Reservoir Level Probe Sensing for Low-Cost Fluid Flow Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calculating fluid flow from a reservoir, such as inline calibrated flow meters, are costly and do not meet consumer cost constraints, necessitating an alternative approach for fluid level sensing and flow calculation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that sense fluid levels in a reservoir by receiving fluid level signals, identifying changes in fluid states, recording corresponding times, and calculating fluid flow rates to determine the volume dispensed, using a processor module and fluid level probe elements distributed uniformly through the reservoir to quantify fluid flow accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inline calibrated flow meters are used to calculate fluid flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into multiple fluid level zones using probe elements positioned at different heights. Each zone's fluid flow is measured independently by timing how long the fluid level remains at that specific level, then summed to calculate total fluid flow. This segmentation approach replaces the need for a single expensive inline flow meter with multiple simple level sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical inline flow meter with an electrical/timing-based system. Fluid flow rate is determined by measuring the duration the fluid level stays at each probe element position, using electronic timing circuits and processors instead of mechanical flow sensing components.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fluid level probe elements are used to measure fluid flow at different levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe elements serve multiple functions: they detect fluid level positions, measure fluid flow rates through timing, and provide data for calculating total fluid volume dispensed. The same hardware components are used for both level detection and flow measurement, eliminating the need for separate sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines fluid level detection and fluid flow measurement functions into a single integrated system. The probe elements simultaneously perform both tasks, and the processor integrates data from all probes to calculate total fluid flow, merging multiple measurement functions into one unified apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of sensing fluid level in reservoir for calculating fluid flow there from. The method comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of fluid level signals each indicative of respective fluid level state at a predetermined location within the reservoir; identifying change of a first fluid level state; recording a relative first time, with respect to fluid flow duration, at which the first fluid level state changed; and calculating fluid dispensed from the reservoir using the fluid flow duration and an average fluid flow rate associated with the respective fluid level location within the reservoir. The apparatus comprising: a plurality of fluid level probe elements located within the reservoir, each adapted to provide a respective fluid level signal; and a processor module adapted to receive receiving a plurality of fluid level signals.