Wireless Liquid Level Detection Module Using Magnetic Float
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level detection systems for containers, such as shower trays, are not flexible enough for various applications and can cause annoying suction noises and loss of pump priming when the liquid level is too low, requiring complex wired connections and infrastructure modifications.
Innovation Solution
A modular liquid level detection system using a float with a magnet and detection members that cooperate electromagnetically to establish an electrical contact, allowing wireless signal transmission, which can activate a suction pump or trigger an alarm, and is designed to be independent and easily installable without wired connections, with a sealed separation wall to prevent sticking and optimize movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired connection is used for liquid level detection, then the electrical circuit connection is reliable, but the installation becomes complex and requires infrastructure modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical/electrical connections with wireless electromagnetic signal transmission. The float with magnet triggers sensing elements that generate wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and infrastructure modifications while maintaining reliable signal transmission for liquid level detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium between the float and the detection system. The magnet on the float interacts with sensing elements through electromagnetic coupling, enabling signal transmission without direct physical or electrical contact, thus simplifying installation while ensuring reliable detection
2Reliability
If the liquid level detection threshold is set low, then the pump activates early, but suction noises occur and pump priming is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback through the float mechanism that continuously monitors liquid level and provides real-time information to the detection system. The float rises with liquid level and triggers the wireless signal only when a predetermined optimal level is reached, ensuring the pump activates at the correct moment to avoid suction noises and priming loss while preventing harmful liquid level conditions
3Measurement precision
If the float moves close to the watertight wall, then the detection accuracy improves, but the float may stick to the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interaction between the float and wall by introducing a magnetic field-based sensing system separated from direct physical contact. The sensing elements are positioned near the wall to detect the magnet's position without requiring the float to physically approach or contact the wall, thus maintaining detection accuracy while preventing sticking through non-contact measurement
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 system effectively detects liquid levels without wired connections, reduces suction noise and pump priming issues, and allows for flexible installation and maintenance, enhancing the reliability and versatility of liquid discharge devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least two sensing elements which are capable, on the one hand, of cooperating electromagnetically with said at least one magnet of the float when the latter has risen to a first predetermined level ON
Implementation Method 2
a wireless electromagnetic signal transmission unit connected to the electrical circuit and capable of transmitting such a signal over a distance upon establishment of contact in the electrical circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a liquid level detection module (10) comprising: - a float (12) in contact with the liquid and comprising a magnet (14), - a detection element (18a, 18b) which is capable, on the one hand, of cooperating electromagnetically with the magnet when the float has risen to a first level (ON) and, on the other hand, depending on this cooperation, of establishing a contact in an electrical circuit (22) in order to allow the passage of a current in the circuit, the detection element being separated from the float by a sealed wall (10c) disposed above the float, said at least one detection element being disposed above said sealed wall, the float being capable of moving away from the wall when the liquid level drops in the module to reach a second level (OFF) in which the magnet no longer cooperates with the detection element,- a wireless signal transmission unit (20) which is connected to the electrical circuit and is capable of transmitting such a signal over a distance depending on the establishment of contact in the electrical circuit.