Intelligent measurement cup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cups lack the ability to intuitively measure water volume and temperature, making it difficult for users to determine the condition and quality of the liquid inside.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent measurement cup with an electronic module, including a laser detection unit and a transparent shielding sheet, which emits laser light into the cup body to accurately detect liquid conditions by analyzing reflected spectra and temperature, providing feedback through a display and voice units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional cup is used, then the basic function of holding liquid is achieved, but the ability to intuitively measure water volume and temperature is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic module including laser probe, transparent shielding sheet, and control circuit is nested within the cup cover structure. The laser probe is positioned inside the cup cover pointing downward, with the transparent shielding sheet covering the probe, creating a compact integrated measurement system within the existing cup architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement methods (such as physical float indicators or scale markings) with an optical measurement system using laser probes and light scattering detection. This substitution enables more precise and automated measurement of liquid level and properties without complex mechanical moving parts.
2Measurement precision
If an electronic module with laser detection unit is added to the cup cover, then accurate detection of liquid conditions is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser detection unit serves multiple functions: it measures liquid level through light scattering, detects liquid composition by analyzing spectral characteristics, and can identify temperature conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing systems for each parameter, thereby managing complexity while enhancing measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent shielding sheet acts as an intermediary element that both protects the laser probe and facilitates the optical measurement process. It allows laser light to pass through while scattering the light to enhance detection sensitivity, and its transparency enables the laser to interact with the liquid without being blocked by the protective covering.
3Measurement precision
If laser light is emitted directly into the cup body, then detection capability is improved, but sufficient feedback photons cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs light scattering (an optical analog to vibration/dispersion) by using the transparent shielding sheet to scatter the laser light in multiple directions. This scattering effect increases the interaction between light and liquid particles, enhancing the backscattered signal and ensuring sufficient feedback photons reach the detector for accurate measurement.
4Reliability
If the laser probe is covered by a transparent shielding sheet, then the probe is protected, but light transmission may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent shielding sheet serves as an intermediary that balances protection and light transmission. Its transparency allows sufficient laser light to pass through to the liquid, while its physical presence protects the delicate laser probe from direct contact with the liquid and potential damage. The scattering effect further enhances detection by increasing light-liquid interaction.
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 detection of liquid level, composition, and temperature, allowing users to assess the quality and safety of the liquid, ensuring precise measurements and alerts for maintenance or spoilage.
Implementation Method 1
laser light emitted by the laser probe passes through the shielding sheet and then is emitted into the cup body in a scattering mode
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an intelligent measurement cup, comprising a cup body and a cup cover, which covers the cup body and has an electronic module provided therein. The electronic module comprises a battery, a main control circuit board electrically connected to the battery, and a laser detection unit electrically connected to the main control circuit board. The laser detection unit comprises a laser probe and a transparent shielding sheet which covers the laser probe. The laser probe is arranged at a side facing toward the cup body. A through hole is formed in the cup cover in a manner of corresponding to the laser probe so as to allow light of the laser probe to pass through. A laser emitted from the laser probe penetrates the shielding sheet and is then incident in the cup body in a scattered manner, so as to ensure that sufficient feedback photons are formed. The spectra reflected back through different emission media are different, therefore, the conditions of a liquid, conditions comprising the remaining amount, the type, whether the liquid has deteriorated, etc., in the cup body can be accurately detected.