Liquid Level Sensing via Pressure Measurement Channel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level measurement systems for containers, especially those with corrosive or hazardous chemicals, face challenges such as component degradation, complex installation processes, and increased costs due to the need for components to be mounted within the container or accurately positioned externally, leading to unreliable measurements and difficulties in implementing a closed-loop distribution system.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus with a conduit system that includes a dip tube and pressure measurement channel, where the pressure measurement channel branches from the liquid supply channel at a fixed height, allowing for accurate liquid level determination without additional components inside the container, and a cap design for easy installation and replacement of containers, ensuring reliable and consistent measurements across multiple containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If float-based level measurement apparatuses are used, then level measurement can be achieved, but components must be mounted within the container in contact with the liquid which may be hostile to many types of components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the level measurement function from the liquid-contacting environment by using a pressure sensor mounted outside the container. The measurement channel extends through the container wall, allowing pressure (and thus level) measurement without placing sensitive electronic components in contact with hostile chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a pressure measurement channel as an intermediary element that transmits pressure information from the liquid environment to an external sensor. This mediator allows indirect measurement, protecting the sensor from direct exposure to corrosive liquids while still providing accurate level data.
2Ease of operation
If capacitive level measurement means are provided outside the container, then components do not need to be mounted within the container, but accurate positioning of the components and container is required to obtain reliable level measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement channel is pre-installed and fixed to the container during manufacturing, establishing a known reference position before the container is ever used. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for precise alignment during container replacement, as the measurement channel moves with the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the measurement channel with the container structure itself, making them a single integrated unit. This combination ensures that the measurement channel maintains its position relative to the container regardless of when or how the container is replaced, eliminating positioning errors.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic level measurement means are used, then level calculation can be performed, but components must be positioned within the container or accurately positioned outside
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex ultrasonic measurement systems with a simple pressure-based measurement approach. Pressure measurement requires no moving parts, no precise positioning, and no complex signal processing, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic pressure transmission through the liquid column to provide level measurement. The pressure at the bottom of the container is directly proportional to the liquid level, providing a simple, reliable measurement mechanism that avoids the complexity of ultrasonic systems.
4Productivity
If a closed loop distribution system is implemented, then container reuse is maximized, but the container must be sealed such that the user is unable to refill the container
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic level monitoring and alerting, allowing the supplier to proactively manage container inventory. The electronic level sensor automatically detects when the container is low and triggers a replacement process, eliminating the need for manual refilling by the user and enabling seamless container exchange in a closed-loop 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 accurate and reliable liquid level monitoring and dispensing from a single conduit, simplifying container replacement and reducing contamination risks, while maintaining measurement consistency across different containers, thus supporting a closed-loop distribution system for corrosive or hazardous chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a pressure within the pressure measurement channel when the liquid is held in the feed tube; determining the level of liquid in the container based on the measured pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing liquid from a container, and for monitoring the level of liquid within said container, comprises a container for storing liquid to be dispensed; and a conduit, the conduit comprising: a feed tube extending from the container to an appliance; a dip tube extending in the container to the bottom of the container; a liquid supply channel extending through the feed tube and dip tube and having an open first end defined by a lower end of the dip tube, which, in use, is arranged to be immersed in said liquid in said container, and a second end arranged, in use, to extend outside of said container; and a pressure measurement channel branching from the feed tube at a point located between said first and second ends of the liquid supply channel. The apparatus further comprises a pressure transducer in fluid communication with said pressure measurement channel, and a means to draw liquid from the first end of the liquid supply channel to dispense liquid from the second end of the liquid supply channel. The pressure measurement channel branches from the feed tube at a fixed height relative to the bottom of the dip tube.