Immersion Pump Level Sensing via Integrated Wireless Pressure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting the level of a well/tank require separate equipment and installations, are often cumbersome to install, and necessitate additional access points, increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A device integrated into an electric immersion pump that uses an air pressure sensor and a pressure transducer connected via NFC communication, allowing for easy installation and operation without the need for additional access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate level probes are used, then level detection function is provided, but device complexity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlevel detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the level detection device with the electric immersion pump into a single integrated unit. The pressure sensor and its housing are integrated within the pump housing, eliminating the need for separate level probes and their associated cables and interfaces. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable level detection functionality through the pressure sensor that measures liquid level via pressure differential.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric immersion pump is designed to perform multiple functions: pumping liquid and detecting liquid level. The pressure sensor serves dual purposes by both monitoring level and providing data to the control unit for pump operation control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated level detection equipment, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If immersion probes with cables are used, then level measurement is achieved, but space occupation and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel measurement precisionVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The level detection functionality is merged into the pump housing, eliminating the need for separate probe assemblies with cables extending to external interfaces. The pressure sensor is housed within the pump housing, and all processing is done by the pump's control unit, significantly reducing the space required for level detection components and their connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the level detection function from separate external probes and integrates it directly into the pump unit. By taking out the need for external cables and separate probe housings, the solution reduces space occupation while maintaining precise level measurement capabilities through the pressure sensor and control unit integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If separate power supplies are used for pump and probe, then independent operation is enabled, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit of the electric immersion pump is designed to perform multiple functions including both pump control and level detection processing. The pressure sensor connects directly to this control unit, which handles both power management for the pump motor and data processing from the level sensor. This merging of control functions into a single unit eliminates the need for separate power supplies and control systems, reducing complexity while maintaining ease of operation through unified control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables user-friendly, autonomous installation of the level detection device, reduces space occupation, and eliminates the need for separate power supplies and access points, enhancing reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a first portion (12), which comprises an air pressure sensor, physically/electrically connected to the management and control element (40), a second portion (13), which comprises a pressure transducer (15)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

The second portion (13) is connected to the management and control element (40) via a connection of the wireless NFC (Near Field Communication) type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNFC communication:

Data Source

PatentEP3770562B1Device for detecting the level of a well/tank and electric immersion pump with the device
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 DAB PUMPS SPA
  • EP3770562B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3770562B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3770562B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A device (10) for detecting the level of a well/tank, which comprises: - a management and control element (40), of the electronic type, - a first portion (12), comprising an air pressure sensor, physically/electrically connected to the management and control element (40), - a second portion (13), which comprises a pressure transducer (15) and is connected to the management and control element (40) by means of a wireless connection.