Hall-Effect Liquid Level Detector With Holder Inclination Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level detectors are prone to output errors due to unintended external forces causing holder inclination, which affects the magnetic flux density applied to the Hall element, leading to inaccurate readings.
Innovation Solution
The liquid level detector incorporates a holder with a shaft recess and flanges, a frame with locking grooves, and conductive parts that restrict the holder's rotation range and provide a path for static discharge, using a magnetic detection element and magnet to accurately detect liquid levels while preventing output errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clearances are provided between components to account for dimensional variations and temperature changes, then the device can accommodate manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, but unintended external forces can cause holder inclination leading to output errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing stoppers that prevent the holder from inclining beyond a predetermined angle before the magnetic detection element experiences significant magnetic flux density changes. The stoppers are positioned to make contact with the holder when it reaches a critical inclination angle, thereby counteracting further inclination that would cause output errors. This proactive measure eliminates the harmful effect of holder inclination before it can affect detection accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clearances are provided between components, then the device can accommodate manufacturing tolerances and temperature changes, but the holder may incline when external force is applied to the arm
Solution Approach 1:
The stoppers are pre-positioned to counteract holder inclination caused by external forces on the arm. When the holder inclines due to arm displacement from external force, the stoppers make contact at a predetermined angle, preventing further inclination that would cause magnetic flux density changes and detection errors. This allows the device to maintain measurement precision while still accommodating normal dimensional variations and temperature changes through the designed clearances.
3Manufacturing precision
If larger clearances are provided between the frame and the arm, then the device can accommodate greater dimensional variations, but the holder can incline more before contact, increasing output error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The stoppers provide preliminary anti-action by being positioned to contact the holder at a predetermined inclination angle that is reached before significant output errors occur. Even when larger clearances are provided to accommodate manufacturing precision variations, the stoppers ensure that the holder inclination is limited to an angle where the magnetic flux density applied to the Hall element remains within acceptable ranges, thereby maintaining reliability and consistency of the magnetic field application.
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 suppresses output errors by restricting holder rotation and discharging static electricity, maintaining accurate liquid level detection without increasing the device's size or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a Hall element serving as a magnetic detection element is embedded in a shaft positioned on the device body, which generates a Hall voltage when a magnetic field is applied from the outside in a state where a voltage is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid level detector includes: a magnetic detection element that is provided on a shaft of a frame and detects a rotation angle of a holder; and a magnet that is provided in the holder and applies a magnetic field to the magnetic detection element. The holder includes a pair of flanges protruding in respective opposite directions along the extension direction of an arm in an arm holding part. The frame includes: a locking groove that has two side walls facing each other in a direction along a central axis of the shaft and locks the flanges rotatably; and an arm-facing part that is provided at a position facing a trajectory of the arm. A first space between the arm-facing part and the trajectory of the arm is smaller than a second space between the side walls of the locking groove and the flanges.