Capacitive Liquid Level Monitoring for Precise Dispenser Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an effective method to monitor liquid levels in containers, such as bottles, to prevent over- or under-dosing of liquids, particularly in applications like washing machines, and to automatically indicate when replenishment is required, as users currently rely on manual methods that are inaccurate and lack proper dosing control.
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 to track liquid levels and communicate with user displays and networks, enabling automatic replenishment notifications and precise dosing control.
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 user can estimate remaining liquid, but the measurement precision is poor and dosing control is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring (shaking, lifting, manipulating the bottle) with an automated electronic sensing system. The sensing module uses capacitive sensors to detect liquid levels automatically, eliminating the need for mechanical user interaction and providing precise digital measurements instead of subjective visual estimates.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs self-measurement of liquid levels without requiring user intervention. The capacitive sensors continuously monitor the liquid level automatically, and the system self-calibrates and self-reporting through the communications module, freeing the user from manual assessment tasks.
2Manufacturing precision
If no liquid level monitoring system is implemented, then the device complexity remains low, but dosing control accuracy deteriorates leading to over- or under-dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback through capacitive sensors that monitor liquid levels in real-time. The sensing module processes sensor signals and provides feedback to the dispensing control, enabling automatic adjustment of dosing operations to maintain precise liquid level control and prevent over- or under-dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual dosing estimation with automated electronic control. The sensing module and communications module work together to provide precise digital measurement and control, replacing subjective mechanical assessment with objective electronic measurement and automated dispensing control.
3Loss of information
If automated liquid level monitoring and communication systems are implemented, then replenishment notification accuracy improves, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by activating the communications module only when liquid levels reach predetermined thresholds. The capacitive sensors continuously monitor, but communication transmissions occur periodically or event-driven, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous active communication while maintaining accurate replenishment notification.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs self-assessment of liquid levels and self-determination of replenishment needs. The system automatically generates and transmits replenishment notifications without requiring user intervention or external monitoring, reducing overall system energy requirements by eliminating manual checking.
4Measurement precision
If capacitive sensing with conductive strips is used, then liquid level detection precision improves, but the manufacturing complexity of the consumable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin flexible conductive strips applied to the consumable container. These thin-film conductive elements can be manufactured using printing or lamination processes on flexible substrates, allowing precise capacitive sensing while maintaining relatively simple consumable manufacturing compared to integrating complex rigid electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical level indicators with electronic capacitive sensing using conductive strips. This substitution enables precise digital measurement through electrical fields rather than mechanical displacement, improving detection precision while using manufacturing processes (printing, lamination) that are more scalable and less complex than precision mechanical assembly.
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, enhancing user convenience and seller insights, ensuring proper dosing and reducing waste or damage from over-sudsing, while allowing for brand loyalty and targeted marketing opportunities.
Implementation Method 1
uses capacitive sensing to track liquid levels
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.