Modular Fluid Level Indicator With Clip-Fit Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid level indicators in storage tanks are complex and costly to manufacture, with many components and require multiple closure parts, leading to high production costs and potential damage from mechanical influences.
Innovation Solution
A modular liquid level indicator system comprising a base part, housing part, and closure part, connected via clip-together components with locking hooks and recesses, utilizing plastic injection molding for cost-effective production and allowing easy replacement of parts, with a single closure part and tolerance compensation features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple closure parts are used to seal the housing part, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple closure parts into a single integrated closure part that seals both open ends of the housing part. This single closure part includes sealing elements that can seal at different locations, reducing the total number of components while maintaining sealing reliability through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The single closure part is designed to perform multiple sealing functions simultaneously, sealing both ends of the housing part and potentially providing mounting functions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate closure parts while maintaining comprehensive sealing coverage.
2Strength
If traditional manufacturing methods are used for fluid level indicators, then the structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components (base part, housing part, closure part) that can be manufactured separately using cost-effective methods like plastic injection molding, then assembled through clip connections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for low-cost manufacturing while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional manufacturing methods to plastic injection molding for the main components. This parameter change in manufacturing method significantly reduces production costs while the design incorporates reinforcement features and appropriate material selection to maintain necessary structural strength.
3Measurement precision
If the housing part is made transparent for optimal visual inspection, then the observation quality is improved, but the mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing part is made from transparent plastic material that provides both optical clarity for fluid level observation and sufficient mechanical strength for protection. The material selection balances transparency requirements with structural requirements, and the modular design with reinforcement features compensates for any strength limitations of transparent materials.
4Reliability
If complex assembly procedures are used to ensure precise fitting, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip connection system incorporates flexible elements and tolerance compensation features that allow the components to self-adjust during assembly. The locking hooks and locking recesses are designed with geometric features that guide proper alignment and provide automatic positioning, reducing the need for precise pre-alignment and complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip connection design includes self-aligning and self-locking features where the locking hooks automatically engage with the locking recesses without requiring precise manual positioning. The geometric design of the connection interfaces provides self-guidance during assembly, enabling rapid and reliable connection with minimal operator skill or time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for indicating a fluid level in a storage tank, which device can be connected to the storage tank by means of two fluid connections vertically spaced apart from each other, the device consisting of three components which can be clipped to each other, in the form of: - a base part (12) for fastening to the storage tank; - a housing part (14) for indicating a fluid level (16) corresponding to the contents of the storage tank, the housing part being designed as a riser pipe; and - a closure part (18) for sealing off the interior (20) of the housing part (14) from the environment.