Dispensing Reservoir Level Sensing for Refill Interval Prediction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dispensing systems lack effective methods for monitoring the remaining fluid level and determining the optimal time for refilling, leading to potential shortages or overstocking, which can result in inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electronic sensors and a controller within the dispensing system to detect changes in fluid levels, calculate an average usage rate, and determine a remaining service interval, allowing for real-time monitoring and notification of when the fluid product needs to be replenished.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual monitoring of fluid levels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of fluid level detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical level indicators with electronic sensors (capacitive, resistive, inductive, or optical) that automatically detect fluid levels. This substitution of mechanical monitoring methods with electronic sensing systems resolves the contradiction by providing precise measurement without requiring complex manual monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring through automated sensors that continuously track fluid levels and trigger refilling notifications without human intervention. The controller automatically processes sensor data and generates alerts, allowing the dispensing system to monitor its own status, thereby achieving high measurement precision without increasing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If frequent refilling is performed to prevent shortages, then reliability of fluid supply is improved, but loss of time and productivity increase due to unnecessary replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of fluid levels using sensors that continuously monitor the reservoir status. By detecting low fluid levels before complete depletion occurs, the system triggers advance refilling notifications, allowing users to refill at the optimal moment. This prevents both shortages and unnecessary refilling, resolving the contradiction between supply reliability and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives continuous feedback from electronic sensors regarding fluid levels and usage rates. This feedback loop enables the system to dynamically determine when refilling is actually needed based on real-time data rather than fixed schedules, optimizing the timing of refilling operations to maintain reliability while minimizing time loss.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to track fluid levels, then measurement precision and remaining service interval calculation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple sensors positioned at different heights within the reservoir to detect specific fluid level thresholds (e.g., low level, critical level). Each sensor monitors a particular segment of the fluid range, and the controller integrates these segmented measurements to calculate overall fluid volume and remaining service intervals. This segmentation approach achieves high measurement precision while keeping individual sensor components simple and manageable.
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
This solution enables accurate and timely refilling, reducing waste and maintaining system functionality by providing users with precise information on when the fluid product is running low, thus optimizing inventory management and reducing unnecessary replacements.
Implementation Method 1
The first electronic sensor is configured to detect a first change from a first weight of the fluid product in a dispensing system reservoir to a second weight of the fluid product in the dispensing system reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system comprises a first electronic sensor and a controller. The first electronic sensor may be configured to detect a first change from a first amount of a fluid product in a dispensing system reservoir to a second amount of the fluid product in the dispensing system reservoir. The controller may be coupled to the first electronic sensor and configured to receive a first signal from the first electronic sensor indicative of the first change. The dispensing system reservoir may be disposed in the dispensing system. A method for determining a remaining service interval for a dispensing system reservoir is also provided.