Non-Invasive Fluid Level Detection via Optical Signal Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining fluid levels in reservoirs, such as lubricant levels in machine reservoirs, are inefficient and costly, requiring direct contact or invasive measurements, which can disrupt machine operation and increase maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive fluid level determining system using an emitter and receiver pair positioned on the exterior surface of the reservoir, emitting and receiving electromagnetic signals to calculate the fluid level based on signal attenuation, with a controller processing the data to determine the liquid level accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional direct contact or invasive measurement methods are used to determine fluid levels, then measurement accuracy is improved, but machine operation is disrupted and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive fluid level measurement methods with an optical system consisting of an emitter and receiver that measure fluid levels through non-contact means. The emitter emits light through the reservoir wall and the receiver detects the light, using signal attenuation to determine fluid level without physical contact or disruption to the machine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system (emitter and receiver) that measures fluid levels through the reservoir wall without direct contact with the fluid. The optical signals act as intermediaries to transfer measurement information from the fluid interior to the exterior sensors, enabling non-invasive measurement that maintains machine operation continuity.
2Loss of information
If conventional invasive measurement methods are used, then fluid level data is obtained, but maintenance costs and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical intrusion with optical measurement. Instead of using physical probes or contact-based sensors that require installation inside the reservoir and potential fluid contact, the system uses optical emitters and receivers positioned on the exterior surface, eliminating the need for invasive installation while still acquiring accurate fluid level data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the fluid level condition by measuring light attenuation through the reservoir wall. The emitter and receiver system captures optical information that replicates the fluid level state without requiring physical access to or contact with the fluid, thereby reducing system intrusion while maintaining data acquisition capability.
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 provides accurate and remote monitoring of fluid levels, reducing maintenance costs and increasing machine efficiency by allowing continuous, non-invasive measurement of liquid levels in reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
The signals received by the receiver are attenuated relative to the signals emitted by the emitter into the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid level determining system is for determining a fluid level of a fluid in a reservoir having an interior surface and an opposite, exterior surface. The fluid level determining system includes an emitter configured to be positioned along the exterior surface of the reservoir and emit signals into the reservoir and a receiver configured to be positioned along the exterior surface of the reservoir such that the receiver is oriented in the direction of the emitter. The receiver is configured to receive signals from the emitter passing out of the reservoir. The signals received by the receiver are attenuated relative to the signals emitted by the emitter into the reservoir. A controller is in communication with the receiver and configured to determine the fluid level based on the signals received by the receiver.