Drinking bottle with a distance sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart bottles with optical distance sensors face challenges in accurately measuring liquid levels with high temperature liquids due to vapor interference and potential sensor damage from heat.
Innovation Solution
The smart bottle design includes an insulation wall around the electronics receiving space with a transparent light conducting element and a temperature sensor to protect the distance sensor, allowing it to operate effectively even with hot liquids by isolating it from heat and vapor, and deactivating the sensor at high temperatures to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance sensor is placed in the closure unit to enable liquid level detection, then the sensor can be integrated away from the liquid, but the sensor is exposed to high temperature and vapor from hot liquids which reduces measurement accuracy and risks permanent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The closure unit is divided into two distinct spaces: an electronics receiving space that is thermally insulated from the bottle interior, and an interior space that contacts the liquid. The distance sensor is placed in the insulated electronics receiving space, separating it from the harmful thermal environment while maintaining its detection function through the transparent insulating wall.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent insulating wall acts as an intermediary between the distance sensor and the liquid interior. This wall allows optical signals to pass through for measurement while providing thermal insulation to protect the sensor from high temperatures and vapor exposure.
2Reliability
If the closure unit provides insulation for the distance sensor, then the sensor is protected from heat and vapor, but the device complexity increases due to the insulated receiving space structure
Solution Approach 1:
The closure unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the structural housing for the bottle opening, contains the drinking spout, and incorporates the insulated electronics receiving space for sensor protection. By integrating these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is managed while achieving sensor protection.
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
This design ensures accurate liquid level measurement and extends the lifespan of the distance sensor by maintaining a cooler environment and preventing damage from high temperatures, enhancing the reliability of the smart bottle's functionality with hot liquids.
Implementation Method 1
The insulation wall is penetrated by at least one aperture in which a transparent light conducting element is arranged
Implementation Method 2
the closure unit has an insulation wall which, when closed, isolates an electronics receiving space from an interior of the bottle body
Data Source
AI summary
Drinking bottles (10) are known from the prior art comprising a bottle body (12) for holding liquid and a closure unit (20) with a movable or removable lid (40), said drinking bottles (10) having electronic evaluation unit (30) which are adapted to evaluate at least one sensor signal, wherein the closure unit (20) of such a drinking bottle comprises an optical distance sensor (50) directed into the bottle body (12) to detect the amount of liquid remaining in the bottle body (12) It is proposed to enhance such drinking bottles with a closure unit (20) having an insulation wall (60) which, in the closed state, isolates an electronic space (42) from an interior of the bottle body (12), wherein the distance sensor (50) is arranged in this electronic space (42) and wherein the insulation wall (60) is penetrated by at least one aperture (62, 64) in which a transparent light conducting element (72, 74) is arranged. Additionally or alternatively it is proposed to provide such a drinking bottle (10) with a temperature sensor (56), wherein the electronic evaluation unit (30) is adapted to activate and deactivate the distance sensor (50) as a function of a temperature measured by this temperature sensor (56).