Sound Transducer Module for Fluid Level and Quality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid level and quality determination systems in vehicles require multiple independent sound transducers and deflecting elements, which are costly and inefficient, and struggle with accurately measuring fluid levels and quality, especially at low filling levels.
Innovation Solution
A sound transducer module with at least two sound transducers that superimpose signals to create a superimposition sound signal, allowing for adjustable propagation direction and control modes to determine fluid level and quality using a single module, eliminating the need for separate deflecting elements and enabling reliable measurements at low filling levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple independent sound transducers and deflecting elements are used to determine fluid level and quality, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sound transducers (first and second sound transducers) into a single sound transducer module that operates cooperatively. The module emits superimposed sound signals and receives reflected signals to determine both fluid level and quality, eliminating the need for separate transducers and deflecting elements while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The sound transducer module is designed to perform multiple functions: it determines both fluid level and fluid quality using the same transducer assembly. The module can operate in different modes (emitting sound signals at different angles) to extract multiple parameters from a single device, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If separate sound transducers are used for level and quality measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transducer functions into a single integrated sound transducer module, reducing component count and assembly complexity. The module uses cooperative emission and reception of sound signals to reliably determine both level and quality without requiring separate transducer assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The sound transducer module serves itself by using its own emitted sound signals for both level and quality determination. The module emits sound signals that are reflected by both the fluid surface and the fluid itself, allowing self-contained measurement of multiple parameters without external reference transducers
3Measurement precision
If traditional sound transducer systems are used, then fluid level determination is possible, but measurement accuracy at low filling levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sound transducer module dynamically adjusts its operation by emitting sound signals at different angles and processing reflected signals from both the fluid surface and the fluid body. This dynamic signal processing enables accurate level determination even when the fluid level is low, as the system can adaptively use available reflection paths
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from reflected sound signals to determine both fluid level and quality. By analyzing the reflected signals from the fluid surface and the fluid body, the system can accurately determine level even at low filling levels, as the feedback mechanism provides information about the actual fluid state
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 solution allows for cost-effective and efficient determination of fluid level and quality in vehicles, using a single sound transducer module that can adjust its propagation direction, ensuring accurate measurements even at low filling levels without separate deflecting elements, thereby improving operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the sound transducer can emit sound pulses into the fluid to be measured. The sound pulses can be reflected by a boundary surface of the fluid with respect to a further medium. Conclusions on the level of the fluid surface in the fluid container can be drawn from the propagation time of the sound pulses.
Implementation Method 2
a separately provided sound transducer can be used to emit sound signals in the direction of a reference reflector arranged in the fluid in order to determine a sound speed in the fluid
Implementation Method 3
a sound transducer module (10) having at least two sound transducers (20-90) which are each designed to receive and emit sound signals in such a manner that a superimposition sound signal (11, 12, 13, 14, 18) results when the at least two sound signals are superimposed
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include determining a level of a surface of a fluid and/or for determining a quality of the fluid in a fluid container. An example apparatus comprises a sound transducer module having two sound transducers designed to receive and emit sound signals in such a manner that a superimposition sound signal results when the sound signals are superimposed, and a reference element arranged in the fluid at a predefined distance from the sound transducer module and is designed to reflect the superimposition sound signal. The sound transducer module is designed, by superimposing the at least two sound signals, to emit the superimposition sound signal both in a first direction to the surface of the fluid and in a second direction to the reference element, said second direction running at a predetermined sound signal angle with respect to the first direction.