Liquid Level Sensor With Positioning Member For Visually Impaired Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visually impaired individuals face challenges in accurately determining liquid levels in containers to prevent overflowing and spillage, as existing non-visual liquid level sensing technologies are limited in providing reliable and user-friendly feedback for dynamic liquid level monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A liquid level sensing device with a housing, power source, and alarm, featuring extendable prongs or a rotating mechanism that provides audible or vibratory signals when the liquid reaches specific levels, allowing users to accurately position the device for filling containers to desired levels, and optionally includes a reservoir for holding and dispensing liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors are used to detect liquid levels, then liquid level detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic capacitive sensing systems with a simple mechanical float mechanism. The float rises and falls with liquid level changes, mechanically actuating a reed switch or magnetic sensor to generate audible signals. This mechanical approach achieves reliable liquid level detection while avoiding the complexity of capacitive measurement circuits, impedance detection, and threshold comparison electronics.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are extended to predetermined levels for conductivity sensing, then liquid level measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid level detection range into discrete segments using multiple reed switches positioned at different heights within the container. Each reed switch corresponds to a specific liquid level threshold. This segmented approach provides precise multi-level detection while maintaining simplicity, as each reed switch is an independent, low-complexity component that activates independently at its designated level.
3Ease of operation
If non-visual feedback mechanisms are implemented, then accessibility for visually impaired users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a vibration motor or eccentric cam mechanism that generates tactile vibrations when the liquid reaches predetermined levels. This mechanical vibration system provides clear haptic feedback to visually impaired users, enabling them to detect liquid levels through touch. The approach achieves high accessibility while maintaining relative simplicity, as mechanical vibration generators are well-established, low-cost components that can be directly coupled to the float mechanism without requiring complex signal processing or electronic interfaces.
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 visually impaired users to accurately monitor and manage liquid levels in containers, preventing overflow and facilitating precise filling and dispensing through non-visual feedback, enhancing safety and independence in daily tasks.
Implementation Method 1
A measurement based on electrical conductivity may be possible by extending spaced electrodes to a predetermined level and sensing for a drop in resistance when rising liquid reaches the level of the electrodes and closes a circuit including the electrodes.
Implementation Method 2
Another electrical property that can be used in a similar way is to sense for a difference in dielectric properties of the material between and adjacent to spaced electrodes. Such properties are distinct for liquid as compared to air.
Implementation Method 3
Capacitive sensors are used in industry to sense the presence of material in bins and other large receptacles. The technique is typically to establish a changing potential difference between capacitor plates, and to detect the difference in charge or current levels involved. Stated another way, a change in capacitance may occur when a material is inserted between conductive plates, in lieu of air, and alters the impedance of a circuit including the plates.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid level sensing device for sensing liquid in a container. The liquid level sensor has a housing with a power source and an alarm. A first reference surface is positioned on the housing and cooperates with a top surface of a container when the liquid level sensor is initially positioned on the container. A sensor extends from the first reference surface. A positioning member is provided on the liquid level sensing device and cooperates with the container to provide a reference to allow the liquid level sensing device to be accurately moved from the initial position to other predetermined positions relative to the container to allow a user to fill the container with one or more liquids to the desired level. A reservoir portion may be provided on the liquid level sensing device for storing and dispensing a liquid.