DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides an ultrasonic measuring device with water-proof enclosure. More particularly, the invention provides at least one ultrasonic water level measuring device in a hydrophobic mesh in a water-tight enclosure for determining the health of filters including RO membrane and other cartridges, detect pressure in feed water, for controlling the purification process and execute logic based fixed dispense.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Water level measuring systems or devices are used for measuring the level of water within a water purifier storage tank. A variety of techniques have been devised to estimate the remaining volume of the liquid in a water storage tank. The most basic techniques include containers with transparent walls and a scale which is visible from the outside to manually interpret the level. The visual observation of water level is not always practical and feasible, and hence it is desirable to have more precise method of quantitative indication of remaining water level in the storage tank.
The most common alternative to the manual monitoring is to install mechanical or electronic water level measuring device in the storage tank of the water purifier in order to monitor and maintain a uniform level of the water in the storage tank of a domestic water purifier.
The mechanical water level measuring device senses the water level of a liquid by detecting a change in a magnetic force when a float ascends or descends due to its buoyancy in the liquid. The mechanical water level measuring devices requires the magnetic float to perform a mechanical operation, and with constant long-term usage there is a possibility that its operation may be hampered due to scaling or any structural defect of the float which may lead to a false reading by a magnet, making it impossible to accurately measure the water level of the water within the storage tank.
In order to avoid the cited problems, the electronic water level measuring devices are installed in the storage tank to accurately measure the water level. The electronic water level measuring devices comprises a capacitance sensor or the like, that senses the level of water by detecting a change in capacitance.
Another commonly used sensor in electronic water level measuring devices is ultrasonic sensor which incorporates a transmitter, a receiver and an electronic circuit to detect the the level of water by determining the distance between the transmitter and receiver, and the surface of the water.
The recent trend of installing these sensors include encasing them and putting it in the water tank. The state-of-the-art inventions use dual sensors or multiple sensors to perform functions like fixed water dispenses dispensing, water level monitoring, membrane health monitoring, flow rate determination, purifier Auto On/Off based on parameters such as flow rate or availability of water and membrane health and none of them disposed in the tank.
KR20180109259A provides a dual ultrasonic sensor, which comprises: a dispenser having a spout to enable purified water to flow into a container disposed in the lower portion of the spout; and a sensor unit measuring a height and a water level of the container by using a dual ultrasonic sensor having transmitting angles, different from each other. Moreover, the dual ultrasonic sensor comprises: a wide-angle ultrasonic sensor transmitting ultrasonic waves of a first transmitting angle to the container and measuring the height of the container; and a narrow angle ultrasonic sensor transmitting ultrasonic waves of a second transmitting angle, narrower than the first transmitting angle, and measuring the water level of the container to enable the ultrasonic waves to reach a water surface by passing through an entrance hole of the container.
IN202041008535A provides a novel angled fluid level sensor arrangement with a novel housing installed on the inside of the fluid tank to detect the fluid level is disclosed. The novel water level sensor is attached to the inside top portion of the fluid tank and the angled surface of the housing enables the transducer of the said ultrasonic sensor for emitting and the receiver to receive the reflected ultrasonic signals at an angle to the surface of the fluid in the tank to prevent the direct exposure of the face surface of the ultrasonic sensors to the fluid level in the tank. The fluid level sensor arrangement further comprises a connector connecting the fluid level sensor housing with a transmitter installed on the outer surface of the tank, that is remotely connected with a receiver unit that alerts and manages the fluid levels in the tank.
However, even the electronic sensors are prone to malfunction due ambient conditions of the storage tank, as the electronic water level measuring devices is installed primarily inside the storage tank. The moisture inside the tank creates malfunction of the sensor. Further, usually the the sensors that are placed inside the water tank is focused primarily in measuring the water level and novel designs of the water proof housing of the sensors. They are not calibrated for multi-functionality, hence additional devices or sensors needs to be added to perform these functions, which adds to the cost and complexity of these devices.
