Sensor assembly and liquid level detection device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level sensors in equipment such as washing machines are difficult to disassemble, maintain, or replace, and their installation is inconvenient due to instability during operation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a housing, pressure interface, piezoelectric sensor, mechanical interface, and electrical interface, where the mechanical interface is detachably engaged with a mounting mechanism for stability and easy installation, and the electrical interface allows for straightforward detachment and reconnection for maintenance, utilizing a piezoresistor in a Wheatstone bridge for precise liquid level measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure sensor is permanently mounted in the equipment, then the liquid level detection function is maintained, but the sensor becomes difficult to disassemble, maintain, or replace
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into separable components: a sensor body and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be detached from the sensor body, allowing the sensor to be easily removed and replaced while maintaining the detection function. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both reliable operation during use and easy maintenance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism transitions from a fixed permanent state to a dynamic state where it can be easily assembled and disassembled. The snap-fit connection with retention clips allows the sensor to be securely mounted during operation but easily removed when maintenance is required, resolving the contradiction between permanent mounting reliability and ease of repair.
2Reliability
If the pressure sensor is installed in the equipment, then liquid level detection is enabled, but installation becomes difficult and the sensor may move during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a mounting bracket and sensor body that can be separately handled during installation. The bracket is first attached to the equipment housing, then the sensor is connected to the bracket, simplifying the installation process and ensuring proper positioning that prevents movement during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket includes a curved mounting surface that conforms to the equipment housing contour. This curved design allows the bracket to securely fit against the housing surface, providing stable sensor positioning during operation while making installation easier by accommodating the housing shape.
3Ease of repair
If a detachable mechanical interface is used for the mounting mechanism, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable mounting mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components: a mounting bracket with clips and a sensor body with corresponding engagement features. This segmentation enables easy maintenance while keeping each component simple in structure, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket acts as an intermediary component between the sensor body and the equipment housing. This intermediary element provides the detachable connection functionality, allowing easy maintenance while keeping both the sensor body and housing relatively simple in structure.
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
Facilitates convenient maintenance and replacement of the sensor assembly while providing stable and precise liquid level detection, reducing power dissipation and improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric sensor 9, 10 disposed in the housing 7 and sensing a pressure input at the pressure interface 72
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a piezoresistor in a Wheatstone bridge for precise liquid level measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly comprises a housing, a pressure interface, a piezoelectric sensor, a mechanical interface, and an electrical interface. The pressure interface is disposed on the housing and communicates with a pressure transmission tube. The piezoelectric sensor is disposed in the housing and senses a pressure input at the pressure interface. The mechanical interface is disposed at a first side of the housing and detachably engages a mounting mechanism. The electrical interface is disposed at a second side of the housing opposite to the first side.