Confocal Liquid Level Detection in Vibrating Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the liquid fill level in containers, such as those used in monoclonal cell line production, are prone to human error and are time-consuming, especially when dealing with evaporation and container vibrations or movements, as they rely on manual input and one-dimensional detection devices that struggle to accurately detect moving liquid surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a two-dimensional detection system with a confocal principle, where illumination light is focused at a focal point and reflected signals are detected by a two-dimensional detection device in the image plane, allowing for precise determination of both the upper and lower boundary surfaces of the liquid, even when the container vibrates or moves, using a CCD, CMOS, or SPAD array detection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual input of fill level is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input with an optical detection system. An objective lens focuses illumination light at a focal point, and a two-dimensional detection device detects reflected measurement signals automatically, eliminating the need for manual fill level entry and improving measurement precision without requiring complex user interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The determination device performs self-measurement of the fill level by automatically detecting the liquid surface position through optical signals. The system serves itself by autonomously determining the fill level without external manual input, using the container and liquid themselves as part of the measurement process
2Measurement precision
If one-dimensional detection device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates when liquid surface moves due to vibrations or displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional detection to two-dimensional detection. The two-dimensional detection device arranged in the image plane of the objective lens can detect the position of the focal point across multiple spatial dimensions, allowing accurate measurement even when the liquid surface moves or vibrates, as the system can track position changes in both horizontal and vertical directions
3Productivity
If automated determination is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to optical system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The determination device uses a multi-functional optical system where the objective lens serves both to illuminate and focus light, and the two-dimensional detection device both detects reflected signals and determines positional information. This universal approach enables automated fill level determination with improved productivity while managing system complexity through functional integration
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 automated, accurate, and quick determination of liquid fill levels without manual input, effectively handling moving or changing liquid surfaces, ensuring precise measurement and reducing errors associated with evaporation and container movement.
Implementation Method 1
illumination light is emitted, which is focused by an objective lens at a focal point
Implementation Method 2
a measurement signal reflected at the focal point is detected by a two-dimensional detection device arranged in an image plane of the objective lens
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a lower boundary surface and/or an upper boundary surface of a liquid in a container, in which illumination light is emitted that is focused by an objective lens at a focal point, wherein a measurement signal reflected at the focal point is detected by a two-dimensional detection device arranged in an image plane of the objective lens, and wherein the lower boundary surface and/or the upper boundary surface is detected based on the detected measurement signal.