Water level detection device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water level detection systems for coffee machines do not provide immediate indication of exceeded waste water levels, leading to potential spills and inefficiencies in water management.
Innovation Solution
A water level detection device featuring a floater with a metallic element and magnet, where magnetic connection is maintained at low water levels and broken at high water levels, triggering an indication element to alert the user when the water level exceeds safe limits, preventing spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a water level detection device is implemented in the water collecting container, then the user is immediately informed when the water level exceeds maximum capacity, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of floater, metallic element, magnet, and indication mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic water level detection systems with a simple magnetic mechanical system. A floater containing a metallic element interacts with a magnet fixed to the container wall through water, using magnetic attraction and buoyancy forces to trigger an indication mechanism without requiring electronic sensors, circuits, or power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is entirely passive and self-actuating. The floater automatically rises with water level, and when it reaches the maximum level, the magnetic force between the metallic element and magnet triggers the indication element to alert the user. The system uses the water's own buoyancy and the magnetic field to perform detection without external control or power.
2Device complexity
If magnetic connection is used between metallic element and magnet for detection, then the device achieves simple structure and low cost, but the reliability may be affected by magnetic force variability
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet and metallic element are pre-positioned at specific locations and heights during manufacturing. The magnet is fixed to the container wall at a predetermined position, and the metallic element is positioned in the floater at a corresponding height. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the floater reaches the maximum water level, the magnetic attraction reliably triggers the indication mechanism without requiring active control or calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system balances magnetic attraction force with buoyancy force. The floater is designed with specific weight and volume so that it naturally floats at a level where the metallic element aligns with the magnet when water reaches maximum capacity. The buoyancy counteracts the weight of the floater, and the magnetic force provides the triggering mechanism, creating a reliable equilibrium-based detection system.
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 device provides immediate and reliable notification to the user when the water level in the coffee machine's collecting container exceeds maximum capacity, ensuring timely emptying and preventing water from spilling over, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
in a first position of the floater the metallic element and the magnet are connected by a magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
in a second position of the floater the metallic element and the magnet are disconnected due to a water lifting force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a water level detection device in particular for a water collecting container comprising a floater with an indication element, a metallic element and a magnet, wherein a first position of the floater in which the metallic element and the magnet are connected by a magnetic force and a second position of the floater in which the metallic element and the magnet are disconnected due to a water lifting force. The present invention enables a coffee machine with a water level detection device inside a water collecting container of a simple construction and reliable functioning.