Electromagnetic Emptying Detection for Low-Residual Liquid Containers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emptying detection methods for containers, such as reed switches and conductivity measurements, suffer from large measurement uncertainties, leading to excessive residual liquid and safety concerns due to imprecise liquid level determination, necessitating early container emptying to prevent air suction.

Innovation Solution

An emptying detection device using electromagnetic waves and a transponder unit to determine liquid level, providing an emptying signal when the path between the units is clear, allowing precise measurement without mechanical parts, and reducing residual liquid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If reed switches or conductivity measurements are used for emptying detection, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is poor leading to large residual liquid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid level measurement precisionVSAvoiddetection device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/reed switch-based detection systems with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The sending unit emits electromagnetic waves that interact with the liquid, and the transponder unit detects the electromagnetic field strength, eliminating mechanical moving parts and providing precise non-contact measurement of liquid level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium between the sending unit and the liquid. The electromagnetic waves penetrate the liquid and interact with it, allowing indirect measurement of liquid level through changes in electromagnetic field strength without direct contact or mechanical interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If early emptying stop is implemented for safety, then air suction is prevented, but the quantity of usable liquid is reduced due to large measurement uncertainty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemptying safetyVSAvoidresidual liquid volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the transponder unit continuously monitors the electromagnetic field strength and provides this information back to the control system. This real-time feedback enables precise determination of liquid level, allowing the emptying process to continue until the container is actually empty without safety concerns, thereby minimizing residual liquid while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If conventional detection methods are used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the measurement uncertainty causes excessive residual liquid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid level detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection device manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical components (reed switches, floaters) with simpler electromagnetic components (sending units, transponder units). These electromagnetic components have fewer moving parts, no sealing requirements, and can be manufactured using standard electronic manufacturing processes, actually simplifying production while improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 achieves high reliability and reduced maintenance, enabling lower safety margins and increased useful liquid volume by accurately detecting container emptiness, thus minimizing residual liquid and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The sending and receiving unit is configured to emit electromagnetic waves at a frequency for which the liquid has a non-negligible absorption coefficient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12607494B2Emptying detection device, emptying system and emptying detection method

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 OTTO ID SOLUTIONS GMBH

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an emptying detection device configured to provide an emptying signal to an emptying system for emptying a container, such as a dosing system including a suction lance, a corresponding suction lance and a corresponding emptying system. The emptying detection device is configured to determine a level of a liquid in the container relative to the emptying detection device, the emptying detection device comprising: a sending and receiving unit being configured to emit electromagnetic waves and to receive electromagnetic waves, and a transponder unit being configured to receive electromagnetic waves from the sending and receiving unit, and to emit a signal in response to the received electromagnetic waves. The sending and receiving unit is configured to emit electromagnetic waves at a frequency for which the liquid has a non-negligible absorption coefficient, and to provide an emptying signal to the emptying system in response to receipt of the signal from the transponder unit.