Flexible Liquid Level Meter for Multi-Liquid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid level measurement technologies lack a completely digital method for accurate and reliable measurement, especially in complicated and hybrid vertical and horizontal arbitrary shaped wells, and fail to effectively determine the borders between different liquids.
Innovation Solution
A liquid level meter system utilizing at least two comparators, pairs of electrodes, diodes or transistors, a voltage divider, and a controller to determine liquid levels and borders by switching between high-impedance and current source states based on voltage changes, allowing for precise measurement in complex shapes and varying liquid densities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional liquid level measurement technologies are used, then measurement can be performed in simple tanks, but accurate measurement in complicated and hybrid vertical and horizontal arbitrary shaped wells cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system dynamically adapts to different well geometries by using a movable probe assembly that can change its orientation and position. The system transitions from static measurement approaches to dynamic adjustment, allowing the probe to navigate hybrid vertical and horizontal arbitrary shaped wells while maintaining measurement precision through real-time geometric adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes measurement parameters including probe orientation angles, positions, and electrode activation patterns to match the specific geometry being measured. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on detected well shape characteristics, the system achieves accurate measurements in complex geometries that would be impossible with fixed-parameter conventional technologies.
2Reliability
If conventional measurement methods are used, then simple liquid level detection is possible, but reliable border determination between different liquids cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system divides the detection task into multiple segments by using separate electrode pairs for different measurement functions. One electrode pair detects liquid level while another detects liquid borders, allowing reliable border determination through segmented functional specialization rather than requiring a single complex measurement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that analyzes measurements from multiple electrode pairs to reliably determine liquid borders. This intermediary analysis layer processes the combined information from different measurement points, enabling accurate border detection between liquids of similar properties without requiring overly complex direct measurement hardware.
3Measurement precision
If completely digital measurement method is implemented, then accurate and reliable measurement is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital measurement system operates using periodic action by taking measurements at discrete time intervals rather than continuously. The controller activates electrode pairs in sequential periods, measuring impedance changes only when needed, which maintains digital measurement accuracy while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous digital monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system implements self-service through automatic threshold-based triggering, where the controller only activates full digital measurement sequences when impedance changes exceed predetermined thresholds. This allows the system to maintain high measurement accuracy when needed while consuming minimal power during stable conditions, as the system serves itself by intelligently activating measurements only when changes occur.
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 system provides accurate and reliable digital liquid level measurement and border detection, even in complex geometries and multi-liquid scenarios, with low power consumption and flexibility for use in various shapes and positions.
Implementation Method 1
determine liquid levels and borders by switching between high-impedance and current source states based on voltage changes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to liquid level meter, and more particularly, to a flexible multi liquid level measurement apparatus and method. There is a vast need in industry and water resource management to measure level of liquid in arbitrary shaped well and in tank contained more than one liquid. Ordinary methods are not capable to determine liquid level in said cases. This disclosure proposes a liquid level meter (910) which measurement apparatus (905) is flexible. The apparatus is capable to measure liquid level in an arbitrary shape well or tank (900) where the well or tank has filled with more than one liquid (915,920,925). The measurement apparatus and method disclosed here is completely digital at inventive subject matter level and doesn't affect by environmental noises and conditions.