Ultrasonic Fluid Level Sensor Spacer Design for Vibration Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic fluid level sensors in transport refrigeration systems face errors due to vibrations and electrical noise from movement and engine cranking, leading to nondeterministic signals and inaccurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A fluid level measurement system that positions the ultrasonic fluid level sensor at a distance greater than or equal to half the near field distance from the fluid surface, using a spacer to inhibit nondeterministic signals and ensure accurate readings by maintaining a consistent minimum separation distance, thereby reducing the impact of vibrations and power supply noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fluid level sensor is positioned close to the fluid surface for compact installation, then the device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to nondeterministic signals from vibrations and electrical noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spacer as an intermediary component positioned between the ultrasonic fluid level sensor and the fluid surface. This spacer maintains a minimum separation distance (at least half the near field distance) without requiring complex mounting mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while ensuring measurement precision by preventing nondeterministic signals from affecting the sensor readings
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is placed at a distance greater than or equal to half the near field distance from the fluid surface, then measurement precision is improved by reducing nondeterministic signals, but the device complexity increases due to additional spacing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer serves as a simple intermediary component that automatically maintains the required minimum separation distance between the sensor and fluid surface. This mechanical solution is simpler than active positioning systems or complex mounting structures, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies a particular parameter range for the separation distance (at least half the near field distance of the ultrasonic sensor) and implements it through the spacer design. By changing the spatial parameter from close-contact to spaced-apart configuration, the measurement precision is improved while the complexity remains manageable through the simple spacer structure
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 system effectively prevents glitches in fluid level readings by maintaining a stable separation distance, ensuring accurate and reliable fluid level measurements even under conditions of vibration and power instability.
Implementation Method 1
fluid level sensor for generating fluid level signals indicative of the fluid level in the tank
Implementation Method 2
generating fluid level signals with the fluid level sensor indicative of the fluid level in the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring a fluid level in a tank containing a fluid for a transportable temperature controlled space. The method includes providing a temperature control system for the transportable temperature controlled space, providing a fluid level sensor for sensing a fluid level in the tank, generating fluid level signals with the fluid level sensor indicative of the fluid level in the tank, providing a fluid level algorithm for receiving the fluid level signals from the fluid level sensor and computing the fluid level in the tank, and inhibiting nondeterministic fluid level signals from being introduced to the fluid level algorithm.