Frost-Proof LED Illumination for Liquid Level Gauges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accumulation of frozen material on industrial equipment, such as sight gauges, impairs the ability to accurately discern liquid levels due to low temperatures, and existing solutions may increase the risk of frozen material accumulation with added lighting components.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system for liquid level gauges that includes a frost-proof extension with a transparent plate and an LED assembly secured by a mounting bracket with spacers and straps, ensuring direct illumination through the transparent plate and minimizing gaps for frost accumulation, using sealing material to prevent infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting components are added to illuminate the liquid level gauge, then visibility of liquid levels is improved, but the risk of frozen material accumulation increases due to additional surfaces and gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lighting function from a separate housing and integrates it directly into the frost-proof extension structure. The LED assembly is positioned within the transparent plate itself, eliminating external housing surfaces that would otherwise accumulate frost. This integration removes the harmful surfaces while preserving the illumination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the illumination system with the frost-proof extension by embedding the LED assembly directly into the transparent plate structure. The mounting bracket integrates the spacer and sealing components into a unified assembly that attaches the LED directly to the extension, eliminating gaps between separate components where frost could accumulate.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mounting components are added to secure the LED assembly, then structural stability is improved, but gaps and surfaces for frost accumulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting system into distinct functional components: a mounting bracket for structural attachment, a spacer for precise positioning and gap elimination, and sealing material for frost prevention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to minimize frost accumulation surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer acts as an intermediary component between the mounting bracket and the LED assembly. It provides the necessary structural support and positioning while eliminating gaps that would otherwise exist between the bracket and LED housing, thereby preventing frost accumulation in the interface regions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the LED assembly is positioned close to the transparent plate for direct illumination, then illumination efficiency is improved, but the risk of frost infiltration to the LED increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sealing material (such as silicone rubber or gasket) to create a frost barrier between the LED assembly and the external environment. This thin film seal allows the LED to be positioned close to the transparent plate for efficient illumination while preventing frost infiltration through the mounting interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing material is pre-installed on the mounting bracket or spacer before attaching the LED assembly to the frost-proof extension. This preliminary sealing action ensures that the frost barrier is in place before the LED is positioned, preventing frost infiltration while maintaining close proximity for efficient illumination.
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 effectively prevents frost accumulation on the illumination components, ensuring clear visibility of liquid levels in cold conditions without compromising on the integrity of the lighting setup.
Implementation Method 1
The LED assembly can be thereby configured to illuminate the liquid tube via the second edge face of the frost-proof extension
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system can be configured for use with a liquid level gauge. A mounting bracket can be configured to secure a LED assembly to a frost-proof extension of the liquid level gauge, with the LED assembly disposed adjacent to a second edge face of the frost-proof extension that is opposite a liquid tube. The LED assembly can be thereby configured to illuminate the liquid tube via the second edge face of the frost-proof extension.