Tilting pH Sensor Pipe With Gravity Shut-Off Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement apparatuses for hydroponics, such as those described in Japanese Patent No. 7241444, do not provide a specific method to achieve the tilting mechanism necessary for immersing a pH sensor in a solution while preventing dust accumulation on the sensor's glass film during non-measurement periods.
Innovation Solution
A liquid shut-off valve device is introduced, comprising a pipe supported by a fulcrum, a supply port, a first valve with a spherical-shaped object and a cylinder, and a second valve with similar components. This device allows the pipe to be tilted, with the first valve stopping liquid flow when tilted to one side and the second valve preventing liquid flow from outside when tilted to the other side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pH sensor is kept immersed in the aqueous solution, then the measurement readiness is improved, but dust accumulates on the glass film
Solution Approach 1:
The rod-shaped body is designed to dynamically change its orientation between horizontal (storage) and tilted (measurement) positions. This dynamic positioning allows the pH sensor to be immersed only when needed for measurement, preventing dust accumulation while maintaining measurement readiness when required
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic immersion of the pH sensor into the aqueous solution. The rod-shaped body is tilted to immerse the sensor during measurement periods and returned to horizontal position during non-measurement periods, creating a periodic cycle that balances measurement readiness with dust prevention
2Measurement precision
If the rod-shaped body is tilted to immerse the measurement unit, then the sensor can measure pH, but the cleaning liquid supply must be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid shut-off valve device automatically controls cleaning liquid supply based on the rod-shaped body's position. The spherical object and cylinder mechanism self-activates when the rod is tilted, stopping the cleaning liquid flow without requiring external control systems, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while enabling precise pH measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid shut-off valve device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cleaning liquid supply and the pH sensor. It mediates the liquid flow based on the rod's orientation, using the spherical object-cylinder interaction to automatically regulate flow and prevent liquid leakage during measurement
3Reliability
If the cleaning liquid flows continuously through the pipe, then the sensor is continuously cleaned, but liquid leaks when the pipe is tilted
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of continuous liquid flow is extracted and eliminated by introducing the liquid shut-off valve device. This device selectively removes the flow control function when the pipe is tilted, allowing the cleaning liquid to flow only when the rod is in the correct horizontal position, thereby preventing leakage while maintaining sensor cleanliness
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 liquid shut-off valve device effectively manages the immersion and exposure of the pH sensor, preventing dust accumulation and ensuring accurate measurements by controlling the flow of cleaning liquid and solution around the sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve configured to stop a flow of the liquid from the pipe in response to the pipe being tilted to the one side
Implementation Method 2
a spherical-shaped object of the second valve engages with the cylinder of the second valve to prevent a liquid from flowing from an outside of the pipe toward the first valve in response to the pipe being tilted to the other side
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement apparatus includes a supply pipe that is supported by a top portion forming a fulcrum and is configured to be tilted to one side or the other side thereof, a cleaning liquid supply pipe that supplies distilled water to the supply pipe, a first valve that stops the flow of the distilled water from the supply pipe while the supply pipe is tilted to the one side, and a second valve disposed on the opposite side of the first valve from a supply port. While the supply pipe is not tilted, the first valve and second valve do not stop the flow of the distilled water from the supply pipe. While the supply pipe is tilted to the other side, the second valve prevents a liquid from flowing from the outside of the supply pipe toward the first valve.