Optical Fill-Level Detection Through Transparent Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for detecting liquid levels in household appliances are complex and costly, necessitating a simpler and more cost-effective solution for monitoring fill levels to alert users or initiate automatic processes.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a container with at least one radiation source and detection device, where the container is partially transparent to emitted radiation, allowing for a defined beam path that changes properties based on the medium it passes through, enabling detection of fill levels by evaluating these changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional liquid level detection systems are used in household appliances, then reliable detection can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and costly to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid level detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic liquid level detection systems with an optical detection system. A radiation source emits radiation through the container wall, and a detector measures changes in radiation properties (intensity, absorption, refraction) as the liquid level changes. This optical approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system monitors changes in radiation parameters (intensity, absorption coefficient, refraction index) as the liquid level varies. By measuring these parameter changes rather than using complex mechanical sensors, the system achieves reliable detection with simpler and less expensive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional liquid level detection systems are used in household appliances, then accurate fill level monitoring can be achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefill level measurement precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive mechanical level sensors or electronic detection systems with an optical measurement system. The radiation source and detector configuration allows precise fill level measurement by detecting radiation property changes, while using simpler, more cost-effective components that are easier to manufacture and install.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses optical radiation as a probe to copy or replicate the measurement function of complex sensors. By measuring radiation transmission and property changes through the container, the system obtains precise fill level information without requiring expensive physical sensors inside the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If simple detection methods are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to detect both minimum and maximum levels accurately is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem manufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddual level detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a radiation source region, a measurement region through the container wall, and a detector region. This segmentation allows the simple optical components to work together to detect multiple liquid levels (minimum and maximum) by measuring radiation properties at different transmission paths and angles, achieving dual-level detection capability without complex instrumentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Provides a simple and inexpensive method to detect both minimum and maximum liquid levels by analyzing changes in radiation properties due to medium transitions, facilitating user alerts or automatic actions.

Implementation Method 1

the container consists at least partially of a material which is at least partially transparent for the emitted radiation of the at least one radiation source device, wherein in a first state the emitted radiation of the at least one radiation source device has at least one defined beam path through the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a change in radiation properties of the emitted radiation can be detected by means of the at least one detection device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250283750A1System for detecting a fill level

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 EMZ HANAUER GMBH & CO KGAA

AI summary

A system for detecting a liquid level for a household appliance includes a container for holding the liquid. At least one radiation source device and at least one detection device are provided. The container consists at least partially of a material which is at least partially transparent for the emitted radiation of the at least one radiation source device. In a first state the emitted radiation of the at least one radiation source device has a defined beam path through the container. A change in radiation properties of the emitted radiation can be detected by means of the at least one detection device.