Indirect Fill Level Measurement via Temperature Curve Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the fill level of pressurized liquid in containers, such as CO2 cartridges, are inaccurate, costly, and inflexible, often leading to incorrect readings and user dissatisfaction due to the need for direct sensor placement, multiple probes, and high mechanical effort.
Innovation Solution
A device with a connecting piece and temperature sensors in a fluid channel that measures the temperature curve of removed gas over time to determine the fill level, allowing for indirect and accurate measurement without direct sensor placement on the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic measurement is used to determine fill level, then measurement can be performed on container wall, but acoustic probe must be pressed very tightly against container wall for sufficient acoustic coupling and cannot work through stickers or films
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the removed gas itself as an intermediary medium to carry temperature information from the liquid-gas interface to the temperature sensor. Instead of placing a sensor directly on the container wall (which requires tight coupling), the gas flowing through the connection piece serves as a natural carrier that transports thermal information without requiring direct contact with the container surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical acoustic coupling method with a thermal measurement method. Instead of using acoustic waves that require mechanical contact and tight coupling, the system uses temperature sensing of the removed gas, which naturally carries thermal information from the liquid-gas interface without requiring any mechanical coupling or direct placement on the container wall.
2Measurement precision
If multiple acoustic probes are used to indicate different fill levels, then intermediate fill levels can be detected, but device complexity increases and several probes are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single temperature sensor that dynamically measures temperature changes over time during the gas removal process. By analyzing the temporal evolution of temperature (the temperature curve), the system can determine multiple fill levels including intermediate levels, replacing the need for multiple static probes with one dynamic measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from spatial (multiple probes at different positions) to temporal (single probe measuring over time). The fill level information is extracted from how the temperature parameter changes during the gas removal process, allowing a single sensor to provide information that would otherwise require multiple sensors positioned at different heights.
3Measurement precision
If thermal measurement on outer wall is used, then temperature indication can be obtained, but measurement can only be carried out if sufficient gas is removed and container cools down noticeably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the measurement during the gas removal process itself, using the removed gas as the measurement medium. By placing the temperature sensor in the connection piece where gas flows through, the system captures temperature information from the gas that is already being removed, eliminating the need to wait for the container to cool down after gas removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the removed gas as an intermediary to transfer temperature information directly to the sensor. Instead of measuring the container wall temperature after cooling, the system measures the temperature of the gas itself as it passes through the connection piece, providing immediate feedback without requiring the container to cool down.
4Measurement precision
If weight measurement is used in filling plants, then accurate fill level determination is achieved, but costs and mechanical effort increase significantly for kitchen area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical weight measurement with a thermal measurement method. Instead of using scales or load cells that require mechanical support and are costly, the system uses a temperature sensor that measures the thermal properties of the removed gas, providing accurate fill level determination through a simple, low-cost thermal sensing approach suitable for kitchen environments.
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 solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and flexible method for determining the fill level with high accuracy, improving user satisfaction by eliminating the need for direct sensor placement and reducing mechanical effort, while enabling precise measurement in small volumes and various container types.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a fluid in the fluid channel is arranged
Implementation Method 2
a fill level detection device that is connected to the temperature sensor and which is designed to measure the temperature curve of the removed fluid in the fluid channel by means of at least one temperature sensor over a predeterminable period of time
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for indirectly measuring the level of a pressurized liquid in a fluid container, in particular in the form of a liquefied gas container, comprising a connecting piece and/or a line piece connectable to the connecting piece, wherein the connecting piece and/or the line piece can be connected to a connection of the fluid container and with which gas can be removed from the fluid container, wherein the connecting piece and/or the line piece has a fluid channel on or in which at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a fluid in the fluid channel is arranged, and a fill level detection device that is connected to the temperature sensor and which is designed to measure the temperature curve of the removed fluid in the fluid channel by means of at least one temperature sensor over a predeterminable period of time during the removal process from the fluid container and to determine the fill level of the liquid in the fluid container based on the measured temperature curve.