Fluid Level Measurement Apparatus with Multi-Sensor Circuit Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid level measurement apparatuses are limited in their ability to accurately measure fluid levels using different types of fluid level sensors, such as electrical resistance and magnetoelectric sensors, due to specialized circuits required for each type, which hinders compatibility and accuracy when sensors are swapped.
Innovation Solution
A fluid level measurement apparatus with a calculation circuit, multiple output circuits, and a selection circuit that determines and selects the appropriate output circuit based on the connected sensor type, allowing accurate calculation of fluid levels from detection voltages generated by either electrical resistance or magnetoelectric sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a specialized circuit is used to process the output of a magnetoelectric fluid level sensor, then the measurement precision is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the circuit cannot accurately process other sensor types
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus is designed with multiple output circuits, each capable of processing different sensor types (magnetoelectric, electrical resistance, ultrasonic). The determination circuit identifies the connected sensor type and selects the appropriate output circuit, enabling a single apparatus to universally support multiple sensor types while maintaining high measurement precision for each type through specialized processing circuits.
2Ease of manufacture
If an electrical resistance fluid level sensor is used, then the cost is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates for certain fluid types compared to magnetoelectric sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus allows dynamic selection of different sensor types based on fluid characteristics. The determination circuit identifies the fluid type and selects the appropriate sensor output circuit accordingly. This enables the system to switch between electrical resistance sensors (cost-effective for certain fluids) and magnetoelectric sensors (higher precision for other fluids), optimizing both cost and measurement precision based on the specific application requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized circuits are provided for different sensor types, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: a determination circuit that identifies the connected sensor type, multiple independent output circuits each specialized for specific sensor types, and a calculation circuit that processes the selected output. This modular segmentation allows the system to support multiple sensor types through specialized circuits while managing complexity through clear functional separation and selective activation of appropriate circuits based on sensor type identification.
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 accurate fluid level measurement across various sensor types by determining the connected sensor and generating the appropriate detection voltage, supporting multiple fluid level sensors and ensuring smooth operation regardless of sensor changes.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage between an output terminal and a ground terminal of the magnetoelectric element changes with the fluid level
Implementation Method 2
An electrical resistance of the electrical resistance element changes with the fluid level
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid level measurement apparatus supports multiple fluid level sensors of different types, each of which detects a level of fluid and produces an output indicative of the detected fluid level in a different way. The fluid level measurement apparatus is connected to any one of the supported fluid level sensors to measure the fluid level. The fluid level measurement apparatus includes a calculation circuit, multiple output circuits, a determination circuit, and a selection circuit. The calculation circuit calculates the fluid level from a detection voltage. Each output circuit generates the detection voltage based on the output of a corresponding fluid level sensor. The determination circuit determines the connected fluid level sensor. The selection circuit selects the output circuit corresponding to the determined fluid level sensor and allows the calculation circuit to obtain the detection voltage generated by the selected output circuit.