Flexible Tube Liquid Level Indicator for Cooling Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level indicating devices for liquid-cooled electric appliances are cumbersome to use and limit the flexibility of mounting the indicator, making it difficult to check the remaining amount of cooling liquid, especially in large appliances with high installation positions, due to the need for manual extension and limited adjustability of the line gauge.
Innovation Solution
A liquid level indicating device with a moving member in the tank, a bendable and non-extendable string member, and a bendable tube member that connects the tank to an indicator, allowing for flexible mounting and easy visualization of the liquid level without requiring manual extension or adjustment of the line gauge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an inspection window is provided close to the liquid level to enable visual recognition, then the remaining amount of cooling liquid can be checked, but the mounting position is limited to the vicinity of the liquid level and visibility is lowered when the appliance is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a line gauge as an intermediary tool that transmits liquid level information from the tank to a position where workers can easily observe it. The line gauge acts as a mediator between the liquid level (object of measurement) and the worker's line of sight, allowing accurate measurement without requiring the worker to be at a specific height.
2Ease of operation
If a line gauge is used with one end movable vertically with liquid level variation, then the remaining amount can be checked from a distance, but the worker needs to manually remove and extend the line gauge each time, making the work cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid level indicating device automatically performs the function of indicating liquid level without requiring manual extension or adjustment by the worker. The device serves itself by continuously or automatically positioning the indicator according to liquid level changes, eliminating the need for repeated manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The line gauge is pre-configured with scale markings and is automatically positioned at the correct height corresponding to the liquid level. The indicator is preliminarily set up to show the liquid level directly, so no preliminary manual extension or adjustment is needed when checking.
3Strength
If the line gauge is passed through a metal pipe with rigidity, then the line gauge is protected, but the withdrawing position is limited depending on pipe shape or arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a rigid metal pipe to a flexible hose for passing the line gauge through. The flexible hose can dynamically adapt to different positions and shapes, allowing the line gauge to be withdrawn from various locations without being constrained by fixed pipe geometry, while still providing protection.
4Volume of moving object
If the indicator is made small to fit in compact spaces, then the device size is reduced, but the visibility and readability of the liquid level indication may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the indicator along the vertical dimension to match the liquid level height. By making the indicator's length correspond to the liquid level variation, it provides clear visual information without requiring a large horizontal footprint, thus maintaining compactness while ensuring readability.
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 improves the flexibility of mounting the indicator, enhances visibility, and simplifies the process of checking the remaining cooling liquid level, reducing the need for manual operations and accommodating various tank sizes and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a moving member which is arranged in a liquid tank storing a cooling liquid and moves vertically in conjunction with variation in a liquid level of the cooling liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid level indicating device includes a moving member which is arranged in a liquid tank storing a cooling liquid and moves vertically in conjunction with variation in a liquid level of the cooling liquid, a string member having one end portion connected to the moving member, the string member being configured to be bendable and non-extendable in a longitudinal direction, an indicator connected to the other end portion of the string member and which indicates a height position of the moving member as a remaining amount of the cooling liquid by operating in conjunction with movement of the moving member through the string member, and a tube member which is configured to be bendable and non-extendable in the longitudinal direction, has the string member passed therethrough, and connects the liquid tank and the indicator.