Corrosion-Resistant Liquid Level Sensor for Tissue Reactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level sensors in reactors for tissue processing are prone to damage or pollution from corrosive agents like xylene or liquid paraffin, and lack effective corrosion resistance and cost-efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A liquid level sensor with a metal shell, heating element, and temperature detector that operates by maintaining a predetermined temperature and detecting temperature changes to determine liquid level, featuring a simple structure and low production cost, along with a corrosion-resistant design using a metal shell and seal rings for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photoelectric sensor is used for liquid level detection, then the liquid level can be detected, but the sensor is damaged or polluted by corrosive agents like xylene or liquid paraffin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting base as an intermediary component that physically separates the photoelectric sensor from the corrosive liquid environment. The mounting base allows the sensor to detect liquid level through the container wall without direct exposure to corrosive agents, thus maintaining both detection capability and sensor durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the container wall as a thin film barrier that allows optical signals to pass through while providing corrosion protection. The photoelectric sensor detects liquid level by measuring light transmission through the container wall, which acts as a protective barrier against corrosive agents.
2Reliability
If a corrosion-resistant design is implemented, then the sensor durability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into separate functional components: the photoelectric sensor, the mounting base, and the container wall. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard materials and processes, avoiding the need for expensive corrosion-resistant materials for the entire sensor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting base serves as a cost-effective intermediary that provides corrosion protection without requiring expensive materials. It creates a physical barrier between the sensor and corrosive environment, achieving corrosion resistance through simple structural design rather than expensive materials.
3Reliability
If a complex protective structure is added to prevent corrosion, then the corrosion resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing container wall as a protective barrier, eliminating the need for additional complex protective structures. The container wall itself serves as the corrosion barrier, and the mounting base provides a simple interface to position the sensor without direct contact with corrosive agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting base serves multiple functions: it positions the sensor, provides corrosion protection, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining corrosion resistance.
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
Accurately determines liquid levels in reactors with corrosive agents while providing high corrosion resistance and low production costs, ensuring reliable operation and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (1022) for heating the metal shell (1021)
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detector (1023) for detecting a temperature of the metal shell (1021)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A liquid level sensor (10), a method for controlling the same, and a reactor (e.g. for tissue processing) with the same are provided. The liquid level sensor (10) includes a first mounting base (101) and a cable assembly (102). The cable assembly (102) includes a metal shell (1021) disposed on the first mounting base (101); a heating element (1022) for heating the metal shell (1021); and a temperature detector (1023) for detecting a temperature of the metal shell (1021). The liquid level sensor (10) according to embodiments of the present invention has advantages of high corrosion resistance, simple structure and low production cost. A method for controlling the liquid level sensor (10) comprises heating the metal shell (1021) to a predetermined temperature by a heating element (1022) and sensing a decrease value of the temperature of the metal shell during a predetermined time period, determining that the liquid level reaches a position of the liquid level sensor (10) if the decrease value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.