Tank Outlet Connection Device Sensor Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation devices face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively monitoring operational parameters like fill level, flow rate, and temperature within the liquid tank due to space constraints and the risk of sensor damage during tank removal and installation, with existing solutions being complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A tank outlet connection device integrating a fill level sensor, flow sensor, and temperature sensor within the tank outlet connection device, which is designed for easy assembly and minimizes sensor exposure, using a common sensor electronics system for reduced wiring and improved repairability, with a thermal anemometry sensor for flow measurement and a pressure sensor for fill level detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted inside the liquid tank, then measurement precision of operational parameters is improved, but the risk of sensor damage during tank removal and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the tank outlet connection device) that serves as a mediator between the liquid tank and the beverage preparation device. Sensors are mounted in this intermediary device rather than directly in the tank, allowing them to remain close to the tank for accurate measurement while being protected from damage during tank removal and installation operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are installed in the liquid tank area, then monitoring capability of operational parameters is improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensors (level sensor, flow sensor, temperature sensor) into a single integrated sensor arrangement mounted in the tank outlet connection device. This consolidation allows multiple operational parameters to be monitored simultaneously while reducing wiring complexity and simplifying the overall device structure compared to distributing sensors throughout the liquid tank area.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned close to the liquid tank, then measurement accuracy is improved, but space availability in the liquid tank area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the sensor arrangement from the interior space of the liquid tank to the tank outlet connection device, which is positioned in a different spatial dimension (at the outlet connection point). This dimensional relocation allows sensors to remain close to the tank for accurate measurement without consuming valuable interior tank space, thereby resolving the spatial conflict.
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 provides robust, space-efficient monitoring of liquid tank parameters, reducing the risk of sensor damage and simplifying assembly and maintenance, while ensuring accurate beverage preparation by integrating sensors within the tank outlet connection device.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal anemometry sensor for flow measurement
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor for fill level detection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tank outlet connection device (2) for connection to a tank outlet of a fluid tank in a beverage preparation device, said connection device having a flow path (4) leading through the tank outlet connection device (2). A sensor arrangement (14) integrated into the tank outlet connection device (2) has at least one fill level sensor (18) and one flow sensor (16) and is designed such that a fill level inside a fluid tank connected to the tank outlet connection device (2) and a flow of fluid through the tank outlet connection device (2) can be measured thereby.