Therefore, there is technological gap wherein an ultrasonic measuring device is required with water and moisture tight enclosure that can be easily assembled, disassembled and maintained and has multi-functionality such as monitoring the membrane health.
OBJECT(S) OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art the main object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic water level measuring device for a storage tank water purifier with water-tight enclosure and a hydrophobic mesh.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic water level measuring device for a storage tank water purifier to determine the health of the filters including RO membrane and other cartridges.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic water level measuring device for a water purifier to detect low pressure of feed water.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic water level measuring device for a water purifier storage tank with a good sealing effect and capable of being easily assembled, disassembled, and maintained.
Another object of the invention is to control the water purification process by switching on and off the purification cycle on input parameters such as health of the membrane, water pressure, availably of water etc.
Another object of the invention is to fixed volume dispense of purified water from storage tank.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In carrying out the above objects of the present invention, the present invention provides an ultrasonic water level measuring device for storage tank water purifier with a water-tight enclosure and a hydrophobic mesh, which also determines the health of the filters including the reverse osmosis (RO) membrane and other cartridges.
In an embodiment of present invention, the invention provides an ultrasonic water level measuring device comprising an enclosure having a top plate and bottom housing, an ultrasonic sensor assembly incorporating a transmitter, a receiver and necessary electronic circuit, and a hydrophobic mesh; wherein, the enclosure provides a tight seal i.e. easily assembled, disassembled and maintained in the storage tank; and the hydrophobic mesh avoids the sediment or seeping of water droplet or moisture inside the enclosure to avoid the malfunction of the ultrasonic sensor and its sensing mechanism.
In preferred embodiment, the enclosure is a molded unit made-up water-resistant material and fitment of top plate and bottom housing is fully water tight. The enclosure can further be adapted to incorporate other means of providing water tight seal such as but not limited to o-rings, gasket, etc. along the locking faces.
In preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic mesh has acoustic properties which allow error free measurement of distance between the ultrasonic sensor’s transceiver/receiver and the surface of the water. The hydrophobic mesh can be installed separately or pre-molded with the enclosure’s bottom housing.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic water level measuring device is configured to detects low pressure of the feed line or the efficiency of a RO membrane and other cartridges, whilst the in water storage tank and switches OFF the purifier to maintain healthy purifier operation.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method of determining the working efficiency of water purifier including the RO membrane and other cartridges by calculating permeate flow via RO Membrane using a water proof ultrasonic sensor, comprising steps of
a. determining the flow of permeate water via RO membrane and other and other cartridges;
b. referencing the flow of permeate water via RO membrane stored in a logic printed circuit board (PCB), and
c. comparing the flow of step 1 and step 2, and calculating the difference in permeate flow; wherein,
the difference in permeate flow or the flow-drop indicates the efficiency of RO membrane and cartridges.

In another embodiment of the present invention the water purifier is configured to provide alerts at decreasing efficiency of the purifier such as 10%, 20% etc. and if the flow drop is greater than the permissible limit such as 50% it indicates service alert and may switch off the system if there is further decrease in flow.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention corelates the water pressure with the water flow to determine pressure. The logic PCB in the purifier is configured to readjust the water pressure or the flow rate with decreasing efficiency of the purifier.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention installs the ultrasonic water level measuring device inside the water tank. The ultrasonic water level measuring device utilising a single sensor can then be utilised to control several functions such monitor the RO membrane health, stop or start the purification cycle based on input parameters such as water pressure, availability of water, health of RO membrane. This makes the system economical and simple, as a single sensor in communication with logic PCB executes several functions and does not make the purifier costly, while providing several features and does not require complex configuring of PCB.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention obviates the use of low-pressure switch, which is installed in the water purification devices to gauge the water availability and initiate or stop the water purification cycle. The present invention determines the flow rate from inside the tank utilising the ultrasonic water level measuring device, thereby making the device simpler and more economically viable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The object of the invention may be understood in more details and more particularly description of the invention briefly summarized above by reference to certain embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings, which drawings form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective equivalent embodiments.
