Magnetic Liquid Level Sensor with Parallel Field Float
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level measuring devices, particularly those using reed contacts, suffer from low precision and vulnerability to vibrations, limiting their accuracy to around 10 to 20 mm, making them unsuitable for use in vehicles and other environments where stability is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device featuring a sensor line with multiple magnetic-field sensors, including magnetoresistive and Hall effect sensors, and a float with a magnet generating a magnetic field parallel to the sensor line, allowing for precise liquid level detection without movable components, thereby enhancing accuracy and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reed contacts are used as magnetically sensitive sensors, then the device can detect liquid level, but the precision is limited to 10 to 20 mm and the device is vulnerable to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical reed contacts with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet is attached to the float, and its position is detected by measuring the magnetic field strength at fixed sensor locations, eliminating moving mechanical parts that are vulnerable to vibration damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the float and the sensing system. Instead of direct mechanical contact or reed switch activation, the magnetic field transmits position information from the float to the sensors, enabling contactless and vibration-resistant measurement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reed contacts are used to improve precision, then measurement resolution increases, but the device complexity and vulnerability to vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical reed contacts with a simplified magnetic field sensing system. Instead of numerous mechanical switches distributed along the measurement path, a single magnet on the float interacts with magnetic field sensors, reducing component count and system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a float with magnet is used to generate magnetic field parallel to sensor line, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases compared to simple floats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field orientation parameter from radial to parallel alignment with the sensor line. This parameter change optimizes the magnetic field interaction with the sensors, improving measurement precision while maintaining a relatively simple float 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 provides improved precision in measuring liquid levels, reducing measurement errors and minimizing the impact of vibrations, enabling more accurate liquid level determination compared to traditional reed contact systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the plurality of magnetic-field sensors uses a magnetoresistive effect
Implementation Method 2
is a Hall effect sensor
Implementation Method 3
The float has a magnet generating a magnetic field extending substantially parallel to the sensor line at both the first measuring location and the second measuring location
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device for measuring a level of a liquid in a container is disclosed. The measuring device comprises a sensor line and a float. The sensor line has a plurality of magnetic-field sensors, at least one of the plurality of magnetic-field sensors uses a magnetoresistive effect or is a Hall effect sensor or a magnetoresistor or an extraordinary magnetoresistive sensor. The float is movable along and relative to the sensor line between a first measuring location and a second measuring location. The float has a magnet generating a magnetic field extending substantially parallel to the sensor line at both the first measuring location and the second measuring location.