Weight-Based Chemical Volume Detection for Retention Basin Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for verifying the volume of chemicals in washing devices are prone to human error and instrumentation damage due to exposure to ultra-concentrated chemicals, lacking visual control and accurate regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a retention basin with a pressure cell to measure the weight of containers and calculate the volume of chemicals, featuring wireless communication for remote monitoring and display, eliminating the need for direct contact with hazardous chemicals and manual verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow sensors are used to detect chemical volume, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to sensor damage from ultra-concentrated chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary weighing system that measures container weight before and after chemical dispensing. This indirect measurement method avoids direct contact between sensors and ultra-concentrated chemicals while still achieving accurate volume measurement through weight difference calculation, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and sensor reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic flow sensor system with a mechanical weighing system. By using a pressure cell to measure weight changes rather than detecting fluid flow directly, the system achieves chemical volume measurement without exposing sensors to damaging chemical environments
2Reliability
If manual visual verification is used to check chemical volume, then reliability is improved by avoiding sensor damage, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-verification by weighing the container before and after dispensing operations. The controller automatically calculates volume delivered based on weight differences and compares it against programmed parameters, eliminating the need for manual visual verification while providing both high reliability and precise measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where the controller receives weight data from the pressure cell, calculates chemical volume delivered, and uses this information to verify dosing accuracy. This automated feedback loop provides continuous verification with high precision, replacing error-prone manual checking
3Device complexity
If time-based pump calibration is used to verify chemical delivery, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-based pump calibration with a direct weight measurement system. The pressure cell provides actual chemical volume verification through weight differences, eliminating the need for complex pump calibration procedures while maintaining simplicity and improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing system automatically provides volume verification without requiring external calibration procedures. The system self-calibrates by measuring actual weight differences during dispensing operations, providing accurate measurement with minimal complexity
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 solution provides accurate, error-free, and visually confirmable chemical volume monitoring, enhancing regulatory compliance and simplifying maintenance by enabling remote adjustments and local monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure cell is configured to measure a weight of the container
Implementation Method 2
The basin controller is configured to calculate the volume of the chemicals in the container based on the measured weight of the container and the specified properties of the chemicals in the container
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting and indicating variations in volume of chemicals in a container is provided. The system includes a retention basin configured to retain the container. The retention basin includes a pressure cell, a basin input interfaces, and a basin controller. The pressure cell is configured to measure a weight of the container. The container is placed on the pressure cell. The basin input interface is configured to allow specification of properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller is configured to calculate the volume of the chemicals in the container based on the measured weight of the container and the specified properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller includes a basin display configured to display the calculated volume of the chemicals in the container.