Submersible Pump Touch Sensors Liquid Level Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submersible pumps lack user-friendly and intuitive methods for setting and controlling liquid levels, relying on complex sensor systems that are not easily customizable or operable by user gestures.
Innovation Solution
Integration of stationary capacitive touch sensors on the pump body that allow users to set and adjust the liquid level through intuitive gestures such as swiping or touching, eliminating the need for movable components and providing visual feedback through indicators like LEDs or buzzers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional liquid level sensors are used in submersible pumps, then liquid level detection function is achieved, but user-friendliness and ease of operation deteriorate due to complex control interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the liquid level sensor with the pump housing to form an integrated capacitive sensor system. The sensor electrodes are embedded directly in the pump housing, eliminating separate sensor components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing serves dual functions: it acts as both the structural enclosure and the capacitive sensor for liquid level detection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the control interface by integrating sensing capability directly into the existing structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If movable sensors are used to adjust liquid level thresholds, then flexibility in setting desired levels is achieved, but device complexity increases due to movable components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movable sensors with stationary capacitive sensors that detect liquid level through changes in capacitance. Users can adjust the desired liquid level thresholds through electronic configuration or simple touch gestures on the capacitive surface, eliminating the need for physical movement of sensor components while maintaining full flexibility in setting different levels.
3Ease of operation
If separate buttons or knobs are added for controlling liquid level, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing serves as both the structural enclosure and the capacitive touch interface for user control. By making the housing itself touch-sensitive, the patent eliminates the need for separate buttons or knobs, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining intuitive user interaction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is merged with the pump housing structure. The capacitive sensor layers are integrated into the housing walls, allowing users to interact with the pump by touching the housing itself rather than requiring separate control elements. This integration reduces manufacturing steps and component assembly.
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
Enables simple, efficient, and user-friendly control of liquid levels, preventing overflow and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for separate buttons or knobs, while ensuring safe and intuitive operation.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor module monitors a top level of material over a large range with a passive sensor
Implementation Method 2
A submersible pump (or sub pump, or electric submersible pump (ESP)) is a device which has a hermetically sealed motor close-coupled to a pump body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A submersible pump (100) includes a pump body (102). The submersible pump (100) forming a main compartment (104) having an intake (106) and an output (108) for a liquid (110). The pump body (102) is adapted for submersion in a body of liquid (110) whose level is to be controlled. The one or more sensors (112) configured the submersible pump (100) to operate within a threshold operating level (114). The threshold operating level (114) is between a lower liquid level (116) and an upper liquid level (118) set based on a user touch with the one or more sensors (112).The submersible pump (100) is characterized in that the one or more sensors of the pump are stationary touch sensitive sensors. The user touch includes a preset gesture (140) for setting the desired liquid level, by either swiping or touching the one or more sensors (112).