill level of the operating fluid container
Implementation Method 2
the capacitance being directly dependent on the fill level
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating fluid container (1) comprising: a capacitor (9) having a first electrode (10) and a second electrode (20), wherein a free space (30) is formed between the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20), which is fluidically connected to an operating fluid container interior (2); and an evaluation device (60) electrically connected to the capacitor (9) for determining a capacitance of the capacitor (9) by means of measurement signals determined by the capacitor (9), wherein the operating fluid container (1) is characterised in that the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20) have an electrically conductive plastic material.