Capacitive Liquid Level Monitoring for Auto-Replenishment 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 necessary, both for consumers and sellers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a receiver with electrical contacts, a sensing module with firmware for liquid level detection, a communications module for network communication, and a dispensing output, which includes capacitive sensing technology and smartphone app integration for monitoring and auto-replenishment notifications.
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 users can estimate remaining liquid, but the process is imprecise and requires physical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring (shaking, lifting, manipulating the bottle) with an automated electronic sensing system. The sensing module with capacitive sensors and electrical contacts automatically detects liquid levels without requiring user physical interaction, thereby improving measurement precision while eliminating user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the liquid level detection and communication functions operate autonomously. The sensing module continuously monitors liquid levels and the communications module automatically transmits data, eliminating the need for manual assessment by users.
2Loss of information
If no liquid level monitoring system is implemented, then the bottle remains simple and inexpensive, but users cannot accurately assess dosing requirements or know when replenishment is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into distinct functional modules: a sensing module with capacitive sensors for detection, a communications module for data transmission, and a power module. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive liquid level information while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The communications module serves multiple functions: it communicates liquid level data to user devices, provides dosing guidance information, and notifies users when replenishment is needed. This multi-functionality maximizes information availability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Extent of automation
If automated sensing and communication modules are added to the bottle, then liquid level monitoring and auto-replenishment notifications are achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with electronic sensing technology. The capacitive sensors and electrical contacts provide automated detection with simpler mechanical components, achieving high automation while controlling physical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses capacitive sensing parameters (electrical capacitance changes) to detect liquid levels rather than mechanical displacement or other complex physical parameters. This approach enables automation through electrical measurements that are simpler to implement and process.
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 accurately monitors liquid levels, ensures proper dosing, and automatically indicates when replenishment is needed, enhancing user convenience and providing data for sellers to optimize inventory and customer engagement.
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.