Collapsible Bottle Volume Detection Using Time-of-Flight Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers for hand cleaning fluids face challenges in accurately determining the remaining volume of fluid in collapsible bottles, particularly due to the need for multiple materials with different reflective properties and the inability to distinguish between full and half-empty bottles using infrared sensors, and variability in fluid dispensing patterns.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible bottle design with a time of flight sensor measuring the distance between the sensor and a preselected surface that deforms predictably during fluid dispensing, allowing for accurate volume determination without requiring specific materials or radiation transmission through the fluid, and optionally using multiple sensors for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared emitter and sensor are used to detect fluid volume, then fluid level can be detected, but the bottle needs to incorporate multiple different materials having different reflective properties and the arrangement may need to be modified for different types of fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid volume detection function from the complex infrared transmission method through the fluid and bottle walls, and replaces it with a time-of-flight sensor that measures the distance to the bottle surface. This eliminates the need for specific material properties and radiation transmission through the fluid, simplifying the system while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time-of-flight sensor as an intermediary measurement device that indirectly determines fluid volume by measuring the distance to the bottle surface. This mediator approach avoids the need for direct radiation interaction with the fluid and complex material properties, providing a universal solution for different fluid types.
2Measurement precision
If infrared sensor detects whether bottom of bottle is above or below emitter, then fluid level can be detected, but relatively little information is obtained about the volume of fluid remaining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by utilizing the predictable deformation of the collapsible bottle as fluid is dispensed. The time-of-flight sensor continuously measures the changing distance to the bottle surface, capturing dynamic volume information throughout the dispensing process rather than just a binary state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes feedback by continuously measuring the distance between the sensor and bottle surface and correlating this distance with fluid volume. This feedback mechanism provides ongoing volume information that can trigger refilling alerts when volume thresholds are reached, preventing complete depletion.
3Measurement precision
If counter is used to count dispenser activations and estimate remaining fluid, then fluid volume can be estimated, but the counter must be reset each time reservoir is replaced and accuracy decreases if dispensing amount varies
Solution Approach 1:
The time-of-flight sensor system provides self-service by automatically and continuously monitoring fluid volume without requiring manual intervention. The system self-calibrates with each bottle installation and continuously updates volume measurements, eliminating the need for manual counter resetting and providing accurate readings regardless of dispensing variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical counting system with an optical time-of-flight measurement system. This substitution transitions from discrete mechanical events (counter increments) to continuous optical measurement, providing superior accuracy and eliminating maintenance requirements while adapting automatically to different dispensing patterns.
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
This solution provides a reliable and accurate method to determine the remaining fluid volume, applicable to any type of fluid and bottle, enabling timely refilling and optimizing fluid usage tracking, while being adaptable to various collapse patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a time of flight sensor configured to measure a distance between the sensor and a preselected surface that deforms predictably during fluid dispensing
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining the volume of fluid contained in a collapsible bottle, the collapsible bottle containing a fluid to be dispensed from a fluid dispenser. The fluid dispenser has a distance measuring sensor, and the collapsible bottle is coupled to the fluid dispenser so that a preselected surface of the collapsible bottle is positioned in a measurement path of the sensor. The fluid dispenser is activated to dispense an allotment of the fluid from the collapsible bottle, the collapsible bottle collapsing in a predictable manner as the fluid is dispensed from the collapsible bottle. The sensor is used to measure a distance between the sensor and the preselected surface of the collapsible bottle, the distance changing predictably as the collapsible bottle collapses. The volume of the fluid contained in the collapsible bottle is determined based on the distance between the sensor and the preselected surface of the collapsible bottle.