Thermal-Vibration Liquid Level Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring liquid levels in vessels lack accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and speed, necessitating a more precise and efficient approach.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a thermally conductive elongated probe with a heater and temperature sensors, where heat is applied to the probe to create a temperature gradient, and vibrations are introduced to measure the propagation time through the liquid interface, allowing for accurate liquid level computation based on temperature-dependent vibration speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods (sight glasses, hydrostatic pressure, strain gauge) are used for liquid level measurement, then the measurement can be obtained, but the accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and speed of measurement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vibration sensors to detect mechanical vibrations propagating through the liquid column. By measuring the natural frequency of vibration of the liquid column, the system determines the liquid level with high precision and rapid response, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and measurement speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures changes in physical parameters (vibration frequency, temperature) of the liquid column to determine liquid level. By monitoring how these parameters change with liquid level, the system achieves both high measurement precision and fast response time
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple measurement method is used, then the cost is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a simpler electronic system using vibration sensors and temperature sensors. This substitution maintains high measurement precision while reducing system complexity and cost, achieving both ease of manufacture and measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If temperature gradient is applied to the probe, then vibration propagation speed varies providing measurement information, but the system complexity increases due to heater and temperature control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes temperature-induced changes in the physical state and properties of the liquid column. By applying controlled heating, the system creates temperature gradients that affect vibration propagation characteristics, providing additional measurement information for determining liquid level with high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensors and vibration sensors work together where the temperature measurements directly inform the vibration propagation analysis. The system uses the temperature-dependent vibration characteristics to automatically calculate liquid level, reducing the need for additional complex control mechanisms
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
This method provides accurate, quick, and cost-effective liquid level measurements by leveraging temperature and vibration propagation differences across the probe, enhancing precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to add heat to the probe and thereby raise the average temperature along the length of the probe
Implementation Method 2
measuring the time delay between the introduction of the vibration into the probe at the first location and the arrival of the vibration in the probe at the second location
Implementation Method 3
the measured propagation time, the measured temperature of the probe in the upper region, the measured temperature of the probe in the lower region, and the known temperature dependence of the speed of propagation of the vibration along the probe
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for measuring the level of a liquid. The apparatus comprises an elongated, thermally conductive probe with an upper region to be disposed above the surface of the liquid, a lower region to be disposed below the surface of the liquid, and a middle region. A heater adds heat to the probe, and temperature sensors may measure the temperature of the probe in the upper and lower regions. An actuator may introduce a vibration into the probe at a first location, and a vibration sensor senses the arrival of the vibration at a second location. Electrical circuitry controls may be used to receive signals and make measurements. The liquid level may be computed by electrical circuitry controls via an equation.