Continuous Electro-Optic Fluid Level Sensor with Offset Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optic sensors are unable to provide continuous fluid level measurements, as they are designed to detect fluid levels at specific points rather than offering real-time monitoring.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optic fluid level sensor with a body having a central bore and a light source at one end and a light detector assembly with two detectors at the other end, where the second detector is axially offset from the first, allowing for continuous fluid level measurement by calculating the fluid height based on the outputs from both detectors and their axial offset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-point electro-optic sensor is used, then the sensor can determine when a fluid level reaches a specific point, but it cannot provide continuous fluid level measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor divides the detection function into multiple segments by using multiple light detectors positioned at different axial locations. Each detector monitors a specific segment of the fluid column, and by combining signals from all detectors, the system achieves continuous fluid level measurement throughout the entire sensor length.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point detection to continuous line detection by arranging light detectors along the axial dimension of the sensor. This dimensional expansion allows the sensor to measure fluid levels at multiple positions simultaneously, providing continuous measurement capability rather than discrete point detection.
2Measurement precision
If a multi-point electro-optic sensor is used, then the sensor can detect fluid levels at multiple specific points, but it still only determines when fluid level reaches specific points rather than providing continuous measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor achieves continuous monitoring by maintaining optical detection action throughout the entire fluid column. The multiple light detectors continuously receive light signals passing through different segments of the fluid, enabling uninterrupted and continuous fluid level measurement rather than intermittent point detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light detectors are disposed along the sensor body, then the sensor can detect fluid levels at multiple positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple light detection functions into a single integrated sensor body. All light detectors are housed within one compact sensor assembly with a unified optical path and processing system, reducing overall system complexity compared to using multiple separate point sensors.
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
Enables accurate and continuous monitoring of fluid levels by calculating the fluid height using a mathematical function of the outputs from the detectors, providing proportional measurements of light intensity and axial offset, thus overcoming the limitations of single-point detection.
Implementation Method 1
the amount of light 32 received at the first and second light detectors 42a, 42b is dependent on the amount of fluid in the central bore 22 of the body 12
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optic fluid level sensor includes a body having a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion. A light source is disposed at the first end portion of the body. A first light detector is disposed at the second end portion of the body. A second light detector is disposed at the second end portion of the body. The second light detector is axially offset from the first light detector.