Electromagnetic Liquid Level Indicator Using Eddy Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level indicators for containers, such as those in vehicles, face issues with accuracy and bulkiness due to mechanical components that can wear out and pose fire hazards when electrical components are placed inside fuel tanks.
Innovation Solution
A level indicator using a floating device with a metal component that responds to electromagnetic signals, allowing for accurate liquid level determination without the need for internal components, utilizing eddy currents and wireless signal transmission to improve accuracy and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical components (float and potentiometer) are used for level indication, then the level can be monitored, but the components are easily worn and may get stuck, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float-potentiometer system with an electromagnetic system consisting of a transmitter, receiver, and floating device with metal. The level indication is achieved through electromagnetic signals and eddy currents rather than mechanical contact, eliminating wear and sticking issues while maintaining the floating principle for level detection.
2Reliability
If electrical components (solenoid and float inside tank) are placed inside the tank, then level indication is achieved, but the tank capacity is reduced and fire hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical components (transmitter and receiver) from the interior of the tank and places them outside. Only a simple floating device with metal remains inside the tank, which does not constitute a fire hazard. This extraction eliminates the fire risk associated with electrical components inside fuel tanks while still enabling level detection through electromagnetic interaction across the tank wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the tank wall itself as an intermediary medium that allows electromagnetic signals to pass through from the transmitter outside the tank to the floating device inside the tank. This intermediary approach enables communication between the external electronic system and the internal floating indicator without requiring penetration of the tank wall or placement of electronics inside the hazardous environment.
3Measurement precision
If more components are placed inside the tank for level indication, then the level monitoring function is achieved, but the amount of liquid that can be stored is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical level indication components with a compact floating device that interacts electromagnetically with external sensors. This substitution dramatically reduces the space required for level detection components inside the tank, maximizing liquid storage capacity while maintaining accurate level monitoring through the electromagnetic field interaction between the floating device and external transmitter/receiver.
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 solution provides a more accurate and less bulky level indicator that reduces the risk of fire hazards and allows for more liquid storage by keeping electronic components outside the container, enhancing the reliability and safety of liquid level monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter arranged to transmit an electromagnetic signal towards the floating device
Implementation Method 2
the floating device comprising a metal; a transmitter arranged to transmit an electromagnetic signal towards the floating device... the response signal from the floating device being caused by the electromagnetic signal
Implementation Method 3
a receiver arranged to receive a response signal from the floating device and to convert the response signal to an electrical signal indicative of the response signal
Implementation Method 4
a floating device for being buoyant on the surface of the liquid... the floating device is moveable relative to the receiver so that a distance from the floating device to the receiver is altered in response to an altered level of liquid in the container
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a level indicator for determining the level of liquid in a container, the level indicator comprising: a floating device comprising a metal; a transmitter arranged to transmit an electromagnetic signal towards the floating device; and a receiver arranged to receive a response signal from the floating device. The floating device is moveable relative to the receiver so that a distance from the floating device to the receiver is altered in response to an altered level of liquid in the container, and wherein the electrical signal is a function of at least said distance. The receiver is electrically connectable to a control unit configurable to determine a position of the floating device relative to the receiver based on the electrical signal. The invention also relates to a system and a tank comprising the level indicator.