Electro-Optic Liquid Sensor Dynamic Sensitivity Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optic liquid sensors face challenges in accurately determining the presence of liquid and assessing their operational state, particularly in environments where liquid is present.
Innovation Solution
The method involves disposing an electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, using a timer to check for timeout occurrences, and adjusting light intensity and sensitivity levels to determine the presence of liquid by comparing received light amounts to threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single light intensity and sensitivity level are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs periodic testing at multiple sensitivity levels by alternating between first and second light intensities. The controller cycles through different sensitivity levels to detect liquid presence, enabling accurate measurement while maintaining manageable operational complexity through structured periodic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor dynamically adjusts between different sensitivity levels based on operational requirements. The controller switches between first and second sensitivity levels, allowing the system to adapt its measurement precision dynamically rather than being fixed at a single level, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring permanently complex hardware
2Reliability
If the light source provides high intensity light, then the light detector receives sufficient signal, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates periodically at different intensities rather than continuously at high intensity. The controller alternates between first and second light intensities, providing sufficient signal strength only when needed for reliable detection, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining signal detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the light intensity parameter between two distinct levels (first and second intensities) based on detection needs. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system achieves reliable signal detection when required while consuming less energy during other operational phases
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 enables the electro-optic sensor to effectively assess the presence of liquid and confirm its operational state, improving testing and functionality compared to traditional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity; driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level; receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
The electro-optic sensor includes a prism and a reflective optical member. The reflective optical member is arranged to reflect light emitted by the light source to the light detector when a liquid is disposed between the light source and the reflective optical member
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating an electro-optic sensor includes disposing at least a portion of the electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity, driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source; determining whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the first amount of light, providing light from the light source at a second intensity, driving the light detector at a second sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a second amount of light from the light source, and/or confirming whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the second amount of light. The first sensitivity level may be different from the second sensitivity level. An electro-optic sensor is also disclosed.