Fluid Level Gauge with Optical Sensor and Light Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sight glasses and fluid level gauges lack a comprehensive solution for accurately indicating fluid levels while providing both visual and electronic feedback, often relying on manual observation or replacing the sight glass with a sensor, which may not offer real-time monitoring or clear visual indication.
Innovation Solution
A fluid level gauge with a housing containing a window for visual indication and an optical sensor for electronic feedback, featuring a light shield and multiple apertures to define fluid paths, allowing for both reflective and transmissive light behavior based on fluid presence, enabling unobstructed visual observation and real-time level monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a sight glass is used for visual observation, then visual indication of fluid level is provided, but real-time electronic feedback is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional sight glass with an optical sensor into a single integrated device. The sight glass provides visual indication while the optical sensor simultaneously detects fluid level for electronic feedback, merging two functions into one device without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it provides visual indication through the sight glass and electronic feedback through the optical sensor. This multi-functionality allows the same device structure to deliver both analog visual information and digital electronic signals
2Loss of information
If the sight glass is replaced with a sensor, then electronic feedback is provided, but clear visual indication is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of replacing the sight glass with a sensor, the patent merges both components together. The sight glass maintains its visual indication function while the optical sensor is added to provide electronic feedback, preserving visual clarity while adding electronic capability
3Measurement precision
If light is used for optical sensing, then fluid level detection is achieved, but light interference from external sources may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light shield as an intermediary element that blocks external light from reaching the optical sensor directly. This light shield mediates between external light sources and the sensor, preventing interference while allowing the sensing function to operate precisely
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 provides a clear visual indication of fluid levels and real-time electronic feedback, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of fluid level monitoring, ensuring reliable operation in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The window at least partially reflects light when the fluid chamber is empty
Implementation Method 2
light at least partially passes through the window when fluid is in contact with the window
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid level gauge includes a housing having a first end and a second end, and a window disposed in the housing, proximate to the first end. The fluid level gauge further includes an optical sensor disposed in the housing, proximate to the second end. A prism is disposed in the housing, between the optical sensor and the window, such that the prism and the window define a fluid chamber therebetween. The housing further includes a plurality of through holes that provides a fluid path from outside the housing to the fluid chamber.