Float Assembly with Adjustable Stops for Fluid Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level monitoring and alarm systems, including those using floating magnets, lack versatility and convenience for user manipulation, making them inefficient for precise fluid level control and operation.
Innovation Solution
A float-operated electric switch actuating mechanism with an adjustable rod, cross beam, and counterweights that activates/deactivates an electric switch based on fluid level changes, allowing for precise control and minimizing 'bounce' effects from fluid waves, using adjustable nuts and a pivot mechanism for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a floating magnet system is used for liquid level monitoring, then the device can detect fluid level changes, but the system lacks versatility and is inconvenient for user manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable limit nuts that can be positioned at different heights along the rod, allowing the sensing range and trigger levels to be dynamically configured by the user based on specific application requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between precise measurement and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The float assembly is designed with a universal structure that can be applied to various container types and fluid levels through adjustable limit nuts and a configurable rod mechanism, making it versatile while maintaining precise fluid level detection capability
2Speed
If the rod is allowed to move freely in response to fluid waves, then the float responds quickly to level changes, but false activations occur due to wave bounce effects
Solution Approach 1:
The limit nuts are positioned to define a controlled travel range for the rod, preventing excessive movement caused by fluid waves before false activation can occur, while still allowing sufficient travel for accurate level detection
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection between the cross beam and electric switch includes a pivot point that acts as a cushioning mechanism, absorbing the impact of sudden rod movements from waves and preventing false switch activations while maintaining responsive detection
3Adaptability or versatility
If the float displacement range is increased to cover larger fluid volume changes, then the monitoring range is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is segmented with adjustable limit nuts at different positions, allowing the monitoring range to be divided into discrete adjustable segments. This enables flexible configuration of the monitoring range without increasing overall device complexity, as each segment can be independently adjusted
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 precise fluid level monitoring and control, reducing false activations from fluid waves and allowing for easy operation by ensuring the switch remains in a stable state until the float reaches the desired level, thus providing accurate volume measurement and efficient fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
said float slides along the length of said rod in response to the fluid level
Data Source
AI summary
A float assembly comprising a float traveling along a rod until making contact with either an upper or a lower adjustable stopper, so that an actuator lever having one or more counterweights in mechanical coupling with a switch, so that the float assembly may respond to the fluid level.