Removable Liquid Level Sensor for Aircraft Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level sensors in aircraft and other passenger transportation vehicles face challenges with ease of access, maintenance, and replacement due to complex installation and restricted access, leading to potential flooding and flight delays.
Innovation Solution
A liquid level sensor system with a removable vessel connection that uses a snap configuration for easy disconnection and reconnection, allowing for modular and interchangeable components, including a conductive probe and connection conduit secured to a circuit board, enabling quick removal and replacement without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the liquid level sensor is integrated into the removable vessel with a permanent connection, then the sensing accuracy and reliability are improved, but the ease of maintenance and replacement deteriorates due to restricted access and complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor probe connection is divided into two separate parts: a first part integrated with the removable vessel and a second part integrated with the stationary unit. These parts connect through a removable connection feature that allows the sensor to function reliably when connected while enabling easy separation for maintenance and replacement of the removable vessel.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor probe connection is made permanent and integrated, then the measurement precision and detection accuracy are improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into a removable portion (first part of connection) and a stationary portion (second part of connection). This segmentation maintains precise liquid level detection when connected while allowing easy access to the stationary unit for maintenance without requiring removal of the entire vessel or complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable connection feature acts as an intermediary between the removable vessel and stationary unit. It provides a reliable electrical and mechanical connection for accurate sensing while enabling simple attachment and detachment operations for maintenance activities.
3Reliability
If the sensor connection requires manual intervention for disconnection, then the connection stability and reliability are improved, but the productivity and maintenance efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separable parts with a dedicated removable connection feature. This design maintains stable electrical and mechanical connections during operation while enabling rapid disconnection simply by removing the removable vessel, eliminating the need for manual intervention, tools, or complex procedures during maintenance.
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 ease of assembly, disassembly, and maintenance, reducing the risk of flooding and flight delays by allowing for quick replacement of faulty sensors, while maintaining accurate liquid level detection and supporting continuous or discrete level measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive probe and connection conduit secured to a circuit board, enabling quick removal and replacement
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a liquid level sensor system that allows ease of connection and disconnection of a removable vessel (such as a toilet bowl) from a stationary unit (such as a toilet frame). The system provides at least one liquid level sensor (a first part of the sensor probe connection) mounted to the removable vessel, a liquid level sensor circuit board mounted to the unit, and a connection feature (a second part of a sensor probe connection) configured to extend between the sensor and the circuit board. When the removable vessel is removed from the vessel, the sensor probe connection is disconnected without the need for manual intervention. Installation of multiple probes and varying their location can support detection of a single or several discrete levels, or provide for any required redundancy of detection.