Magnetic Floater Level Sensor for Paint Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing machines for dispensing dyes in paint preparation rely on manual input for determining dye levels, which is prone to human error and can lead to air suction by dispensing pumps, and existing level measurement systems are incompatible with rotating stirring devices or physico-chemical properties of dyes.
Innovation Solution
A dosing machine equipped with a level measuring device featuring a floater with a permanent magnet and magnetic sensors outside the container, allowing for accurate fluid level detection without manual intervention, while being compatible with stirring devices, and enabling diagnosis of stirring element failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input is used for determining dye levels, then the system is simple to operate, but human error occurs leading to inaccurate level measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs level measurement automatically without requiring manual intervention. The float moves with the dye level and triggers reed switches to provide automatic level detection, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical level assessment with an automated magnetic detection system. The float containing a magnet interacts with reed switches to provide precise electronic level measurement, substituting human judgment with automated sensing
2Measurement precision
If existing level measurement systems are used, then level detection is achieved, but they interfere with rotating stirring devices or are incompatible with dye physico-chemical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a float as an intermediary element that moves with the dye level without interfering with the stirring device. The float contains a magnet that interacts with external reed switches, providing level detection while allowing the stirring mechanism to operate freely
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces incompatible mechanical level sensors with a magnetic field-based detection system. Reed switches detect the magnetic field from the float's magnet, providing level measurement without mechanical contact that would interfere with stirring or be affected by dye chemical properties
3Measurement precision
If automatic level measurement is implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the level measurement function into discrete components: a float for level following, reed switches for detection, and a control unit for processing. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and optimized independently while working together for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The float serves multiple functions: it indicates dye level, interacts with reed switches for detection, and can potentially trigger stirring mechanisms. The reed switches both detect level and can initiate stirring actions, providing multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity
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 provides accurate and automatic dye level measurement, preventing air suction and allowing for selective stirring control, reducing errors and potential drying issues, while being compatible with the mechanical and chemical properties of the dyes.
Implementation Method 1
A level measuring device (44) for measuring the level of the fluid inside the container (14) is associated with each container (14). The level measuring device (44) comprises a floater (46) arranged inside the container (14), and containing a permanent magnet (48)
Data Source
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AI summary
A dosing machine for dosing fluid products, comprising: - a plurality of containers (14) having respective vertical longitudinal axes (A) configured to contain respective fluid products, - a plurality of rotary stirring elements (34) located inside respective containers (14) and operable in rotation by means of respective electric motors (42), and - a dispensing head (16) having a plurality of nozzles connected to respective containers (14), wherein each of said containers (14) is associated with a respective level measuring device (44) comprising: - a floater (46) containing a permanent magnet (48) and free to move inside the container (14), - a magnetic detector (50) arranged outside the container (14), and comprising a plurality of magnetic sensors (52) spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction and each of which is configured to detect a variation in the magnetic field caused by the passage in its proximity of said floater (46), and - a control unit (56) which analyzes the signals provided by the magnetic sensors (52) to detect the level of the fluid inside the container (14) and the periodic passage of the floater (46) in the vicinity of one or more of said magnetic sensors (52).