Telescopic Tube Level Sensor for Submerged Solids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-contact level sensing of submerged solids in salt water is prone to errors and false readings due to corrosion and salt deposits, making it difficult to accurately detect the level of submerged solids in salt water environments.
Innovation Solution
A level sensing system comprising an outer and inner tube configuration, where the inner tube abuts the upper surface of submerged solids and experiences relative movement with the outer tube, triggering a switch device to indicate when the solids' level falls below a predetermined threshold, thereby providing accurate level detection and minimizing false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-contact level sensing (capacitive, ultrasonic) is used in salt water environments, then level detection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to corrosion and salt deposits causing errors and false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a telescoping tube mechanism as an intermediary between the sensing system and the salt water environment. The tube assembly (outer tube and inner tube) physically isolates the electronic sensing components from direct contact with salt water, while still allowing level detection through the tube walls. This mediator protects against corrosion and salt deposit interference, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and reliability in harsh environments.
2Reliability
If electronic sensing devices are exposed to salt water, then level sensing function is achieved, but device reliability deteriorates due to corrosion of electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping tube assembly serves as a protective intermediary barrier between the electronic sensing devices and the corrosive salt water environment. The tubes allow the electronics to remain isolated from direct exposure to harmful factors while still enabling level detection functionality, thus protecting device reliability without sacrificing sensing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If salt deposits form on sensing elements and walls, then environmental exposure is tolerated, but measurement precision deteriorates due to false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping tube mechanism acts as an intermediary barrier that prevents salt deposits from forming directly on the electronic sensing elements and tank walls. By isolating the electronics within the tube assembly, the system tolerates the harsh salt water environment while preventing deposit-related measurement errors, thus maintaining both environmental adaptability and measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Sensing level of submerged solids. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: inserting a level sensing apparatus through an aperture at a top of a reservoir such that a bottom end of an inner tube abuts an upper surface of the submerged solids in the reservoir; utilizing the submerged solids such that the upper surface of the submerged solids recedes and the level sensing apparatus moves downward with the receding upper surface of the submerged solids; constraining downward movement of an outer tube when the upper surface of the submerged solids reaches a predetermined low level; and as the upper surface of the submerged solids continues to recede, sensing relative movement of the outer tube and an inner tube as an indication that the upper surface of the submerged solids is below the predetermined low level.