Tank Manifold Layout for Accurate Level Sensing Without Stagnation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure sensor technologies in water purification systems face challenges in accurately measuring tank levels due to pressure drops caused by water flow, leading to potential water contamination and bacteria growth, especially in transparent and detachable tanks.

Innovation Solution

A manifold with three flow channels: one for filling/draining, one for pressure measurement, and a third channel that replaces stagnant liquid in the pressure measurement channel during operation, maintaining accurate pressure readings while preventing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate second flow channel is used for pressure measurement to avoid flow-induced pressure drops, then measurement precision is improved, but water stagnation occurs leading to bacterial growth and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank level measurement accuracyVSAvoidbacterial growth and water contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A third flow channel is introduced as an intermediary element that connects the first and second flow channels. This mediator channel enables water circulation between the measurement channel and the main flow channel, allowing stagnant water in the second channel to be periodically replaced without disrupting the pressure measurement function. The third channel acts as a bridge that resolves the contradiction between measurement stability and water freshness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If high water flow is used in the first flow channel for efficient filling and draining, then productivity is improved, but pressure drop increases interfering with accurate pressure measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling and draining rateVSAvoidpressure measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The water flow system is segmented into two independent channels: the first flow channel handles high-flow filling and draining operations, while the second flow channel maintains low-flow conditions suitable for accurate pressure measurement. The third flow channel connects these segments, allowing the system to benefit from both high productivity in the first channel and measurement precision in the second channel without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively prevents bacterial growth and contamination by replacing stagnant liquid in the second flow channel, thus preventing bacterial growth and contamination, ensuring accurate tank level measurements and reducing bacterial growth, ensuring accurate pressure sensor readings.

Implementation Method 1

1 cm of water represents 1 mbar of static pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a third flow channel connecting the first flow channel and the second flow channel, wherein the third flow channel is configured and arranged to replace liquid stagnant in the second flow channel when liquid is filled and/or drained into/from the tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS20260001782A1Manifold for a liquid tank and water purification system

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 MERCK PATENT GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a manifold for a liquid tank, preferably for use in a water purification system, and to a water purification system provided with the manifold.