Non-contact Liquid Level Sensor for Drainage Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid drainage systems for sanitary installations, such as showers and baths, often require manual operation or timers for pumps, leading to inefficient water drainage and pump operation, with issues like continuous pumping after water has been drained and frequent cycling, which is inconvenient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A liquid drainage system incorporating a non-contact liquid level sensor, preferably an electric field sensor, that controls a pump's operation based on detected water levels, ensuring the pump is only activated when water is present and turned off when drained, using a dual sensor setup to prevent unnecessary cycling and water retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual switch is provided for activating the pump, then the user has control over pump operation, but the operation is inconvenient and requires user attention
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic sensing and control mechanisms that enable the drainage system to serve itself without user intervention. The liquid level sensor detects water presence and the control circuit automatically activates or deactivates the pump based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for manual switch operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the liquid level sensor continuously monitors the drainage receptacle and provides information to the control circuit. The control circuit adjusts pump operation based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically responds to changing liquid levels.
2Extent of automation
If a timer is incorporated into the switch circuit, then the pump operates automatically for a set period, but the pump continues to operate after water has been drained
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit receives continuous feedback from the liquid level sensor and adjusts pump operation accordingly. When the sensor detects that liquid level has dropped below the outlet, the control circuit deactivates the pump, preventing unnecessary operation and energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static timer-based control to dynamic sensor-based control. The pump operation duration is not fixed but adapts dynamically based on real-time liquid level detection, allowing the pump to run only as long as needed.
3Reliability
If the pump operates continuously after drainage, then complete drainage is ensured, but pump wear increases and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid level sensor provides continuous feedback to the control circuit, which monitors when drainage is complete. The pump is deactivated automatically when the sensor detects that the liquid level is below the outlet, ensuring complete drainage while minimizing unnecessary operation duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by operating the pump only for the minimum necessary duration to achieve complete drainage. Rather than continuous operation, the pump runs just long enough to drain the receptacle, as determined by the sensor's detection of liquid level conditions.
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 efficiently manages pump operation based on water levels, preventing unnecessary pumping and water retention, enhancing user convenience and reducing wear on the pump while ensuring complete drainage.
Implementation Method 1
said liquid level sensor comprises at least one electric field sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid drainage system for a sanitary installation has a liquid level sensor for detecting the level of liquid in a drainage receptacle. The sensor employs non-contact sensing means, for example an electric field, to detect the liquid level and controls the operating of a drainage pump depending on the detected liquid level. The drainage receptacle may for example be the gulley of a shower tray, or a manifold connected to two or more sinks.