Capacitive Liquid Level Monitoring for Inverted Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an effective method to monitor liquid levels in consumables like bottles and automatically indicate when replenishment is required, as current methods rely on user guesses, leading to inadequate dosing or over-sudsing, and lack of assessment for consumer or seller needs.
Innovation Solution
A liquid level monitoring system comprising a receiver with electrical contacts, a sensing module, a communications module, and a dispensing output, which uses capacitive sensing and network communication to monitor liquid levels and automatically indicate when replenishment is needed, integrating with smartphone apps and cloud-based analytics for user and seller benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual monitoring methods (shaking, lifting, or manipulating the bottle) are used to assess liquid levels, then the device complexity remains low, but the measurement precision and reliability of liquid level assessment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring methods (shaking, lifting, manipulating the bottle) with an electronic sensing system. The sensing module with conductive strips and electrical contacts automatically detects liquid levels through electrical conductivity changes, eliminating the need for mechanical user interaction and providing precise, objective measurements without requiring complex manual assessment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring of liquid levels through automatic detection by the sensing module. The conductive strips and electrical contacts continuously assess liquid levels without user intervention, and the system automatically communicates depletion status to users and sellers, allowing the monitoring function to serve itself without requiring manual operation.
2Loss of information
If no automated monitoring system is implemented, then the device complexity and cost remain low, but the loss of information regarding liquid levels and dosing requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the sensing module continuously monitors liquid levels and communicates this information to users through the communications module. The system provides real-time feedback on liquid levels, dosing requirements, and depletion status to both consumers and sellers, ensuring that critical information is maintained and transmitted automatically without loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The communications module acts as an intermediary between the sensing module, users, and sellers. It receives liquid level data from the sensing module and transmits this information through various channels (display, network communication) to the appropriate parties, preventing information loss by serving as a reliable mediator in the information flow chain.
3Productivity
If periodic manual assessment by users is used, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity and efficiency of liquid dispensing operations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing module provides continuous monitoring of liquid levels rather than relying on periodic manual checks. The electrical contacts and conductive strips continuously detect liquid presence and level, ensuring that dispensing operations can proceed efficiently without interruption or delays caused by manual assessment, thereby maintaining continuous productive action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces inefficient manual monitoring with automated electronic sensing, eliminating the time and effort required for periodic user intervention. The sensing module automatically detects liquid levels and communicates status, freeing users to focus on productive dispensing activities and improving overall operational efficiency.
4Manufacturing precision
If proper dosing assessment mechanisms are implemented, then the manufacturing precision of dosing control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise manual dosing assessment with automated electronic sensing and control. The sensing module with conductive strips and electrical contacts precisely detects liquid levels, and the communications module transmits this data to control dosing operations, ensuring accurate and consistent dosing without relying on manual judgment or estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control for dosing precision. The sensing module continuously monitors liquid levels and provides real-time data to the communications module, which can adjust dispensing operations to maintain proper dosing. This closed-loop feedback ensures precise dosing control by constantly comparing actual liquid levels with target levels and making necessary adjustments.
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 system provides accurate liquid level monitoring and automatic replenishment notifications, enhancing user convenience and seller insights, ensuring proper dosing and reducing waste, while allowing for targeted marketing and loyalty programs.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing module communicative with the at least one electrical contact and having associated therewith firmware for converting signals associated with the conductive strips and received at the electrical contact to an indication of the liquid level
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments are and include an apparatus, system and method for a liquid level monitoring dispenser for association with a liquid filled consumable. The apparatus, system and method may include: a receiver for receiving the consumable upon inversion thereof; at least one electrical contact within the receiver for communicative association with conductive strips on the consumable; a sensing module communicative with the at least one electrical contact and having associated therewith firmware for converting signals associated with the conductive strips and received at the electrical contact to an indication of the liquid level; a communications module for communicating the liquid level to at least a user display and over at least one network; a power module for powering at least the sensing module and the communications module; and at least one dispensing output in fluid communication with the consumable and capable of dispensing the liquid from the consumable to modify the liquid level.