Sump Pump Water Level Sensor Shield for Light Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sump pump systems face reliability issues due to difficulties in accurately detecting water levels, leading to inefficient activation and deactivation of pumps, which can result in inadequate flood protection in basements and crawl spaces.
Innovation Solution
A sump pump system incorporating a water level sensor assembly with a transmitter and receiver that emit and receive light, housed in a shielded configuration to minimize interference and improve detection accuracy, along with a backup pump system for enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a water level sensor is used to detect water levels in a sump, then the pump activation and deactivation can be controlled, but the detection accuracy is compromised due to interference from ambient light and other external factors
Solution Approach 1:
A shield structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the sensor and the external environment. The shield includes a light-blocking portion that prevents ambient light from reaching the sensor, and a water-permeable portion that allows water molecules to interact with the sensor while blocking light interference. This mediator resolves the contradiction by selectively permitting beneficial interactions (water detection) while blocking harmful ones (light interference).
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed with different regions having different properties: the light-blocking portion is opaque to light but permeable to water molecules, while the water-permeable portion allows water interaction. This local differentiation of properties enables the shield to simultaneously achieve light blocking and water detection facilitation, resolving the measurement precision issue without compromising sensor functionality.
2Reliability
If the sensor is exposed to the environment for accurate detection, then water level can be monitored, but the sensor is vulnerable to damage from water contact and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The shield acts as a protective shell or film structure that envelops the sensor. This shell is designed with specific properties: it blocks light from reaching the sensor while remaining permeable to water molecules. The shield provides physical protection against water contact and environmental damage while maintaining the sensor's ability to detect water levels through the shield material.
3Reliability
If the pump activates too early based on inaccurate detection, then flood protection is enhanced, but energy is wasted due to unnecessary pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The improved water level detection accuracy provided by the shield enables more reliable feedback to the pump control system. By accurately determining when water levels actually reach critical thresholds (rather than triggering on false signals from ambient light interference), the system can make more informed decisions about pump activation. This reduces unnecessary pump operations while maintaining adequate flood protection, thereby reducing energy waste.
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 reliable and accurate water level detection, ensuring timely activation and deactivation of pumps, thereby effectively preventing flooding and enhancing the reliability of sump pump operations.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter is operable to emit light. The receiver is operable to receive light.
Implementation Method 2
The lower portion has an inner surface. The inner surface of the lower portion of the housing intersects at least one of the transmitter exclusion zone and the receiver exclusion zone.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sump pump system, including a sump pump monitor and application. The sump pump system includes a sump pump. Components of the sump pump system are installed in and/or near a sump. The sump collects liquid, such as water, from an inlet pipe. The sump pump is operable to remove water from the sump. The sump pump is fluidly connected to a discharge pipe. The discharge pipe is operable to carry water from the sump pump to a storm sewer or other discharge point.