Discrete Piezoelectric Liquid Level Sensor for Vehicle Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level sensors in vehicles lack reliability in accurately reporting the quantity of liquids within reservoirs, which is crucial for the proper operation of various vehicle systems, as they often require precise fluid level monitoring to prevent operational compromises.
Innovation Solution
A discrete liquid level sensor system comprising multiple sensing units, each with a distinct output when immersed in liquid or not, coupled with a signal generator that provides an excitation signal, allowing for accurate determination of liquid quantity through a processing circuit and communication interface to vehicle controls and displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a liquid level sensor is used to monitor fluid levels in vehicle reservoirs, then the ability to detect liquid quantity is improved, but the reliability of the sensing system is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple discrete sensing units (first sensing unit, second sensing unit, third sensing unit) positioned at different heights within the reservoir. Each unit independently detects liquid level at its specific position, and the controller integrates these discrete measurements to determine overall liquid quantity, improving both measurement precision and system reliability through distributed sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives output signals from each sensing unit and uses this feedback to determine the liquid quantity. The system continuously monitors the state of each sensing unit (immersed or not immersed in liquid) and adjusts the liquid quantity determination based on the pattern of activated sensors, creating a reliable feedback-based measurement system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple discrete sensing units are deployed within the reservoir, then the measurement precision of liquid level is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into multiple detection zones, each monitored by a discrete sensing unit positioned at a different height. This segmentation allows the system to determine liquid level with high precision by identifying which zones are filled, while maintaining relatively simple individual sensor designs that reduce overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing units are integrated into a single coordinated system with a common controller that processes outputs from all units. The controller combines the simple binary outputs (immersed/not immersed) from each sensing unit to calculate overall liquid quantity, achieving high measurement precision through the combined information while keeping individual components simple.
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
The system provides reliable and accurate monitoring of liquid levels within vehicle reservoirs, enabling effective communication of data to vehicle controls and displays, ensuring proper fluid management and preventing operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensing unit may be a piezoelectric device. The excitation signal may be arranged to excite the piezoelectric device of each sensing unit to a resonant frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid level sensor is arranged to sense a quantity of a liquid within a reservoir. The sensor includes a plurality of discrete sensing units disposed within the reservoir. Each of the plurality of sensing units has an output, and the output has a first value when the sensing unit is immersed in a liquid and a second value, different from the first value, when the sensing unit is not immersed in a liquid. A signal generator is operably electrically coupled to each of the plurality of sensing units. The signal generator is operable to provide an excitation signal to each of the plurality of sensing units. Each of the plurality of sensing units is operable to provide the output responsive to the excitation signal.