Vibrator Damping-Time Sensing for Continuous Liquid-Level Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level measurement methods, such as float switches and level switches, are limited in accuracy and efficiency, particularly in containers with corrosive liquids, as they require multiple components and reduce the available volume for liquid storage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid level measurement device using a vibrator immersed in the liquid, with a rectangular surface perpendicular to the vibration direction, measures damping time to calculate the liquid level based on correlation information between damping time and liquid level, allowing for continuous and accurate measurement without reducing the container's capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If float switches and level switches are used for liquid level measurement, then the measurement function is provided, but the measurement precision is limited and multiple components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex float switches and level switches by using only a simple vibrator and damping time measurement mechanism. The liquid level is determined solely by measuring how long the vibrator takes to stop vibrating when immersed in the liquid, eliminating the need for floats, gears, or multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical float-based level detection with a vibration-based measurement system. Instead of using mechanical floats that rise and fall with liquid level, the system uses a vibrator whose damping characteristics change with liquid level, converting mechanical measurement into vibrational measurement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple components are used for liquid level measurement, then the measurement function is achieved, but the available volume for liquid storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes bulky components like floats, gears, and multiple sensors from the measurement system, replacing them with a compact vibrator-based damping time measurement mechanism. This extraction of unnecessary components significantly reduces the volume occupied by the measurement device, maximizing the liquid storage capacity.
3Measurement precision
If conventional level measurement methods are used in corrosive liquid containers, then measurement is provided, but reliability is reduced due to component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical components that are susceptible to corrosion (floats, gears, contact sensors) with a vibration-based measurement system. The vibrator measures liquid level through damping characteristics without physical contact with the liquid, eliminating corrosion issues and improving reliability in corrosive environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration damping as an intermediary measurement mechanism. Instead of direct mechanical contact between sensors and liquid, the system uses the vibrator's vibrational characteristics as an intermediary to indirectly measure liquid level, avoiding direct exposure of components to corrosive liquids.
4Measurement precision
If the vibrator surface area is increased to improve measurement accuracy, then damping time measurement becomes more precise, but the volume impact on the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the vibrator's geometric parameters (surface area, length, thickness) to achieve the minimum necessary for accurate damping time measurement. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision while minimizing the vibrator's volume impact on the container.
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 method and device enable precise, continuous liquid level measurement with reduced volume impact, suitable for corrosive environments, enhancing measurement accuracy and allowing for miniaturization of systems like vaporizers.
Implementation Method 1
measuring damping time during which an amplitude of the vibration generated in the vibrator is damped to a predetermined level when the excitation of the vibration in the vibrator is stopped
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid level measurement method performed by using a liquid level measurement device including a vibrator immersed in a liquid in a container, a surface of the vibrator perpendicular to a vibration direction having a rectangular shape. The liquid level measurement method includes exciting, by a vibration exciter, vibration in the vibrator; measuring damping time during which an amplitude of the vibration generated in the vibrator is damped to a predetermined level when the excitation of the vibration in the vibrator is stopped; and calculating, based on correlation information between the damping time and a liquid level of the liquid, the liquid level corresponding to the damping time during which the amplitude of the vibration generated in the vibrator is damped to the predetermined level.