Electronic Fluid Level Sensor for Continuous Water Bottle Refilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water dispensers require frequent replacement of bottles, leading to issues of spillage, injury, and lack of assurance in water purity, with existing solutions either not addressing the need for constant refilling or using unsightly and prone-to-failure mechanical float valves.

Innovation Solution

A system using electronic fluid level control sensors and a fill valve with a vent tube and flow restrictor, allowing for in-situ refilling of water bottles without replacing them, providing a constant treated water supply and accommodating existing dispenser reservoirs, with aesthetic visibility of the fluid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical float valve is used for automatic refilling, then the refilling function is achieved, but the device becomes unsightly and prone to frequent failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve reliabilityVSAvoidfloat mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical float valve system with an electronic level sensor and control system. The electronic sensor detects water levels and sends signals to a control valve, eliminating the mechanical float mechanism that was unsightly and prone to failure. This substitution of mechanical components with electronic ones resolves the contradiction by improving reliability while reducing the visual and mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the float mechanism from the visible bottle area and relocates it to the dispenser reservoir. By taking out the problematic mechanical float valve from the aesthetic zone (inside the bottle) and placing it in the hidden reservoir area, the invention maintains the refilling function while eliminating the unsightly appearance and reducing failure points in the visible system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If bottles are frequently replaced, then a constant water supply is maintained, but spillage and injury risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater supply continuityVSAvoidspillage and injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automatic refilling system where the water dispenser autonomously monitors bottle water levels and refills them without user intervention. The electronic level sensor detects when the bottle needs refilling, and the system automatically activates the fill valve to transfer water from the reservoir. This self-service capability eliminates the need for frequent manual bottle replacements, thereby reducing spillage and injury risks while maintaining continuous water supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of water levels before the bottle is completely empty. By monitoring and refilling bottles in advance (before they run out), the system prevents the need for urgent manual intervention and bottle replacement, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of spillage and injury associated with frequent handling of full bottles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If a transparent float is used, then aesthetic visibility is improved, but the device complexity and potential for failure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic visibilityVSAvoidfloat mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the transparent float mechanism with an electronic level sensor that can be concealed within the bottle or dispenser. Electronic sensors can provide the same water level detection function without requiring visible mechanical components, thus maintaining aesthetic visibility while eliminating the complexity and failure potential of float mechanisms.

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

Enables convenient, safe, and economical continuous refilling of water bottles with independent filtration and treatment, reducing spillage and injury risks while maintaining the aesthetics and functionality of conventional dispensers.

Implementation Method 1

The fill valve includes a flow restrictor that limits the rate at which water flows into the bottle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow restrictor:

Implementation Method 2

The vent tube extends into the bottle and allows air to escape during the filling process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure equalization:

Implementation Method 3

An electronic fluid level control sensor is positioned inside the bottle to detect when the bottle is full

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid level detection:

Data Source

PatentUS7874325B2Apparatus and method for controlling the filling and emptying of a fluid container

Publication Date: 2011.01.25 TYLER MICHAEL E

AI summary

An apparatus and method for emptying and filling a fluid container. A flow-actuated valve inside a fill tube regulates the flow through the fill tube. A cap containing the valve and a vent tube can be installed on a modified bottle used to supply water dispensers, thus enabling a user to continuously replenish the bottle from a remote supply. Alternatively, a cap containing the valve, a vent tube, and two fluid level sensors can be installed on a conventional bottle. A user is thus relieved of the burden of repetitive bottle changing, and is able to treat the water to his own specifications.