Liquid Storage Wall Protrusions for Accurate Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid detection systems are prone to erroneous readings due to non-detection materials adhering to the inner surfaces of detection electrodes, leading to inaccurate detection of remaining amounts in containers.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus and storage device with protrusion portions between electrodes to prevent non-detection materials from adhering continuously, ensuring accurate detection by maintaining consistent capacitor values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection electrodes are provided on the inner surface of the container wall, then the remaining amount of liquid can be detected, but non-detection materials may adhere to the inner surface and cause erroneous detection
Solution Approach 1:
The inner surface of the container wall is segmented by protrusion portions that divide the detection area into separate zones. These protrusion portions prevent continuous adhesion of non-detection materials across the entire electrode surface, ensuring that detection electrodes maintain accurate measurements by limiting the spread of interfering substances between adjacent detection regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion portions act as intermediary structures between adjacent detection electrodes. By positioning these protrusions on the inner surface, they serve as physical barriers that prevent non-detection materials from forming continuous conductive paths across the electrode surfaces, thereby maintaining detection reliability without compromising measurement capability.
2Reliability
If protrusion portions are added to the container wall, then non-detection material adhesion is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than modifying the entire container wall structure, protrusion portions are strategically positioned only at specific locations where non-detection material adhesion would interfere with detection. This localized modification approach maintains detection reliability while minimizing overall structural complexity by applying changes only where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion portions extend in the depth direction (radially inward from the outer surface) to create a three-dimensional structure that effectively prevents material adhesion. By utilizing the depth dimension rather than increasing surface area or adding external components, the solution prevents erroneous detection without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
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 prevents non-detection materials from affecting electrode readings, allowing for precise detection of remaining liquid or object amounts within the storage device.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode and a second electrode that are provided on a first surface of a first wall among the plurality of walls for detecting a remaining amount of the liquid in the storage section
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a storage section including a plurality of walls and storing a liquid in a space surrounded by the plurality of walls, a discharging section that discharges the liquid supplied from the storage section, a first electrode and a second electrode that are provided on a first surface of a first wall among the plurality of walls for detecting a remaining amount of the liquid in the storage section, and a protrusion portion that is provided on a second surface of the first wall opposite to the first surface, in which the protrusion portion is located between the first electrode and the second electrode in a first direction, which is a direction in which the liquid decreases in the storage section.