Capacitive Level Sensor Distance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices with removable containers for liquids or granular materials face challenges in precise level measurement due to issues like jamming and cleanliness problems with floats, and inaccuracies with capacitive sensors caused by varying distances between the sensor and container.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a capacitive level sensor and an inductive distance sensor that determines the fill level by measuring capacitance and distance values, using a processing unit to calculate the precise fill level, and an inductive distance sensor with a conductive structure to influence the electromagnetic field for accurate distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a float is used to determine the fill level, then the fill level can be indicated by the float's position, but the float can get stuck leading to inaccurate readings and requires time-consuming cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float system with a capacitive level sensor that uses electrical fields to detect liquid level. The sensor measures capacitance changes between a capacitive element and the liquid surface, eliminating moving mechanical parts that can jam or require cleaning, while maintaining accurate fill level detection
2Ease of operation
If a capacitive level sensor is used to measure fill level in a removable container, then level measurement is enabled, but varying distances between the sensor and container cause measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured capacitance value is used to calculate the distance between the sensor and container. This distance information is then fed back to compensate for its effect on the capacitance measurement, allowing the system to distinguish between capacitance changes due to liquid level versus those due to distance variations, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy
3Ease of operation
If the container is made removable for filling or emptying, then convenience is improved, but precise level measurement becomes more difficult due to distance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical level measurement mechanisms with an electrical field-based capacitive sensor system that can accurately measure level regardless of container position. Combined with distance compensation algorithms, this enables precise measurement while maintaining the convenience of removable containers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from direct mechanical contact to electrical field measurement, and dynamically adjusts the interpretation of capacitance values based on measured distance parameters. This allows the system to adapt to varying container positions while maintaining measurement precision
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, cost-effective, and convenient measurement of the fill level in removable containers, reducing errors and maintenance costs while maintaining design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive level sensor (113) mounted on the housing (110), configured to determine a capacitance value, wherein the capacitance value depends on the fill level of (liquid or granular) material in the container (120)
Implementation Method 2
The distance sensor comprises an inductive distance sensor. This inductive distance sensor can include a sensor unit mounted on the housing, configured to generate an electromagnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an appliance (100) comprising a housing (110) and a container (120) that can be decoupled from the housing (110). The appliance (100) also comprises a capacitive filling level sensor (113) arranged on the housing (110), which is designed to determine a capacity value that depends on a filling level of matter (121) in the container (120). The appliance (100) further comprises a distance sensor (112, 122) which is designed to determine a distance value that depends on a distance between the filling level sensor (113) and the container (120). Furthermore, the appliance (100) comprises a processing unit (111) which is designed to determine a value for the filling level on the basis of the capacity value and on the basis of the distance value.