Elastic Bag Liquid Measurement via Pressing Element Distance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring liquid in elastic bags require direct contact with the liquid, leading to contamination issues and high costs due to the need for multiple sensors, and accuracy is compromised by potential sensor failures.
Innovation Solution
A system using a single sensor, such as a capacitive or optical sensor, to measure the liquid level in an elastic bag by determining the distance between pressing elements, allowing for accurate liquid volume calculation without direct contact, with the option to increase accuracy using multiple sensors arranged along a vertical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a volume flow sensor is used to measure liquid discharge rate, then the delivery rate can be measured, but the sensor must be cleaned or replaced frequently to prevent contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by placing sensors on the exterior surface of the elastic bag to detect liquid level, rather than having sensors directly contact the liquid through flow paths. This mediator (the bag wall) allows indirect measurement while preventing contamination of the sensing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical volume flow sensor that directly contacts liquid with an optical or capacitive sensing system that detects liquid level externally. This substitution eliminates the need for direct liquid contact while maintaining measurement capability through alternative physical principles.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are attached to the bag to improve liquid level measurement accuracy, then measurement accuracy improves, but the cost increases and sensor failure probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using multiple sensors at the same level to using a single sensor that moves vertically along the bag surface. By adding the vertical dimension to the measurement approach, the system achieves comprehensive liquid level monitoring with fewer sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic measurement strategy where the sensor position changes over time (moves vertically) rather than using multiple static sensors simultaneously. This dynamic approach allows a single sensor to gather information that would otherwise require multiple sensors.
3Measurement precision
If the distance between pressing elements is reduced to increase measurement accuracy, then liquid volume measurement becomes more accurate, but the elastic bag is compressed more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the measured liquid volume and sensor position information are used to adjust the pressing element distance dynamically. This allows the system to maintain optimal measurement conditions while compensating for excessive compression effects through active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by correlating sensor position with pressing element distance to calculate liquid volume. By using the relationship between these varying parameters rather than relying solely on fixed geometric measurements, the system achieves accurate volume measurement while accounting for compression effects.
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 approach allows for precise measurement of liquid volume in an elastic bag with reduced sensor count, minimizing contamination risks and costs, while maintaining high accuracy as the distance between pressing elements decreases, enabling complete emptying without waste.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor for measuring a liquid level of the liquid in the elastic bag is designed
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensor for measuring a liquid level of the liquid in the elastic bag is designed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
System (1, 16, 19, 28) for measuring the quantity of liquid in an elastic bag (3), wherein a liquid opening (10) for withdrawing liquid from the elastic bag (3) is formed in the lower region of the elastic bag (3). The system (1, 16, 19, 28) comprises pressure elements which bear against opposite walls of the elastic bag (3) and are spaced apart from each other, a drive unit (4) which is configured to drive at least one pressure element, sensors (7), and a control unit (5). The sensors (7) are configured to measure the liquid level (13) of the liquid in the elastic bag (3). The control unit (5) is configured to calculate the quantity of liquid in the elastic bag (3) based on the liquid level (13) and the distance (21) between the pressure elements.By reducing the distance (21) between the pressure elements by means of the drive unit (4) the liquid level (13) of the liquid in the elastic bag (3) can be changed.