Instrument Closure Sensor Retainer for Precise Container Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurate measurement of container contents, such as fluid, is technically challenging with existing techniques.

Innovation Solution

An instrument closure system comprising an instrument closure retainer and a sensor retainer that retains a sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor, to facilitate precise measurement of container contents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing measurement techniques are used, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sensor retainer as an intermediary component that houses the sensor and maintains it at a predetermined distance from the container. This intermediary structure ensures consistent measurement conditions by preventing sensor contact with the container while providing stable positioning, thereby simultaneously improving measurement precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact measurement methods with ultrasonic sensing technology. The ultrasonic sensor emits sound waves that travel through air to the container, eliminating the need for physical contact between the measurement device and the container, thus improving both precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If sensor is placed close to container for measurement, then measurement precision improves, but sensor may contact container causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidsensor damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor retainer acts as a protective intermediary between the sensor and the container. It maintains the sensor at a safe predetermined distance while still allowing accurate ultrasonic measurement, thus preventing sensor damage from contact with the container

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor retainer provides pre-established protection by maintaining a predetermined distance between the sensor and container before any potential harmful contact can occur. This preventive positioning cushioning ensures the sensor is never exposed to damage risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 measurement of container contents by maintaining the sensor at a predetermined distance from the container and allowing for signal transmission and reception, thereby enhancing measurement precision.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12428203B2Instrument closure including sensor retainer

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

In some examples, an instrument closure may include an instrument closure retainer to retain the instrument closure onto a container. The instrument closure may further include a sensor retainer including a plurality of apertures for transfer or removal of material, respectively, into or from the container. The sensor retainer may further include a sensor mount to retain a sensor.