Capillary Store Filling Level Detection Using Moisture Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices with capillary liquid stores, such as pens or markers, fail to provide advance warning when the liquid is running low, leading to unexpected device failure without a replacement or refilling option.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a moisture sensor with resistive or capacitive conducting paths to measure the filling level of the capillary store, coupled with an RFID-like interface for contact-free data transmission to a smartphone or other device, allowing for timely preparation and refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a capillary store is used for liquid storage, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing is easy, but the device cannot provide advance warning when the liquid is running low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical filling level indication mechanisms with a moisture sensor-based detection system. The moisture sensor electrically detects the filling level by measuring changes in electrical properties (capacitance or resistance) based on moisture content, eliminating the need for mechanical components while providing accurate filling level information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary moisture sensor that indirectly measures the filling level by detecting moisture content in the capillary store. This intermediary approach allows the system to obtain filling level information without direct contact with the liquid or complex mechanical intervention, maintaining system simplicity while enabling information feedback.
2Measurement precision
If a moisture sensor with conducting paths is added to measure filling level, then filling level detection becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of the capillary store itself as part of the sensing mechanism. The capillary fibers act as both the liquid storage medium and the sensing element, where the conducting paths interact with the porous material to detect moisture content. This eliminates the need for separate sensing structures and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the capillary store serve dual functions: liquid storage and filling level sensing. The same capillary fibers that store the liquid also act as the sensing medium for the moisture sensor, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If contact-free interface is used for data transmission, then user convenience is improved and no display equipment is needed on the device, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or on-demand wireless data transmission rather than continuous transmission. The contact-free interface (such as NFC or RFID) only activates when a smartphone or reading device is brought near the applicator, transmitting data only when needed. This periodic action significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous transmission while maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary wireless communication interface that enables data transfer without direct electrical connections or permanent power draws. The contact-free interface acts as a mediator that transfers information only when activated by a nearby device, reducing energy consumption while providing convenient data access to users.
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 users to anticipate and prepare for the liquid depletion, ensuring continuous use by providing early warnings and facilitating replacement or refilling, without altering the production process or device design.
Implementation Method 1
the moisture sensor has conducting paths, which are designed and arranged in such a way that they measure the filling level of the capillary store resistively
Implementation Method 2
they measure the filling level of the capillary store resistively or capacitively
Implementation Method 3
the device works according to the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or transponder (Transmitter and Responder) principle
Implementation Method 4
the antenna serves not only to provide the measurement result, but also rather to supply the electronic circuit with power
Data Source
AI summary
A device for manual application of a liquid. The device may be used for painting, marking, drawing, writing and/or applying make-up to keratinous surfaces. The device includes a capillary store for the liquid, the capillary store having a filing level, and a measuring device for measuring the filing level of the capillary store.