Optical Sensor System for Liquid Interface Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of a liquid interface in a vessel are inefficient, requiring extensive movement of the optical sensor system to find the optimal reflection point, leading to prolonged detection times and reduced operating speed in liquid treatment devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves projecting light onto multiple illumination points or the same point from different angles and using multiple photodetectors to increase the likelihood of finding an optimal reflection point, allowing the optical sensor system to remain stationary and reducing the need for extensive movement, thereby speeding up interface detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical sensor system moves extensively to find the optimal reflection point, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the detection time increases and operating speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single illumination point into multiple illumination points arranged in a specific pattern. By segmenting the illumination into multiple points, the system increases the probability that at least one point will find the optimal reflection point on the liquid interface, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring extensive movement of the sensor system and reducing detection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point illumination approach to a multi-point illumination approach, adding spatial distribution as an additional dimension to the illumination pattern. This dimensional change allows the system to cover a larger area and increase the likelihood of finding the optimal reflection point without mechanical movement, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and speed.
2Productivity
If the optical sensor system uses a single illumination point, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection speed and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple illumination points with specific spatial arrangements. This segmentation enables faster detection by increasing the probability of finding the optimal reflection point immediately, thereby improving operating speed while the structured arrangement keeps the system design manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple illumination points are combined in a coordinated manner within a single optical system. By merging multiple illumination sources into one integrated system with a defined geometric pattern, the patent achieves faster detection speeds while avoiding excessive complexity through unified design and control.
3Measurement precision
If the illumination point is moved to find the interface, then the interface detection accuracy is improved, but the operating speed of the liquid treatment device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving a single illumination point to search for the interface, the system segments the illumination into multiple points that simultaneously cover different positions. This allows the interface to be detected immediately with high accuracy without any movement, thus maintaining both precision and high operating speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple illumination points are pre-positioned in optimal locations before the detection process begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the interface can be detected immediately without requiring subsequent movement or adjustment, thereby maintaining high operating speed while achieving accurate interface positioning.
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 approach enables faster detection of liquid interfaces and enhances the operating speed of liquid treatment devices by increasing the probability of finding an optimal reflection point without unnecessary movement of the sensor system.
Implementation Method 1
light from a light source is projected onto at least one illumination point, the at least one illumination point being imaged onto at least one photodetector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Optical sensor system on a device for treating liquids, comprising: - a device for projecting light onto at least one illumination point in the room, - at least one device for imaging the at least one illumination point onto at least one photodetector for supplying a measurement signal dependent on the received light, - wherein the projection device is a device for simultaneously projecting light onto several illumination points and/or the projection device is a device for simultaneously projecting light at different angles onto the same illumination point and/or several photodetectors are present, and - an evaluation device connected to the at least one photodetector for evaluating the at least one measurement signal.