Dipstick Stopper Recess Design for Accurate Liquid Level Gauging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dipsticks used in liquid reservoirs face challenges such as measuring accuracy issues, pressure buildup, dirt and debris accumulation, and high manufacturing costs, particularly in internal combustion engines and transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A dipstick design featuring a stopper with protrusions and recesses that facilitate accurate level indication, reduce pressure buildup, and efficiently remove dirt and debris, while being cost-effective, with the stopper positioned closer to the middle of the dipstick body to enhance measuring accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the stopper is positioned at the upper end of the dipstick, then the structure is simpler, but the measuring accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dipstick is segmented into functional zones: the stopper at the middle position handles positioning and pressure equalization, while the level indicator at the first end handles measurement. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently, improving measurement accuracy without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is positioned at the middle of the dipstick body rather than at the upper end, changing the spatial dimension of the stopper's location. This dimensional change allows the level indicator to be positioned closer to the liquid surface, improving measurement accuracy while the stopper remains optimally positioned for pressure equalization
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tube is sealed to prevent dirt accumulation, then cleanliness is improved, but pressure buildup occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper acts as an intermediary component that provides pressure equalization functionality. It includes features such as communication passages or flexible portions that allow pressure equalization between the interior and exterior of the tube, preventing pressure buildup while maintaining the sealed environment that prevents dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper may include a flexible portion or elastic element that can deform to allow pressure equalization. This flexible component maintains the sealed environment while accommodating pressure changes, preventing both dirt ingress and excessive pressure buildup
3Reliability
If the dipstick is made with multiple features for accuracy and pressure relief, then performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides positioning (abutment against tube), pressure equalization (through communication passages or flexible portions), and structural support. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple features into a single component, improving performance while avoiding the cost increase of adding separate components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (positioning, pressure relief, structural support) are merged into the single stopper component. The stopper integrates features such as abutment surfaces, communication passages, and flexible portions all in one element, reducing the number of parts and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining comprehensive performance
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Herein a dipstick (1) is disclosed for indicating a liquid level in a liquid reservoir (3). The dipstick (1) comprises a level indicator (11) and a stopper (13). The stick body (5), including the stopper (13), is configured to be inserted into a tube (17) extending into the liquid reservoir (3). The stopper (13) comprises a first protrusion (21) having a first outer circular 5 surface (21') and a second protrusion (22) having a second outer circular surface (22'). The first outer circular surface (21') comprises at least one first recess (26, 26'), and the second outer circular surface (22') comprises at least one second recess (27, 27'). The present disclosure further relates to a gauge arrangement, a power source, a transmission, and a vehicle.