Liquid Level Sensing via Conductive Strip and Electrical Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often fail to recognize when replaceable liquid containers are running low, leading to unnecessary effort or delayed purchases, as existing systems lack efficient methods for monitoring liquid levels and automating replenishment notifications or orders.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system comprising a container with a conductive strip, a holder with an electrical contact, and a signal processing module that determines the liquid level and communicates with the user or orders a replacement when a predetermined threshold is reached, utilizing sensors for accurate volume measurement and communication protocols for timely notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring of liquid levels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but users fail to recognize when containers are running low leading to delayed purchases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual monitoring with an automated electrical sensing system. A conductive strip attached to the container exterior makes contact with electrical contacts on the holder at different heights, creating a electrical circuit that automatically detects liquid level. This substitution of manual observation with an electrical sensing mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing reliable automated monitoring without requiring complex processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the container-holder assembly to self-monitor its own liquid level status. The conductive strip and electrical contacts form a self-contained sensing system that automatically detects when liquid reaches critical levels and triggers notifications or automated reordering, eliminating the need for user intervention in the monitoring process while keeping the system simple.
2Loss of time
If automated liquid level sensing is implemented, then timely notifications are provided, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing modules
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive strip is pre-positioned on the container exterior at specific heights corresponding to critical liquid levels. When liquid reaches these pre-determined levels, it automatically completes the electrical circuit with the corresponding contact on the holder, triggering immediate notification or automated reordering. This preliminary positioning of sensing elements eliminates detection delay while keeping the system simple through straightforward electrical contact geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive strip makes contact with electrical contacts at specific localized positions on the holder corresponding to different liquid levels. Each contact position represents a specific threshold level, creating localized sensing zones that provide timely detection at critical points without requiring continuous or complex monitoring across the entire container volume.
3Measurement precision
If conductive strip contacts are used for level detection, then measurement precision is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for contact alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid itself serves as an intermediary conductor between the conductive strip on the container and the electrical contacts on the holder. Rather than requiring precise mechanical alignment of solid contacts, the conductive liquid naturally bridges the gap when it reaches the contact level, providing precise level detection through the liquid's own conductivity and level while reducing stringent mechanical alignment tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the inherent electrical conductivity property of the liquid as a detectable change indicator. When liquid reaches a critical level, it completes the electrical circuit, creating a detectable signal change. This approach leverages a fundamental physical property of the liquid rather than requiring complex visual or mechanical indicators, achieving precise level detection through simple electrical contact geometry.
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 system effectively monitors liquid levels, notifies users, and automatically orders replacements, ensuring timely refills and reducing user effort by providing accurate and timely notifications based on set thresholds, enhancing convenience and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive strip coupled to an outer surface of the body... an electrical contact configured to contact the conductive strip
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system includes a container, a holder, and a signal processing module. The container includes a body configured to store a liquid and a conductive strip coupled to an outer surface of the body. The holder is configured to receive the container. The holder includes an electrical contact configured to contact the conductive strip when the container is received in the holder. The signal processing module is in electrical communication with the electrical contact. The signal processing module is configured to receive signals from the electrical contact to determine a level of liquid within the container body based on the signals when the container is received in the holder.