Variable-Resistor Plate for Liquid Level Detector with Correction Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid level detectors face challenges in accurately measuring resistance values due to variations caused by surplus resistance generated from conductors deviating from the slide locus, leading to inconsistent resistance readings when assembled.
Innovation Solution
A variable-resistor plate with a substrate, sliding electrodes, and correction contact parts allows for precise adjustment of resistor shape to match target resistance values by measuring correction resistance values at dedicated pads, ensuring accurate resistance readings even when measured off the slide locus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the contact part is formed at a position deviated from the slide locus to enable stable contact with the measurement part, then the ease of measurement is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to surplus resistance value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a correction part as an intermediary element that mediates between the measurement part and the actual contact position. The correction part includes a correction contact part positioned at the deviation distance from the slide locus, which allows the measurement to be taken at a convenient position while compensating for the surplus resistance through a correction value stored in memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter by introducing a correction value that compensates for the surplus resistance. The correction value is determined based on the deviation distance and is applied to adjust the measured resistance value, transforming the measurement from direct contact at the slide locus to contact at the deviated position with mathematical correction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the resistor shape is adjusted based on actually-measured resistance value to correct variations among individuals, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to inaccurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The correction part acts as an intermediary that enables accurate resistance measurement by compensating for the positional deviation. This allows the actually-measured resistance value to accurately reflect the resistor's true characteristics, enabling precise adjustment of the resistor shape while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured resistance value (corrected by the correction value) is used to adjust the resistor shape. The correction value, stored in memory, provides feedback information about the deviation, allowing the system to compensate and achieve accurate resistance values for individual variation correction.
3Measurement precision
If the contact part is positioned at the actual contact position on the slide locus, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to unstable contact
Solution Approach 1:
The correction contact part serves as an intermediary measurement point positioned at the deviated position where stable contact can be achieved. This intermediary position, combined with the correction value, allows measurement to be performed stably without requiring contact at the difficult-to-access slide locus position.
4Ease of operation
If the measurement is performed with the measuring part in contact with the contact part located off the contact position, then the ease of measurement is improved, but the reliability worsens due to surplus resistance value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by introducing a correction value that accounts for the surplus resistance. The correction value is determined based on the deviation distance and is applied to the measured resistance value, allowing easy measurement at the deviated position while maintaining accurate and reliable results through parameter adjustment.
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 effectively reduces variations in resistance values during assembly, ensuring the liquid level detector provides reliable and consistent readings by accurately estimating and adjusting for surplus resistance values.
Implementation Method 1
a resistor that mutually connects the plurality of sliding electrodes to generate electric resistances between the plurality of sliding electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A variable-resistor plate for a liquid level detector includes: a substrate main body that is formed from a material having insulation properties; sliding electrodes that are spaced from each other and are arranged side by side along a slide locus of a slide member, which is displaced relative to the plate in accordance with a liquid surface level, on the substrate main body; a resistor that mutually connects the sliding electrodes to generate electric resistances between the sliding electrodes and that enables the correction of the variations in resistance value among individuals through adjustment of a shape of the resistor on the substrate main body; an adjustment contact part that is formed at at least one sliding electrode and is located to be deviated from the slide locus of the slide member, a measuring part of a measuring device being brought into contact with the adjustment contact part; and a pair of correction contact parts that are formed at a correction electrode, which is provided on the substrate main body, the measuring part being brought into contact with each correction contact part.