FIG. 1 illustrates perspective view of an ultrasonic water level measuring device for a water purifier storage tank according to the embodiments of the present invention; and
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an ultrasonic water level measuring device for a water purifier storage tank according to the embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
Referring to FIG. 1, the figure illustrates a perspective view of an ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) for a water purifier storage tank according to the embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) comprising an enclosure (102) having a top plate (104) and bottom housing (106). In the preferred embodiment the enclosure (102) a molded unit made-up water-resistant material and the fitment of top plate (104) and the bottom housing (106) is fully water/moisture tight and can further incorporate other means of providing water tightness such as but not limited to o-rings, gasket, etc. along the locking faces. The enclosure (102) incorporating the top plate (104) and bottom housing (106) is made up of thermoplastic material such as but not limited to ABS, polypropylene, polycarbonate, etc.
In preferred embodiment, the top plate (104) is fastened to the upper opening of the bottom housing (106), the inner top surface (112) of the top plate (104) abuts against the upper end surface (114) of the bottom housing (106).
The bottom housing (106) also incorporates plurality of mounting support (116) to fix it to the water storage tank of the purifier.
Referring to FIG. 2, the figure illustrates an exploded perspective view of an ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) for a storage tank water purifier according to the embodiments of the present invention. The ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) comprises an ultrasonic sensor assembly (108) incorporating a transmitter, a receiver and necessary electronic circuit.
The ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) further comprises a hydrophobic mesh (110) having acoustic properties which allows error free measurement of distance between the ultrasonic sensor’s transceiver/receiver and the surface of the water.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) allows fixed volume water dispense from a storage tank water purifier. As the sensor is assembled inside the tank a logic PCB opens dispense faucet for a certain period, wherein the opening of dispense SV customized or pre-defined with different mode of dispense like small: dispense of 200 – 250 ml, medium: dispense of 400 – 500 ml; and large: dispense of 800 – 1000 ml. The volume of water to be dispensed is set as per requirement of the user. The dispense faucet will open till the desired volume of water is dispensed. The dispense faucet will close automatically when the desired volume of water dispensed. The logic PCB will calculate the water level, water volume, water level difference with respect to water volume in tank and give signal to dispense. The logic PCB will perform the calculation with the help of specific functionality of the sensor like echo return time.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) provides smart indication of periodic water consumption. The ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) calculates daily/weekly/ monthly water consumption by total volume dispensed from the storage tank water purifier. The total volume dispensed is calculated by ultrasonic sensor functionality. Further, the user could set an alarm/indication if desired volume not consumed.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) provides a purifier low pressure indication, wherein the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) determines the absence of water in storage tank water purifier for a calibrated period, wherein, it will detect low pressure and give signal to detect low pressure to the Logic PCB, and the purifier shall be switched off for a certain period of time and restart. In case the condition persists, it shall shut down the system for maintenance.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) performs detection of water level. The ultrasonic sensor transmits a sound pulse that reflects from the surface of the water and measures the time it takes for the echo to return. The time measured in microsecond. The echo return time is inversely proportional to the distance between sensor and water surface.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) performs health checkup or performance check of the RO membrane and other cartridges. The measuring device (100) performs the RO membrane health checkup by co-relating the flow of RO membrane and other cartridges with the life or efficiency. The ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) installed inside the water tank monitors the flow rate of water. The flow rate is determined taking into account the predetermined tank dimension and then calibrating lower level, upper level and water volume between lower level and upper level.
Lower Level = X Liter
Upper Level = Y Liter
Distance between lower level to upper level = Z cm
Water Volume between lower level to upper level = A Liter,
Time Taking to cover 12 cm = B minute and Flow rate (ml/min) = 3 * 1000/ Y
In the initial condition or when installed, the flow of RO membrane and other cartridges are at the best operating condition and later with consistent use, it chokes up and hampers or reduces the flow. Hence, when the flow of water is reduced ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) detects the abnormality i.e. water availability or chocked filter and notifies the abnormality on the LCD screen. The ultrasonic sensor can be calibrated to define the flow of permeate water.
