Optical Level Detector for Beverage Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical liquid level detection systems in beverage machines face complications due to the placement and connection of light emitters and detectors, often requiring complex arrangements and protruding components that complicate both the mechanical and electrical connections, and can be difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
A level detection device that uses a light refraction and reflection principle to deflect the light beam based on the liquid's surface position, allowing the emitter and detector to be positioned close together without protruding elements, and includes a beam deflection arrangement that changes the light path depending on the liquid's level, simplifying the configuration and connection to a control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light emitter and detector are placed on different faces of the reservoir to detect liquid level, then the detection function is achieved, but the arrangement and connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element to redirect the light beam from the emitter to the detector. The mirror is positioned at an angle to reflect light from one face of the reservoir to the opposite face, enabling the emitter and detector to be mounted on the same side while still achieving accurate liquid level detection across the reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical path redirection through the mirror to transition from a direct linear light path to a reflected path that spans across the reservoir. This dimensional transformation of the light beam's trajectory enables detection across the reservoir without requiring direct placement of emitter and detector on opposite faces.
2Reliability
If protruding components are used to enable light emission and detection, then the detection capability is improved, but the cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror serves as a stationary intermediary that enables optical detection without requiring protruding components into the liquid. By reflecting light across the reservoir, the mirror allows the emitter and detector to remain outside the liquid volume, eliminating the need for intrusive components that would be difficult to clean.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical protruding components with an optical solution using a mirror to achieve detection. Instead of physically extending sensors into the liquid, the system uses reflected light paths to detect liquid level, substituting mechanical intrusion with optical reflection to maintain cleaning accessibility.
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
This solution simplifies the arrangement and connection of the light emitter and detector, reduces the need for complex connections, and facilitates easier cleaning by maintaining a convex reservoir cavity, effectively detecting liquid levels without the need for intrusive components.
Implementation Method 1
a light refraction principle that changes the path of the beam depending on the position of the surface of the liquid in the cavity
Implementation Method 2
a reflection or mirror principle that reflects the emitted beam generally the light detector
Data Source
Figure 1a~2c
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
A level detection device (1) for detecting an upper surface (2) of a liquid (2') at a reference level (11) comprises: a reservoir (20) having a bottom wall (21) and one or more side walls (22,22',22") extending from the bottom wall that delimit a cavity (10) for containing this liquid; a light emitter (30,39) for emitting a light beam (40) towards this cavity; at least one reflection surface (25,26,27,28,29) for reflecting the light beam; and a light detector (35,39) for detecting the emitted light beam upon reflection. The emitter and detector are so arranged that, when the surface of the liquid passes said reference level, a state of detection of the light beam by the detector is changed. The emitter, detector and reflection surface(s) are so located and oriented relative to the cavity that the emitted light beam is: detectable by the detector upon travelling through the liquid in the cavity; and refractable at the surface of the liquid towards or away from the detector so that the state of detection is a function of such refraction (45).