Pressure-Sensed Water Level Control for Continuous Overflow Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water level detection systems for bathtubs and other water-containing vessels are limited by their material specificity and inability to provide continuous, accurate water level detection, leading to inefficiencies in overflow protection and user personalization.
Innovation Solution
A water level detection system utilizing a pressure sensor connected to an airtight tube within the water-containing vessel, which communicates with a control unit to dynamically control water temperature and level based on pressure data, enabling continuous and accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing water level detection systems are used, then material specificity is limited and detection accuracy is insufficient, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical float-based water level detection systems with a pressure sensing system. The pressure sensor measures water pressure at a fixed depth, and water level is calculated based on the pressure differential, eliminating complex mechanical moving parts while achieving continuous accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an airtight tube as an intermediary element that transmits water pressure to the pressure sensor. This allows the sensor to be positioned away from direct water contact while still accurately measuring water level through pressure transmission via the air-filled tube.
2Reliability
If traditional water level detection methods are used, then overflow protection is intermittent, but the detection system becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous water level monitoring by using a pressure sensor that continuously measures pressure differential. Unlike intermittent mechanical switches, the electronic pressure sensing system provides constant feedback, ensuring reliable overflow protection at all times.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure sensing is used for water level detection, then material compatibility improves, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing system is designed to be universally compatible with various vessel materials including acrylic, fiberglass, and steel. The electronic pressure sensor and airtight tube configuration can be adapted to different tub types without requiring material-specific detection mechanisms.
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 continuous water level detection, enabling dynamic control of water temperature and level, thereby enhancing overflow protection and user personalization, and is compatible with various vessel materials.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor, spaced apart from the water-containing vessel, is in fluid communication with the airtight tube and is configured to detect a pressure of the air within the airtight tube
Implementation Method 2
An airtight tube is positioned within the water-containing vessel and is configured to prevent contact between water from the water-containing vessel and air within the airtight tube, while maintaining fluid communication for pressure transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A water level detection system includes a water containing vessel, an airtight tube fluidly coupled to the water containing vessel, a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the airtight tube, and a water level control unit communicably coupled to the pressure sensor. The water level control unit is configured to control at least one of a height of water within the water containing vessel or a temperature of the water based on pressure data from the pressure sensor.