Solenoid Valve Bubbler Sensor for Fluid Depth Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote sensing technologies for liquid depth measurement face challenges such as occlusion and calibration issues with orifices, and are not robust enough for varying environmental conditions, particularly with uncontrolled gas pressure from compressors.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a normally-closed electronic solenoid valve with a large diameter orifice that rapidly opens and closes, controlled by a microprocessor for precise regulation of air flow and pressure, minimizing the need for calibration and reducing clogging, and powered by small solar panels or batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed orifice valve is used to control gas flow, then the system allows remote sensing, but the orifice can be easily partially or completely occluded and requires calibration due to manufacturing variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed orifice valve with a dynamic solenoid valve that can be electronically controlled to open and close. This dynamic component allows the system to maintain remote sensing capability while eliminating the occlusion problem associated with fixed orifices, as the valve can be actuated to clear blockages or adjusted to maintain proper flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical fixed orifice valve with an electronically controlled solenoid valve. This replacement eliminates the need for manual calibration and adjustment, as the solenoid valve can be precisely controlled through electrical signals, thereby improving reliability and eliminating occlusion issues.
2Stress or pressure
If a small orifice is used to tightly control gas pressure, then pressure control improves, but the orifice becomes more susceptible to occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the small fixed orifice with a dynamically controlled solenoid valve that can precisely regulate gas pressure through electronic control. This dynamic mechanism maintains tight pressure control without the occlusion susceptibility of small fixed orifices, as the valve can be actuated to maintain proper flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical small orifice pressure control mechanism with an electronically controlled solenoid valve. This replacement achieves precise pressure control through electrical actuation while eliminating the occlusion problem inherent in small fixed orifices.
3Ease of operation
If a compressor is used to provide pressurized gas, then remote sensing is enabled, but the gas pressure is not tightly controlled and varies significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where a pressure sensor monitors the actual gas pressure and provides this information to a controller. The controller then adjusts the solenoid valve to maintain the desired pressure setpoint, thereby stabilizing the gas pressure despite variations from the compressor and enabling reliable remote sensing.
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 accurate and reliable remote sensing of liquid depth with reduced power consumption, minimal impact from gas pressure variations, and is robust for diverse environmental conditions, avoiding occlusion and calibration requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure sensor upstream from a normally-closed electronic solenoid valve
Implementation Method 2
a second pressure sensor downstream from the normally-closed electronic solenoid valve
Implementation Method 3
pressure differential across a modulating, large orifice valve
Implementation Method 4
The air or gas pressure within the tube is equal to the head pressure of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic depth sensor system for remotely reporting on a depth of a body of fluid is provided. The system comprises a regulated source of compressed gas, a first pressure sensor upstream from a normally-closed electronic solenoid valve, a second pressure sensor downstream from the electronic solenoid valve and a bubbler outlet downstream from the second pressure sensor, the bubbler outlet for locating at a bottom of the body of fluid, the depth sensor system under control of a microprocessor, the microprocessor in electronic communication with the first and second pressure sensors and the normally-closed electronic solenoid valve, and configured to instruct the normally-closed electronic solenoid valve to be in a fully open position or a fully closed position and to rapidly change position in response to a pressure reading from the second pressure sensor.