Optical Container and Filling-Level Detection with Passive Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting the filling level of free-flowing media in containers lack the ability to easily identify the container itself and require active measuring devices, which complicates the process of filling, emptying, or exchanging containers, and do not effectively prevent operational issues due to improper container placement or medium levels.
Innovation Solution
A combined optical container and filling level detection system that uses a reflex light barrier with an immersion body and a wetting surface to detect the filling level without active devices on the container, and includes an optically detectable code for container identification, allowing for the recognition of container presence, filling level, and medium type, enabling warnings or operational adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active measuring devices are present on the container, then filling level detection is possible, but the container becomes complex and difficult to remove or exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The active measuring device (light source and detector) is extracted from the container and placed in the container receptacle. Only a passive optical element (light guide with immersion body) remains on the container, which can be easily removed or exchanged without complex electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide acts as an intermediary between the active measuring device in the receptacle and the medium in the container. The light guide transmits light to and from the medium, enabling measurement without direct electrical connections to the container.
2Extent of automation
If electrical connections are required on the container, then active measuring can be performed, but the container cannot be easily removed or exchanged
Solution Approach 1:
All electrical components (light source, detector, circuitry) are extracted from the container and located in the container receptacle. The container itself contains only passive optical elements, eliminating the need for electrical connections and enabling easy removal and exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design requires no active components or electrical connections. The optical measurement system is entirely self-contained in the receptacle, allowing the container to be a simple, passive component that can be freely removed, exchanged, or refilled.
3Loss of information
If no container identification system is present, then the system is simple, but the container and its contents cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
An optically detectable code (such as a barcode or colored pattern) is applied to the container surface. This code provides identification information about the container and its contents using optical properties rather than electronic components, maintaining system simplicity while enabling identification.
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
Enables easy detection of filling levels and container presence without electrical connections, prevents operational issues by recognizing minimum or maximum medium levels, and allows for the identification of different media through an optically readable code, ensuring proper device operation and user warnings.
Implementation Method 1
a wetting surface is formed at the other end of the immersion body, the end of the probe, which changes its reflection behavior when it is wetted by the medium. If the wetting surface is wetted with the medium, a significant proportion of the light is absorbed in the medium and no longer reflected back (frustrated total reflection).
Implementation Method 2
an optically detectable code, in particular a barcode, is attached to the container. This enables the system to read information about the container.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
The invention relates to a combined optical container and filling level detection system (10; 310) comprising at least one removable container (14; 114; 214; 314) that has an inner space (32: 332) for receiving flowable or free-flowing media (34; 334), and at least one container receiver (12; 312) for the container (14; 114; 214; 314). According to the system, the container receiver (12; 312) is fitted with a retroreflective photoelectric sensor (22; 122; 322) and the container (14; 114; 214; 314) comprises an immersible body (36; 336a, 336b, 336c, 336d) in the form of an optical waveguide that protrudes into the medium (34; 334) and is optically coupled to the retroreflective photoelectric sensor (22; 122; 322) when the container in the container receiver (12; 312) is in a measuring position. The invention also relates to a household appliance comprising such a system.