Integrated Heater-Sensor Probe for Precise Fluid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems with multiple sensors are complex and can only detect large incremental changes, making them inefficient for precise measurement of fluid characteristics like temperature and level.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sensor system with a probe containing a resistive heating element and temperature sensors, which operates as both a heater and sensor to create a temperature differential and measure fluid level and temperature, using a control system to determine performance characteristics based on electrical responses and predetermined information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple independent sensor devices are used to measure different performance characteristics, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent sensor devices into a single integrated probe assembly. The probe integrates a fluid temperature sensor, ambient temperature sensor, and resistive heating element into one unified structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor devices while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities for fluid temperature, ambient temperature, and fluid level detection
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive heating element serves dual functions: it acts as a heater to create temperature differential for fluid detection, and simultaneously functions as a sensor by measuring its own resistance to determine fluid level. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the system
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 precise measurement of fluid level and temperature, reducing system complexity and improving the ability to detect fluid presence, thereby enhancing the control of heating systems.
Implementation Method 1
the resistive heating element is operable as a heater to create a temperature differential along the length of the probe to detect the fluid
Implementation Method 2
create a temperature differential along the length of the probe to detect the fluid
Implementation Method 3
the resistive heating element is operable as a sensor to measure a fluid level
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid sensor system detects one or more performance characteristics of a heating system that heats a fluid. The sensor system includes a probe having a finite length a portion of which is to be immersed in the fluid. The probe includes a resistive heating element and a fluid temperature sensor for measuring one or more performance characteristics, wherein the fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure a fluid temperature, and the resistive heating element is operable as a heater to create a temperature differential between the fluid and air to detect the fluid, and as a sensor to measure a fluid level.