Float Level Sensor Pivotal Swing Arm for Oil Fluctuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional float level sensors in compressors are prone to breakage due to drastic coolant level fluctuations, leading to reduced detection accuracy and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A float level sensing device with a pivotally connected float member, comprising a ball and a swing arm, which rotates to distribute forces caused by fluctuating oil levels, and a magnetic reed switch for accurate level detection, enhancing structural strength and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the float ball is connected to the main body by welding, then the connection is strong and stable, but the float ball may break from welded junctions when the liquid level fluctuates drastically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static welded connection with a dynamic pivotal connection. The float member is connected to the main body through a pivot point, allowing it to rotate freely as the liquid level changes. This dynamic connection absorbs the stress from drastic liquid level fluctuations, preventing the float from breaking while maintaining reliable detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the float member is rigidly fixed to detect liquid level accurately, then detection precision is high, but the device cannot withstand great fluctuation of liquid level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The float member is connected to the main body through a pivot point, allowing it to rotate freely as the liquid level changes. This dynamic connection absorbs the stress from drastic liquid level fluctuations, preventing the float from breaking while maintaining reliable detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection parameter from rigid welding to pivotal rotation. This parameter change allows the float member to adapt its position dynamically, maintaining both structural integrity under fluctuation and detection accuracy through the magnetic reed switch's response to the float's position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the swing arm extends into the accommodating space to improve detection accuracy, then detection reliability is improved, but the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The swing arm serves multiple functions: it acts as both the detection element that interacts with the magnetic reed switch and as the structural component that transmits the float's movement. This multi-functionality improves detection reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same component performs both detection and mechanical linkage roles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device improves detection accuracy and reliability while preventing breakage, ensuring a longer lifespan and reliable operation by allowing the swing arm to move within an accommodating space, effectively managing fluctuating liquid levels.

Implementation Method 1

The main body includes a magnetic reed switch... the swing arm extends into the accommodating space and is movable with respect to the magnetic reed switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the float member can rotate or swing by means of the pivot to thereby distribute away forces caused by the great oil level change

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3264052B1Float level sensing device
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 FUSHENG IND CO LTD
  • EP3264052B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3264052B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3264052B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A float level sensing device includes a main body (110), a frame body (130), and a float member (150). The main body (110) includes a magnetic reed switch (120). The frame body (130) is assembled to the main body (110). The frame body (130) includes an accommodating space (132). The magnetic reed switch (120) is disposed corresponding to the accommodating space (132). The float member (150) is rotatably pivotally connected to the frame body (130). The float member (150) includes a ball (160) and a swing arm (170) connected to the ball (160). The swing arm (170) extends into the accommodating space (132) and moves with respect to the magnetic reed switch (120). Accordingly, the swing arm (170) connected to the ball (160) does not break easily by great fluctuation of an oil level, and detection accuracy and reliability are improved.