Overflow system for a fluid container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overflow systems for fluid containers, such as automated bathtubs, are inefficient in preventing overflows due to the lack of effective liquid level monitoring, leading to potential water overflow issues.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a body insertable into the container, featuring a level sensor unit with multiple sensors along a longitudinal axis to detect liquid levels, an electrical circuit for measuring current intensity, and a control unit that compares measured currents to predefined ranges to determine liquid levels, triggering alerts or commands for electronic faucets and drains as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple overflow aperture is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing overflow is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow prevention system is segmented into multiple independent level sensors positioned at different heights, each monitoring a specific liquid level threshold. This segmentation allows the system to detect overflow conditions at different stages and provides redundant monitoring, thereby improving reliability without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary that processes signals from multiple level sensors and coordinates the activation of overflow prevention mechanisms. This intermediary component enables reliable overflow prevention by intelligently integrating information from distributed sensors and controlling the response, while keeping the individual sensor components simple.
2Measurement precision
If multiple level sensors are deployed, then the measurement precision of liquid level is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple level sensors are merged into a single integrated monitoring system where all sensors connect to one electronic control unit. This merging approach allows the system to achieve precise multi-level detection by combining data from multiple sensors while avoiding the complexity of independent control circuits for each sensor, as the control unit centrally processes all sensor inputs.
3Productivity
If automated control is implemented, then the productivity of liquid delivery is improved, but the ease of operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow prevention system operates autonomously by automatically detecting liquid levels through sensors and triggering appropriate responses without human intervention. The electronic control unit self-manages the monitoring and control functions, improving productivity by enabling automated liquid delivery while maintaining ease of operation through hands-free overflow prevention.
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 accurately monitors liquid levels, preventing overflows by automatically controlling water flow and temperature, ensuring efficient operation of automated liquid delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
each input electrical conductor being inserted into the body, having a first terminal connected to the at least one current source and a second terminal emerging from the body at one of the respective positions along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
An overflow system for determining a level of a liquid to be contained in a container, which comprises a body extending along a longitudinal axis, the body being insertable within the container; and a level sensor unit secured to the body for detecting the level of the liquid along the longitudinal axis of the body.