Capacitive Level Sensor for Liquid Container Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated laboratory systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably determining the fill levels and identifying characteristics of liquid containers and carrier units, especially when processing large quantities of samples, due to variations in fill levels and container types.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a capacitive level measurement system with an optical detection unit, including a measuring electrode, sensor electronics, and evaluation unit, to accurately detect fill levels and recognize identifiers and features of liquid containers and carrier units, minimizing data processing and ensuring quick recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical recognition units are used to identify markings and characteristics of liquid containers, then recognition reliability is improved, but data processing time increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor performs preliminary detection of the liquid container's presence and fill level before the optical recognition unit is activated. This preliminary action provides the control unit with information about whether a container is present and its approximate fill state, allowing the optical unit to be controlled more efficiently and process only relevant data, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining recognition reliability
2Measurement precision
If capacitive level measurement is performed to determine fill levels of liquid containers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor is integrated into the base plate structure, merging the sensing function with the existing support structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate, complex sensor assemblies while achieving precise fill level measurement. The sensor electronics unit processes signals from this integrated capacitive sensor, providing accurate measurement without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for liquid containers and simultaneously acts as part of the capacitive sensing system for fill level detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to handle various container types and fill levels, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor system is designed with universal applicability to detect different container types and fill levels using the same basic sensing mechanism. The sensor electronics unit and evaluation unit process signals adaptively regardless of container variation, providing versatile detection capability without requiring multiple specialized sensor configurations for different container types
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability through software-based parameter adjustment in the sensor electronics unit and evaluation unit, rather than requiring hardware reconfiguration. By changing measurement parameters and evaluation criteria programmatically, the system can accommodate different container types and fill levels, maintaining versatility while keeping the physical device structure simple
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 precise detection of fill levels and reliable recognition of liquid containers and carrier units, facilitating efficient processing by liquid handling robots, even when containers are empty or have different sizes, and allows for the identification of specific features and liquids.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor electronics unit which is connected to the measuring electrode and the base plate and is designed to determine a capacitance (or impedance) between the measuring electrode and the base plate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for controlling an optical detection unit using a capacitive fill state measurement in liquid containers (1), comprising a sensor (2) with a measurement electrode (3), a conductive base (4) which is suitable for arranging at least one liquid container (1) or a support unit with at least one receiving area for receiving a liquid container (1), an electronic sensor unit (7) which is connected to the measurement electrode (3) and the base (4) and is designed to determine the capacitance between the measurement electrode (3) and the base (4), an analysis unit (A), and a control unit for controlling the optical detection unit. The measurement electrode (3) is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the base (4), and the control unit is connected to the electronic sensor unit (7) or the analysis unit (A). A control signal can be generated by the electronic sensor unit (7) or the analysis unit (A) depending on the capacitance, and the optical detection unit can be controlled depending on the control signal. The invention additionally relates to a corresponding method for controlling an optical detection unit using a capacitive fill state measurement in liquid containers (1).