System and method for detecting a fluid level

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid level detection systems in kitchen devices, such as coffee machines, are unable to provide real-time feedback on the current fluid level or determine if the container is correctly engaged, leading to inefficiencies and potential overflow.

Innovation Solution

A fluid level detection system using a float with a magnet and a magnetometer sensor to detect magnetic flux, providing real-time feedback to a controller for precise fluid level determination and engagement verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If simple switches are used for fluid level detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and information completeness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidfluid level measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple mechanical switches with a magnetic field-based detection system. A float containing a magnet moves with fluid level changes, and a magnetometer sensor detects the magnetic flux variations. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical switch arrangements while providing continuous, precise fluid level measurement and volume calculation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the float and the sensor. The float contains a magnet that generates a magnetic field, and the magnetometer sensor detects changes in magnetic flux caused by the float's position. This intermediary enables non-contact, precise measurement of fluid level without direct mechanical connection between the float and sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If simple switches are used for fluid level detection, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the reliability and functionality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system manufacturing easeVSAvoidcontainer engagement detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic detection system performs multiple functions: it detects fluid level, calculates fluid volume, and verifies container engagement. The same magnetometer sensor that measures magnetic flux for level detection also determines whether the container is correctly positioned on the kitchen device by detecting the presence or absence of the float's magnetic field. This multi-functionality improves reliability without requiring separate detection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If real-time magnetic flux feedback is implemented, then the fluid level monitoring precision is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid level monitoring precisionVSAvoidsensor energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetometer sensor provides real-time feedback by periodically measuring magnetic flux as the float moves with fluid level changes. The system continuously monitors the magnetic field variations caused by the float's position, enabling precise fluid level and volume determination while managing energy consumption through periodic measurement cycles rather than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 accurate fluid level monitoring, engagement verification, and adaptive device functionality based on fluid levels, reducing overflow risks and enhancing user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

a float comprising a magnet, the float being located in the container and movable relative to the container; a sensor configured to detect a magnetic flux associated with the magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux detection: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the sensor is a magnetometer. Preferably, the magnetometer is configured to detect magnetic flux along a predetermined axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux measurement: Magnetometer

Implementation Method 3

the float moves from a lower end of the container to an upper end of the container. Preferably, average density of the float is lower than the density of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS20250386967A1System and method for detecting a fluid level

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 BREVILLE HLDG PTY LTD

AI summary

A fluid level detection system to determine a level of a fluid in a container engageable with a kitchen device, the fluid level detection system comprising a float comprising a magnet, the float being located in the container and movable relative to the container, a sensor configured to detect a magnetic flux associated with the magnet, the sensor being located in the kitchen device, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, the sensor configured to provide to the controller a real-time feedback of the detected magnetic flux as the float moves relative to the container, wherein the controller is configured to determine the level of the fluid in the container based on the detected magnetic flux.