Optical Prism Trap Bowl for Clear Container Liquid Level Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for delivering therapeutic gases like nitric oxide to patients via ventilators face contamination issues due to liquid particles, which can compromise the functionality of gas sampling systems, necessitating improved filtration and detection of liquid levels in traps.

Innovation Solution

A filter trap apparatus with a transparent circumferential prism that uses optical refraction principles to detect liquid levels, employing a light source and receiver to differentiate between gas and liquid reflections, ensuring effective filtration and detection of liquid accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If liquid particles are filtered from therapeutic gas flow, then contamination of sampling systems is reduced, but liquid accumulation in traps requires reliable detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination of sampling systemVSAvoidliquid level detection in trap

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical float-based level detection with an optical detection system using light sources and sensors. Light beams pass through the transparent trap wall and prism, reflecting differently based on liquid presence, providing contamination-free electrical signals for level detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

A transparent prism is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and the liquid interface. The prism enhances the optical reflection effect, making the liquid level detection more reliable by creating a distinct reflected light path when liquid is present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a transparent trap with optical detection is used, then liquid level detection is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid level detection accuracyVSAvoidoptical detection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent trap wall serves multiple functions: it contains the liquid, allows visual inspection, and enables optical detection. The prism also serves dual purposes by directing light and enhancing the reflection effect, reducing the need for additional complex components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the liquid itself as the detection medium. The liquid's natural optical properties (refraction and reflection) are exploited for detection without requiring additional sensors that contact the liquid, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If optical refraction principles are used for detection, then liquid level detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid level detection reliabilityVSAvoidprism angle and position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optical detection system is divided into discrete components: light source, transparent trap wall, prism, and sensor. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately, making it easier to control precision requirements for each part rather than requiring high overall system precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to detect changes in optical parameters (light reflection angle and intensity) that occur when liquid level changes. By focusing on parameter changes rather than absolute precision, the system achieves reliable detection with moderate manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus efficiently removes liquid particles from therapeutic gas streams, reducing contamination of sampling systems and enabling reliable detection of liquid levels, thereby maintaining the integrity of gas delivery and sampling processes.

Implementation Method 1

A filter trap apparatus with a transparent circumferential prism that uses optical refraction principles to detect liquid levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical refraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

employing a light source and receiver to differentiate between gas and liquid reflections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260069814A1Apparatus and method for detecting liquid level in a clear or partially clear container

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 MALLINCKRODT PHARMACEUTICALS IRELAND LTD

AI summary

A trap bowl is provided to accumulate liquid droplets from a filter, as a liquid content. The trap bowl includes a transparent vertical prism. The transparent vertical prism includes a face that forms a vertical transparent surface facing against a content of the section. The face can provide a first angle of total reflection when content of the section is a type of gas, and a second angle of total reflection when the content of the section is the liquid content. A light source may emit a light beam incident on the face at an angle of incidence. The angle of incidence results in reflection of the light beam, striking the light receiver, when the face has the first angle of total reflection, and results in refraction of the light beam, missing the light receiver, when the face has the second angle of total reflection.