Flexible Reservoir Fluid-Level Sensing with Reflective Light Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring fluid levels in flexible-walled reservoirs, such as personal hydration packs, are inaccurate due to the flexible nature of the walls, which interfere with light paths and require recalibration after refilling, leading to inconsistent and unreliable readings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reflective assembly, sensor assembly, and receiver assembly, where a light emitter emits light through the fluid, which is absorbed by the fluid and measured by a sensor, with a reflective material containing the signal and a receiver assembly processing the data to provide accurate fluid level measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional light-based measurement methods are used in flexible reservoirs, then the measurement process is simple, but the flexible walls interfere with light paths and cause inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective assembly as an intermediary element between the light emitter and sensor. This reflective assembly compensates for the interference caused by flexible walls by redirecting light paths, enabling accurate measurements despite the flexible reservoir configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters by detecting changes in light absorption characteristics. The sensor assembly measures light absorption values and the processor interprets these to determine fluid level, adapting to the flexible wall conditions in real-time.
2Ease of operation
If flow gauges are used to measure fluid level, then the system is simple to implement, but the user must recalibrate and reset the system upon refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting the initial fluid level after refilling. The sensor assembly and processor work together to establish a new baseline without requiring manual user intervention, maintaining reliability while keeping operation simple.
3Ease of manufacture
If magnets and reed switches are used to measure fluid level, then the system can operate without contact with fluid, but the precision of measurements is heavily dependent upon the number of sensors and spacing between each paired magnet and reed sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses light absorption characteristics as a continuous measurement parameter rather than discrete sensor positions. This allows for more precise and continuous fluid level detection without the limitations of fixed sensor spacing and pairing.
4Measurement precision
If infrared emitters and receivers are paired on opposing sides of the reservoir, then the system can measure through the fluid, but the flexible nature of the reservoir interferes with the light path
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective assembly serves as a mediator that compensates for the interference caused by flexible walls. It redirects light paths to maintain consistent and reliable measurements despite the dynamic shape changes of the flexible reservoir.
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 real-time, accurate, and reliable fluid level measurements by measuring light absorption, overcoming the limitations of previous methods and ensuring precise volume estimation in flexible-walled reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter emits light through the fluid, which is absorbed by the fluid and measured by a sensor
Implementation Method 2
a reflective assembly... a reflective material containing the signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an apparatus, system, and method for the measurement of fluid levels within a reservoir having flexible walls such as found in portable hydration containers, and other instances which benefit from the use of a thin-walled or flexible reservoir.