Liquid Level Detector Float Arm Mounting with Elastic Deformation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid level detectors face issues with the float arm coming off from the holder due to unexpected forces during installation, leading to potential deformation and detachment, which can be addressed by increasing strength or adding components, but this results in device enlargement and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

A liquid level detector design that incorporates an elastic-deformation-preventing part on the frame to restrict elastic deformation of the float arm mounting part within a predetermined rotation angle range, enhancing holding strength without enlarging the device or increasing component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the strength of the float arm mounting part is increased to prevent float arm detachment, then the holding strength is improved, but the device becomes larger and the mountability deteriorates due to increased insertion load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding strength of float arm mounting partVSAvoidmountability of float arm to holder

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The float arm mounting part is divided into two functional segments: a first part configured to elastically deform during mounting for ease of assembly, and a second part that remains rigid to provide strong holding strength and prevent detachment during operation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its properties without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the float arm mounting part are given different mechanical properties: the first part (mounting region) is designed with high elasticity for easy installation, while the second part (holding region) is designed with high strength and rigidity for secure retention. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between ease of mounting and holding strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If components for preventing deformation of the float arm mounting part are added to prevent detachment, then the reliability is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of float arm detachmentVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The float arm mounting part is designed as an integrated structure where the first and second parts are combined into a single component. This merging eliminates the need for separate reinforcement components while maintaining both ease of mounting and prevention of detachment, thus improving reliability without increasing component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The float arm mounting part serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first part enables easy mounting through elastic deformation, while the second part provides strong holding strength to prevent detachment. This multi-functionality within a single integrated component avoids the need for additional specialized parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the float arm mounting part is designed to elastically deform for easy mounting, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the holding strength decreases making the float arm prone to detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mounting float arm to holderVSAvoidholding strength of float arm mounting part

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting part is segmented into a first deformable part for easy installation and a second rigid part for strong holding, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different local regions of the mounting part have different mechanical properties: the mounting region has high elasticity for easy assembly, while the holding region has high strength for secure retention, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and holding strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution effectively prevents float arm detachment during normal operation and emergency conditions, maintaining assembly ease and reducing component count, thereby improving the float arm's holding strength by the holder without enlarging the device.

Implementation Method 1

a part of the float arm mounting part elastically deforms. The part of the float arm mounting part restores when the float arm is mounted on the holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

due to a buoyancy that the float received from liquid fuel, the holder rotates with respect to the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS11536601B2Liquid level detector

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A liquid level detector includes a frame, a float arm, a holder rotatably supported by the frame, a float arm mounting part configured to mount the float arm to the holder by elastically deforming a first part of the holder when mounting the float arm to the holder and restoring the first part when float arm is mounted to the holder, a float mounted to the float arm, and an elastic deformation preventing part configured to prevent elastic deformation of the first part of the float arm mounting part.