Solar Wireless Autofill System for Liquid Level Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for maintaining a constant liquid level in containers, such as swimming pools and water tanks, often require complex mechanical or electrical setups, are power-intensive, and can lead to overfilling or inefficiencies due to interference between multiple systems.

Innovation Solution

A solar-powered, wireless autofill system using a capacitance sensor and RF communication between a transmitter and receiver to control a solenoid valve, ensuring precise liquid level maintenance with minimal power consumption and no moving parts, and preventing interference between multiple systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical devices or electrical devices are used to maintain liquid level, then the liquid level can be controlled, but the system becomes complex and requires wiring to power supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid level controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical float switches and wired electrical devices with a wireless electronic system using capacitive sensing and RF communication. The transmitter unit wirelessly communicates with the receiver unit, eliminating the need for complex wiring and mechanical moving parts while maintaining reliable liquid level control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the power supply and control logic from a centralized wired system into distributed wireless units. The transmitter unit contains its own battery and capacitive sensor, while the receiver unit contains the solenoid valve control, allowing independent operation without complex interconnections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If batteries are used to power the sensing device, then the device can operate wirelessly, but power consumption is high and maintenance is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless operationVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic capacitive sensing to detect liquid level changes only when necessary, rather than continuous monitoring. The transmitter unit activates the RF transmission only when the liquid level changes state, significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the liquid itself as the sensing medium through capacitive coupling, eliminating the need for physical contact sensors that would require cleaning or replacement. The capacitive sensor automatically adapts to different liquid types and levels without manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple autofill systems are used in proximity, then multiple containers can be controlled, but interference between systems occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple container controlVSAvoidsystem interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements unique identification codes in each transmitter-receiver pair, allowing multiple systems to operate simultaneously without interference. Each system is locally configured with specific pairing information that ensures only the intended receiver responds to a given transmitter's signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If wired electrical devices are used, then solenoid valves can be switched, but installation requires wiring infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve control efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired electrical control with wireless RF communication between the transmitter and receiver units. The receiver unit receives wireless signals and directly controls the solenoid valve, eliminating the need for complex wiring infrastructure while maintaining efficient valve control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 a maintenance-free, efficient, and safe solution for maintaining constant liquid levels in various containers, reducing power usage and preventing overfilling, while allowing for multiple systems to operate without interference.

Implementation Method 1

a solar cell recharges the enclosed battery of the transmitter during daylight hours

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a capacitance sensor in a hermetically sealed plastic enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10228273B1Solar wireless autofill of liquid in a container

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 PENTAIR WATER POOL & SPA INC

AI summary

A solar wireless autofill system is presented. The solar wireless autofill system can include a liquid level sensor to sense a level of liquid in a container and a wireless transmitter to receive the level of liquid in the container from the liquid level sensor and to send a signal to a receiver when the level of liquid in the container is below a predefined level. The signal is not sent to the receiver when the liquid in the container is in motion. The receiver can receive the signal and cause additional liquid to be added to the container in response to the signal.