Hydration Bladder Fluid Level Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydration pack systems lack a reliable method for users to determine the remaining fluid volume in the bladder, forcing users to estimate or physically inspect the liquid level, which is inconvenient during activities like hiking.
Innovation Solution
A fluid level detection and indicator system that includes level indicator probes and corresponding indicators, such as LEDs or audible alerts, which provide a visual or auditory indication of the fluid level by deactivating as the liquid drops past each probe, integrated with a display and power source within the pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users estimate or physically inspect the liquid level by removing the bladder, then they can determine the remaining fluid volume, but this process is inconvenient and interrupts activities like hiking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where level indicator probes detect the fluid level and trigger visual indicators (LEDs) to display the remaining fluid volume to the user. This continuous feedback eliminates the need for physical inspection while keeping the user informed about fluid levels during activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicators (LEDs) as an intermediary between the fluid level and the user. Instead of directly observing the fluid level by removing the bladder, the user interacts with the visual indicators that represent the fluid level, making the monitoring process convenient and non-intrusive.
2Loss of information
If users remove the bladder from the sleeve to examine the liquid level, then they can see the fluid volume, but this requires stopping the activity and handling the bladder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses level indicator probes that are pre-positioned at different heights within the bladder to detect fluid levels at predetermined thresholds. This preliminary setup allows the system to automatically detect and display fluid level information without requiring the user to stop activities or manually inspect the bladder.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicators provide immediate feedback about the fluid level status, eliminating the time delay associated with removing the bladder and manually checking the fluid volume. The user receives real-time information about fluid levels during continuous activities.
3Measurement precision
If no fluid level detection system is installed, then the pack structure remains simple, but users cannot accurately determine the remaining fluid volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid level detection into discrete segments using multiple level indicator probes positioned at different heights within the bladder. Each probe corresponds to a specific fluid level threshold, creating segmented measurement zones that provide accurate fluid level information through a series of visual indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection (removing and visually examining the bladder) with an automated electrical detection system. The level indicator probes and visual indicators form an electrical system that automatically detects and displays fluid levels, providing precise measurement without mechanical intervention.
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 users to accurately and conveniently monitor the remaining fluid level within the hydration bladder, enhancing usability during activities by providing a clear and reliable visual or auditory indication of the fluid level.
Implementation Method 1
level indicator probes and corresponding indicators, such as LEDs or audible alerts, which provide a visual or auditory indication of the fluid level
Data Source
AI summary
A hydration bladder fluid level detection system includes a pack having a hydration bladder removably secured therein; a display in communication with a power source and to attach to the pack, the display having; a high level indicator; and a low level indicator; a detector system, including a high level probe in communication with the high level indicator and to detect fluid at a first level in the hydration bladder; a low level probe in communication with the low level indicator and to detect fluid at a second level in the hydration bladder; and a power supply probe in communication with the power source and to complete an electrical circuit with the high level and low level probes as circuit components; fluid dropping below the first level deactivates the high level indicator by breaking a circuit leg running between the high level probe and the power supply probe; and fluid dropping below the second level deactivates the low level indicator by breaking a circuit leg between the low level probe and the power supply probe.