Fluid Level and Temperature Detection Using Sealed Translucent Tube
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring fluid temperature and level in remote, oddly-shaped, or hard-to-reach containers, such as the transmission oil pan of an automobile, are inefficient and provide inaccurate readings due to separate measurements and environmental limitations of infrared thermometers and dip sticks.
Innovation Solution
A fluid monitoring apparatus featuring a flexible translucent tube with a thermocouple and cap that allows simultaneous temperature and level detection by sealing fluid within the tube for visual measurement, enabling accurate readings of both parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate measurement devices (dip stick and infrared thermometer) are used to measure fluid level and temperature, then the measurement process can be performed with simple tools, but the measurements are taken at different times leading to inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid level measurement function and temperature measurement function into a single integrated apparatus. The transparent tube allows visual observation of fluid level while the thermocouple sensor simultaneously measures temperature within the same container, eliminating the need for separate measurement operations and ensuring both parameters are captured at the same moment in time.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus serves multiple functions through a single device: the transparent tube structure enables both optical observation of fluid level and houses the thermocouple for temperature sensing. This multi-functional design allows one tool to perform what previously required separate dip sticks and thermometers, improving measurement coordination and accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If infrared thermometer is used to measure fluid temperature, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but false readings occur under ambient and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent tube as an intermediary medium that allows direct visual observation of the fluid level while the thermocouple sensor serves as an intermediary for temperature measurement. This physical intermediary system eliminates the need for infrared radiation-based non-contact measurement, thereby avoiding the reliability issues caused by ambient environmental interference while maintaining ease of operation through direct viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/infrared-based non-contact temperature measurement system with a direct contact thermocouple sensing system. This substitution eliminates the susceptibility to environmental false readings by using direct thermal contact through the transparent tube wall, while the visual observation mechanism provides continued ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If dip stick is used to measure fluid level, then simple and inexpensive measurement is achieved, but oil drips down the stick causing approximate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible transparent tube that can be inserted into the fluid container and sealed at one end. This flexible shell structure allows the tube to be positioned precisely and sealed to prevent leakage, eliminating the dripping problem associated with rigid dip sticks while maintaining simplicity and low cost through the use of flexible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus segments the measurement function into distinct components: the transparent tube serves as the containment and observation chamber, the thermocouple provides temperature sensing, and the sealed cap ensures fluid containment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively solving the accuracy problem of traditional dip sticks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote fluid container with limited access is monitored, then real-world application value is improved, but access to the container makes measurement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible transparent tube that can be dynamically inserted and removed from the fluid container. The flexibility of the tube allows it to accommodate various container shapes and sizes, while the sealed cap can be attached and removed as needed. This dynamic design enables the apparatus to adapt to remote and hard-to-reach containers without requiring permanent installation or complex access mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient: the transparent tube with sealed cap creates a self-contained measurement chamber that can be inserted into any container, and the thermocouple automatically measures temperature without external intervention. This self-service capability allows the device to operate independently in remote locations without requiring additional support systems or complex operational procedures.
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 and simultaneous measurement of fluid temperature and level, overcoming the inaccuracies of separate measurements and environmental limitations, ensuring precise fluid monitoring in challenging access conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermocouple secured within the tube and tethered via a wire disposable through the aperture in the tube wall, the thermocouple configured to be positioned proximate the distal end of the tube when the distal end of the tube is inserted within the fluid container
Implementation Method 2
a cap configured to be secured sealably to the proximal end of the tube to create a pressure within the tube when the distal end of the tube is extended into the fluid container sufficient to cause the fluid that fills the distal end of the tube to remain in the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid monitoring apparatus to simultaneously detect the temperature and level of fluid within a container includes a translucent tube with a proximal end, a distal end, an aperture within the wall of the tube proximate the proximal end of the tube, the distal end able to extend into the fluid container, a thermocouple secured within the tube and tethered via a wire disposable through the aperture in the tube wall, the wire including a first end secured to the thermocouple and a second end secured to a display device to display the temperature of the fluid, and a cap secured to the proximal end of the tube to create a pressure within the tube sufficient to cause the fluid that fills the distal end of the tube to remain in the tube, thereby permitting a user to determine the fluid level of the container.