Fluid Consumption Measurement Using Angle and Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 'smart bottle' devices for measuring fluid consumption face challenges such as high component costs, power inefficiency, and practicality issues, particularly when users are in motion, as they require the bottle to be placed on a surface for accurate measurement.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with proximity sensors and angle sensors positioned at the outlet of the container to monitor fluid presence and flow, using a transmitter to calculate fluid volume consumed during a drinking event, which can be wirelessly communicated to a computing device, and includes a low-power processor and battery management for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an impeller is used to measure fluid flow rate, then fluid consumption can be calculated, but the device becomes difficult to clean and may become clogged during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the impeller component from the fluid flow path entirely. Instead of using an impeller to measure flow rate, the invention uses a flow sensor that detects fluid flow without mechanical contact, eliminating the clogging and cleaning issues associated with impellers while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical impeller-based flow measurement system with an electronic flow sensor system. The flow sensor detects fluid flow through electrical or optical means rather than mechanical rotation, eliminating the need for moving parts that can become clogged or require cleaning
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic liquid level sensors are used to track liquid level changes, then fluid consumption can be measured, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost, simple flow sensors and microcontroller units that can be easily replaced if needed. These inexpensive electronic components provide sufficient measurement capability without the high cost and complexity of ultrasonic sensors, making the device more economically viable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies the measurement approach by using basic electrical or optical flow sensors that detect flow through simple parameter changes rather than complex ultrasonic wave analysis. This reduces both the cost and complexity of the sensor system while maintaining adequate measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If accelerometer and weight sensors are used to monitor water level, then water consumption can be tracked, but the bottle must be placed on a hard surface between drinks for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the accelerometer and weight sensor system with a flow sensor that directly measures fluid flow through the spout. This eliminates the need for indirect calculations based on bottle orientation and weight changes, allowing accurate measurement while the user is moving without requiring the bottle to be stationary on a surface
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and processing components are included in the bottle, then fluid consumption can be measured, but power efficiency decreases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary processing components from the bottle itself, extracting the complex data processing and calculation functions to an external device such as a smartphone or computer. The bottle retains only simple sensing and wireless communication capabilities, dramatically reducing its power consumption and extending battery life
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
Accurately measures fluid consumption without the need for the bottle to be stationary, providing reliable hydration tracking and extended battery life, enabling users to monitor their hydration levels effectively and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor or sensors positioned in, or adjacent, an outlet of the container and configured to monitor the presence or absence of the fluid within or adjacent the outlet
Implementation Method 2
an angle sensor for determining a first angle of the container when the fluid begins to flow through the outlet, and for determining a second angle of the container when the fluid stops flowing through the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
There is proposed an apparatus and method for measuring fluid usage from a container. The apparatus in one form includes a proximity sensor or sensors positioned in, or adjacent, an outlet of said container and configured to monitor the presence or absence of said fluid within or adjacent said outlet, an angle sensor for determining a first angle of said container when said fluid begins to flow through the outlet, and for determining a second angle of said container when said fluid stops flowing through said outlet, and a transmitter for sending data from the proximity sensor/s and angle sensor or processed data therefrom, to a computing device and/or display unit, wherein the data or processed data is used to calculate or indicate a volume of the fluid having passed through the outlet.