Rotatable End-Weights for Flexible Wire Fill Level Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fill level measurement devices with multiple flexible wire probes connected to a single end-weight face challenges in ensuring each probe receives a predetermined axial tensile force, leading to manufacturing precision issues and potential rotational tension, which can affect the accuracy of the measurement.
Innovation Solution
The use of rotatable and axially movable end-weights connected to each flexible wire probe allows for self-correction of length and rotational tension differences, ensuring proper alignment and tension application irrespective of manufacturing tolerances, with options for electrical connection or isolation to optimize signal reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple flexible wire probes are connected to a single end-weight, then the device structure is simplified, but manufacturing precision deteriorates because all probes must be made with essentially equal lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The single end-weight is segmented into multiple individual end-weights, each connected to a separate flexible wire probe. This allows each probe-end-weight assembly to be manufactured independently with different lengths, eliminating the requirement for all probes to have equal lengths while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The end-weights are designed with rotational freedom relative to each other, allowing dynamic adjustment during installation. This enables the system to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and achieve proper alignment without requiring high manufacturing precision for probe lengths.
2Ease of manufacture
If flexible wire probes are made with different lengths to accommodate installation variations, then ease of installation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent axial tension
Solution Approach 1:
The end-weights are designed to rotate freely relative to each other around the probe axis, creating a dynamic system that self-adjusts during installation. This rotational freedom ensures that each probe receives the necessary axial tensile force regardless of length differences, maintaining measurement precision while accommodating manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the gravitational force on the end-weights to automatically apply the required axial tensile force to each probe. The rotatable connection allows the probes to self-align and receive consistent tension without requiring precise manufacturing or complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a single end-weight is used for multiple probes, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to rotational tension affecting probe positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The single end-weight is divided into multiple independent end-weights, each attached to a separate probe. This segmentation eliminates the rotational tension problem that occurs when multiple probes are forced into a single end-weight, as each probe-end-weight assembly can be independently positioned and tensioned, improving reliability while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
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 arrangement enables accurate and reliable fill level measurements by ensuring consistent axial tension and reducing manufacturing costs, while allowing for flexible wire probes to operate effectively across varying lengths and internal tensions.
Implementation Method 1
an end-weight, said end-weight being connected to said at least two flexible wire probes and embodied such that it serves to apply an axial tensile force to at least a portion of the length of each of the at least two flexible wire probes
Implementation Method 2
at least two flexible wire probes that extend into the container and serve to guide an electromagnetic measurement signal generated by a signal generator
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fill level measuring device for measuring a fill level of a liquid material in a container, including at least two flexible wire probes that extend into the container, a signal generator, and an end weight for each flexible wire probe. The end-weights are joined together such that they can rotate with respect to each other and/or can move in an axial direction with respect to each other.