Liquid Dispenser Impedance Level Detection Without Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems cannot interrupt the flow of liquid when it reaches a predetermined level below the container's maximum capacity, leading to overflow, contamination risks, and hygiene issues, as they require electrical contact and can alter the liquid's characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system that uses impedance measurement between electrodes to detect the liquid level, allowing for precise control of the dispensing flow to stop at a desired level without electrical contact, using a valve controlled by a controller that adjusts based on impedance changes between non-conductive conduit electrodes and a movable first electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contact is used to detect liquid level, then liquid outflow interruption is achieved, but liquid contamination and hygiene risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-conductive intermediary element (the insulating wall of the conduit) between the electrode and the liquid. The electrode is positioned inside the conduit but electrically isolated from the liquid by the non-conductive wall, allowing electrical field interaction for level detection without direct contact. This mediator enables the detection function while preventing contamination.
2Measurement precision
If electrical current is applied to liquid for detection, then liquid level detection is achieved, but liquid characteristics are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive conduit wall acts as an intermediary that allows the electrical field from the electrode to interact with the liquid for impedance-based level detection without the liquid being in direct electrical contact with the electrode. This enables measurement while preventing the harmful effect of current-induced liquid characteristic changes.
3Measurement precision
If electrode is placed on push lever for detection, then liquid overflow detection is achieved, but user safety risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive conduit wall serves as an intermediary barrier between the energized electrode and the liquid, preventing electrical contact. This eliminates the safety hazard of user contact with energized electrodes while maintaining the overflow detection function through impedance measurement of the liquid relative to the isolated electrode.
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
Ensures accurate filling to any desired level, preventing overflow and contamination, maintaining the liquid's original characteristics while ensuring user safety and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
A first measure of an impedance existing between the first and the second electrode is made at a time when there is no liquid in front of the first electrode, and a further measure of the impedance between the first and the second electrode is made at a time when the liquid is in front of the first electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for dispensing a liquid to fill a container (4) up to a predetermined liquid level. The invention also refers to a dispenser capable of achieving such a method. A method for dispensing a liquid (2, 22) in a container (4) according to the invention is characterized by a combination of the following steps: (a) place a container (4) beneath an outlet (6, 26a, 26b) of at least one fluid dispensing conduit (3, 23a, 23b); (b) arrange a pair of electrodes (9, 13, 9a, 13a, 29, 213) in a position where they are adapted to face the this liquid (2), electrically isolated from the same, (c) starting the flow of liquid through the the conduit (3); (d) measuring the effective impedance (Z) between the first and second electrode (9, 13; 9a, 13a, 29, 213) during the liquid flow; (e) compare the actual impedance (Z) with a reference impedance (Z1); and (f) interrupting the liquid flow when a predetermined condition between the effective impedance (Z) and the reference impedance (Z1) is achieved.