Water Level Sensing Chamber With Automatic Zero-Reference Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water level sensing systems in clothes treatment apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting water levels due to external factors and aging, leading to measurement inaccuracies that cannot be persistently corrected without replacing the sensor.
Innovation Solution
A water level sensing apparatus and method that includes a communication tube connected to a chamber with an elastic part and gage resistors, which generates an electrical signal based on pressure changes, allowing for automatic correction of the reference zero water level signal by comparing it with a detected signal, and recalibrating when necessary to ensure accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a water level sensor is used to detect water level, then water level detection is enabled, but measurement accuracy deteriorates over time due to offset from external factors and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the electrical signal from the water level sensor and compares it with expected values. When an offset is detected (indicating measurement accuracy deterioration), the system automatically adjusts the reference value to compensate for the drift, thereby maintaining reliable measurements over time without requiring sensor replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting measurement offsets and correcting the reference values internally. This self-service capability allows the water level sensing apparatus to maintain accuracy without external intervention or sensor replacement, resolving the reliability issue caused by aging and external factors.
2Measurement precision
If the water level sensor is replaced to remove offset, then measurement accuracy is temporarily restored, but the offset reappears over time requiring persistent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically performs offset correction by monitoring electrical signals and adjusting reference values without requiring physical sensor replacement. This eliminates the recurring maintenance complexity of replacing sensors while maintaining measurement accuracy over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically replacing sensors with an electronic/software-based offset correction mechanism. The controller uses electrical signal processing and reference value adjustment to compensate for drift, substituting mechanical maintenance with electronic self-correction.
3Reliability
If no offset correction mechanism is implemented, then device complexity is low, but measurement accuracy cannot be secured persistently
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where the controller continuously monitors the electrical signal from the sensor and automatically adjusts reference values to compensate for offset. This feedback mechanism ensures persistent measurement accuracy while adding only minimal control logic complexity to the sensing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains reliability by dynamically changing the reference value parameter based on detected offset conditions. The controller adjusts electrical signal parameters (reference values) in response to measured conditions, enabling persistent accuracy without complex hardware modifications.
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 solution enables accurate water level detection irrespective of external environmental factors or aging, ensuring the accuracy of water level measurements in clothes treatment apparatuses by automatically correcting the reference value, thus improving measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic part provided in the chamber and elastically deformed according to change in pressure of the communication tube
Implementation Method 2
an output unit having a plurality of gage resistors provided on one surface of the elastic part to generate an electrical signal corresponding to an amount of deformation of the elastic part
Implementation Method 3
a communication tube being communicated with the tub, the communication tube forming a pressure corresponding to a water level of the tub
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes treatment apparatus includes a tub to store water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub to accommodate clothes, a communication tube communicated with the tub, a pressure in the communication tube corresponding to a water level of the tub, and a chamber provided at a free end of the communication tube so that a pressure in the chamber corresponds to a water level of the tub. An elastic part is provided in the chamber and elastically deformed according to a change in pressure in the communication tube. An output unit having a plurality of resistors is provided on one surface of the elastic part to generate an electrical signal corresponding to an amount of deformation of the elastic part, and a controller is configured to receive the electrical signal and sense the water level of the tub by comparing the electrical signal of the output unit with a reference electrical signal indicating a zero water level of the tub.