Hybrid Fluid Level Sensor Resolving Residue Inaccuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resistance-based fluid level measurement systems in recreational vehicles (RVs) become inaccurate over time due to residue accumulation, leading to incorrect readings and unnecessary trips to dump stations, while capacitance-based systems are more expensive and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
A system using low-cost electrical resistance and capacitance-based monitoring with electrochemical reactions, where measuring probes and a ground probe immersed in fluid generate a signal, allowing a processor to calculate resistance and capacitance to determine fluid levels, effectively distinguishing between fluid and residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If resistance-based probes are used for fluid level measurement, then the system cost is low and installation is simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates over time due to residue accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both resistance-based and capacitance-based measurement systems into a single hybrid system. The resistance probes continue to provide low-cost detection while the capacitance probes provide accurate fluid level measurement that is not affected by residue accumulation on container walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitance-based measurement acts as an intermediary verification mechanism. Instead of directly relying on resistance measurements that are affected by residues, the system uses capacitance measurements between the probe and container wall to indirectly determine true fluid levels, filtering out the harmful effect of residue accumulation.
2Measurement precision
If capacitance-based monitoring systems are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both resistance-based and capacitance-based measurement systems into a single hybrid system. The resistance probes continue to provide low-cost detection while the capacitance probes provide accurate fluid level measurement that is not affected by residue accumulation on container walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring probes are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both resistance measurement electrodes and capacitance measurement electrodes. This multi-functionality allows the system to benefit from both measurement methods without requiring separate probe systems, thereby reducing overall complexity.
3Ease of operation
If resistance-based probes are used, then installation is simple, but reliability deteriorates due to false readings from residue accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both resistance-based and capacitance-based measurement systems into a single hybrid system. The resistance probes continue to provide low-cost detection while the capacitance probes provide accurate fluid level measurement that is not affected by residue accumulation on container walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses capacitance measurements to provide feedback on the actual fluid level, which then corrects or validates the resistance-based measurements. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain simple installation while improving reliability by compensating for residue-related errors.
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
This approach provides accurate and reliable fluid level measurements in RV containers, reducing unnecessary trips and maintenance costs by differentiating between fluid and residue, and can be easily integrated with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical reaction occurs between the measuring probe and the ground probe and stores a charge if the measuring probe and ground probe are both immersed in fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a container having an inner chamber for storing fluid, at least one measuring probe arranged within the chamber and one ground probe arranged within or near a bottom of the chamber. There is at least one impedance electrically connected with a processor which is electrically connected with the at least one measuring probe. A signal generator has a first voltage terminal electrically connected with the at least one impedance and a second voltage terminal electrically connected with the ground probe. When a signal is sent from the signal generator to the measuring probe, an electrochemical reaction occurs at the measuring probe and ground probe and stores a charge if the measuring probe and/or ground probe are immersed in fluid. The processor measures the voltage, current and power of the signal to calculate the resistance and capacitance of the fluid within the container to determine the level of fluid in the container. A method for measuring the level of fluid in the container includes the steps of applying at least one time-varying voltage signal to the one or more measuring probes, creating an electrochemical reaction between the ground probe and each measuring probe, storing energy around each probe that is submerged in fluid, measuring the current and power of the signals, and determining the level of fluid in the container based on the calculated capacitance and resistance of the fluid within the container.