In an exemplary example, the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) determines flow rate and is calibrated such that if flow is 180 – 300 ml/min the purifier is working is good in condition. If Flow is 150 – 180 ml/min there is a chance of membrane chocking started or FR chocking started or pre-filter chocking has started or air lock in pump etc. If flow rate is 100 – 150 ml/min – there is a concern of overall performance of water purifier. If there is no flow at the time of installation, there is an indication of low pressure/ no water in feed line. Ultrasonic sensor can calculate the total water consumed and determine the life of the filters.
In an exemplary example, ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) controls the Auto On/Off feature of the purifier. The Auto On/Off feature of the purifier is calibrated either on water volume inside the water tank or the health or performance of the RO membrane, and other cartridges, and water pressure of the permeate flow into the water tank. The input provided by ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) and the level measuring Logic PCB, which will shut off the unit when PCB detects water volume X Liter. Design a Logic PCB, which will on the unit when PCB detects water volume Y litre or detect pressure in feed water and health of filters.
In an exemplary example, ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) controls the fixed volume dispense of water from the water purifier, the fixed volume dispense comprises steps of
installing an ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) in the water tank communicating with a logic PCB;
configuring the logic PCB built to open dispense faucet for a certain period controlled via physical interface input buttons; and
calculating the water level, water volume, water level difference with respect to water volume in tank and give signal to dispense faucet to open for certain period to dispense desired amount of water.
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of, and not restrictive on, the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim,
1. A water purifier comprising an ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) further comprising an enclosure having a top plate and a bottom housing, an ultrasonic sensor assembly incorporating a transmitter, a receiver and necessary electronic circuit placed inside water tank, in communication with a logic printed circuit board (PCB),
wherein,
the enclosure maintains a tight seal, and is wrapped in a hydrophobic mesh that avoids the sediment or seeping of water droplet or moisture inside the enclosure to avoid the malfunction of the ultrasonic sensor and its sensing mechanism;
the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) determines the working efficiency of water purifier including the reverse osmosis (RO) membrane and other cartridges by calculating permeate flow via RO membrane and other cartridges into the water tank and comparing with calibrated water flow in the logic PCB and stopping the water purifier when the water flow is below the permissible limit;
the logic PCB provides alerts at decreasing efficiency of the purifier such as 10%, 20% etc., and if the flow drop is greater than the permissible limit such as 50% it indicates service alert and may switch off the system if there is further decrease in flow;
and
the logic PCB is configured to determine the water pressure by calculating permeate flow and the logic PCB readjusts the water pressure or the flow rate of permeate with decreasing efficiency of the RO membrane and other cartridges.

2. The water purifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) performs detection of water level by transmitting a sound pulse that reflects from the surface of the water and measures the time it takes for the echo to return.
3. The water purifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) provides a memory dispense function by recording last dispensed volume i.e. water level difference with respect to water volume in tank and gives signal to dispense faucet to open for certain period to dispense the last dispensed volume.
4. The water purifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) controls the Auto On/Off of the water purifier based on input pressure in feed water.
5. A method of determining the working efficiency of water purifier including the RO membrane and other cartridges, the steps comprising of
installing an ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) inside the water tank of the purifier;
allowing the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) to communicate with a storage, processing and communicating unit logic PCB; and
calibrating the logic PCB to determine the minimum or permissible permeate flow in to the water tank,
wherein,
the ultrasonic water level measuring device (100) determines the working efficiency of water purifier including the RO membrane and other cartridges by calculating permeate flow via RO membrane and other cartridges into the water tank and comparing with calibrated water flow in the logic PCB and stopping the water purifier when the water flow is below the permissible limit;
the logic PCB provides alerts at decreasing efficiency of the purifier such as 10%, 20% etc. and if the flow drop is greater than the permissible limit such as 50% it indicates service alert and may switch off the system if there is further decrease in flow;
and
the logic PCB is configured to determine the water pressure by calculating permeate flow and the logic PCB readjusting the water pressure or the flow rate of permeate with decreasing efficiency of the RO membrane and other cartridges.