Thermal Generator Closure for Wireless Fluid Level Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining the filling level of fluids in containers, such as oil reservoirs, face challenges with complex cabling that complicates assembly, disassembly, and requires additional space, leading to increased time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A device configured as a closure means with a thermal generator for energy supply, enabling wireless data transmission and energy storage, allowing for cable-free operation and easy assembly, using a thermocouple to harness temperature gradients for power and an ultrasonic transducer for accurate level measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable-bound power supply and data transfer are used, then reliable energy supply and data communication are achieved, but assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming, and additional installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply and data transmission functions from external cable connections and integrates them into the closure means itself. The closure means incorporates an energy source (battery or energy harvesting device) and wireless communication capabilities, eliminating the need for cable-bound connections and enabling easy assembly by simply mounting the closure on the container opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure means becomes self-sufficient by integrating its own energy source and wireless communication system. It no longer requires external power supply or data connection infrastructure, allowing independent operation and simplifying installation to merely mounting the closure unit on the container opening without any cabling work.
2Reliability
If cable-bound power supply is used, then stable energy supply is ensured, but overall system weight increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for external cabling and integrated power supply infrastructure from the vehicle system. The sensor device uses its own integrated energy source, eliminating the weight of cables and external power supply components while maintaining reliable energy supply for the sensor operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device integrated in the closure means becomes self-powered through onboard energy sources (battery or energy harvesting from temperature gradients). This self-sufficiency eliminates the need for vehicle-level power supply infrastructure, reducing overall system weight while ensuring stable energy supply for measurement operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If thermal generator is used for energy supply, then wireless operation is enabled and assembly is simplified, but energy availability depends on temperature gradient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy supply approaches: a thermal generator (thermocouple) that converts temperature gradients into electrical energy is integrated with the closure means. This is complemented by a capacitor for energy storage and optionally a battery for additional energy reserves, creating a hybrid energy system that ensures operation even when temperature gradients are insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors temperature gradient conditions and adjusts its energy supply strategy accordingly. When sufficient temperature difference exists between the fluid and ambient environment, the thermal generator provides power. When conditions are unfavorable, the system switches to stored energy from the capacitor or battery, ensuring continuous operation regardless of thermal conditions.
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 eliminates the need for cabling, simplifies assembly and disassembly, reduces vehicle weight, and enhances energy efficiency by using a thermal generator and wireless data transmission, enabling precise fluid level measurements without external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
The energy source may be a thermal generator, in particular a thermocouple. A thermal generator is constructed in such a way as to utilise the temperature difference between a fluid such as engine oil in an oil sump and the ambient temperature based on the Seebeck effect, in order to generate electric voltage.
Implementation Method 2
Here the filling level is determined by means of a runtime measuring method with ultrasound signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for determining the filling level of a fluid in a container, in particular in the oil reservoir of a vehicle, is provided. The device has at least one sensor element, at least one control unit, at least one energy source, and at least one transmitting unit for wireless transmission of measured data. The at least one energy source is a thermal generator, in particular a thermocouple. The device has at least one energy storage device. The thermal generator is configured for measuring a time-dependent temperature gradient, the thermal generator has a signal-conducting connection to the control unit, and the control unit is configured for placing the device from an energy-saving state into a ready-to-measure state. A method for determining the filling level of a fluid in a container using the device, and a vehicle with the device, in particular a motor vehicle, are also provided.