Fluid Level Sensor With Segmented Circuit And Redundant Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid level sensors are prone to inaccurate readings and failures, leading to potential mechanical failures and increased costs due to the need for redundant sensors.
Innovation Solution
A fluid level sensor system comprising a floater movable along a floater path with a sensing circuit having series-connected passive elements and parallel-switching elements, which are actuated by the floater's movement to accurately measure fluid levels, reducing the impact of short-circuit failures and ensuring accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing fluid level sensor designs are used, then the sensor can detect fluid levels, but the readings are inaccurate and prone to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuit is divided into multiple discrete sensing elements (first sensing element, second sensing element, third sensing element) positioned at different heights along the floater path. Each element independently detects fluid level at its specific position, allowing the system to provide multiple discrete level readings and reducing the impact of any single element failure on overall measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit configuration includes redundant sensing elements and a detector capable of processing signals from multiple elements. This redundancy provides a buffer against element failures, ensuring that the system can continue to provide accurate fluid level measurements even when one or more sensing elements fail, thus cushioning against the harmful effect of sensor failures.
2Reliability
If redundant fluid sensors are provided to mitigate failures, then reliability improves, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing elements are integrated into a single sensor housing with a shared floater mechanism and circuit board. The detector unit processes signals from all sensing elements through a unified circuit configuration, combining the functionality of multiple sensors into one integrated device. This reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate redundant sensors while maintaining reliability through the integrated redundant sensing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor unit performs multiple functions by incorporating several sensing elements that can detect different fluid level thresholds. The same housing, floater, and detector infrastructure supports all sensing elements, allowing one device to provide multiple level readings and failure mitigation, rather than requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function.
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 system provides accurate fluid level measurements, minimizing the risk of mechanical failures and reducing costs by mitigating the need for redundant sensors, while ensuring reliable operation across varying fluid levels.
Implementation Method 1
a floater movable along a floater path in response to changes in a fluid level
Data Source
AI summary
Herein provided is a fluid level sensor and associated systems and methods. The fluid level sensor comprises a floater movable along a floater path in response to changes in a fluid level and a sensing circuit disposed along the floater path. The floater path has a first end associated with a low fluid level and an opposite second end associated with a high fluid level. The sensing circuit comprises first and second electrically-coupled circuit branches with first and second sensing terminals arranged proximate to the first end of the floater path, a plurality of passive elements connected in series along the first circuit branch, and plurality of switching elements each connected in parallel between the second circuit branch and the first circuit branch at connection points along the first circuit branch between pairs of adjacent passive elements, the switching elements configured for being actuated by movement of the floater.