Optical Flow Disruption Detection for Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems lack effective detection mechanisms for disruptions in liquid flow, leading to incomplete chemical dispensing and potential pump damage due to unmonitored chemical container levels and flow interruptions.
Innovation Solution
An automatic detection system incorporating an optical sensor, valve module, and alarm module with visual, audio, and data alarms, remotely controlled by a computer, which detects disruptions in liquid flow and activates alarms when a change or interruption occurs, allowing for remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no detection mechanism is installed, then the system remains simple and inexpensive, but liquid flow disruptions go undetected causing incomplete dispensing and pump damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor detects liquid flow disruptions by monitoring changes in light transmission through the liquid, eliminating the need for mechanical flow meters or switches while achieving reliable detection of flow interruptions and container emptying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical tube as an intermediary element through which light passes to detect liquid flow status. This intermediary allows non-contact detection of liquid presence and flow continuity, providing reliable monitoring without direct mechanical interaction with the liquid or pump system.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then pump damage is prevented, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-protection of the pump through automatic detection and alarm signaling. When the optical sensor detects liquid flow interruption or container emptying, it automatically triggers an alarm signal to stop pump operation, eliminating the need for external monitoring personnel or complex control systems while preventing pump damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical sensor continuously monitors liquid flow status and provides real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic pump shutdown when flow disruptions are detected, ensuring reliable pump protection through continuous monitoring without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
3Productivity
If manual monitoring of chemical containers is performed, then the system remains simple, but dispensing completeness cannot be ensured and pump damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual monitoring with an optical detection system that automatically tracks liquid flow and container status. The optical sensor provides continuous, objective monitoring of dispensing completeness by detecting flow interruptions and container emptying, ensuring accurate dispensing records without relying on human observation.
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 system effectively alerts operators to flow disruptions, preventing incomplete dispensing and potential pump damage by activating alarms and enabling remote control to address issues promptly, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor which detects an interruption of the flow of liquid and which detects a change in the flow of liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic detection system is provided for detecting disruptions in the flow of liquid from a liquid container or containers to a dispensing apparatus. Two embodiments of the system are disclosed. In the first embodiment, a single liquid container is utilized. In the second embodiment, two liquid containers are utilized. In both embodiments, an optical sensor is employed to detect a disruption in the flow of liquid from the liquid containers to the dispensing apparatus.