Module Housing Laser- and Photodiode Pairs to Detect Quality and Level of Non-translucent Liquids

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 is a 3D rendering of the major part of the module housing. There are multiple “levels” in the module, each of which will house one laser diode-photodiode pair, as will be described in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 . This part may be fabricated from injection-molded plastic or machined metal.

FIG. 2 shows the diagram of the electrical components of the module. In this figure, laser diodes, electrical wires, photodiodes, resistors and the major housing are represented. If the wires are connected as shown, and the device is powered, each of the wires will carry the signal corresponding to the amount of light reaching each photodiode. These wires can be interfaced with a microcontroller or other device to process the data and display the liquid level and quality.

FIG. 3 shows a simplified 3D rendering of the major housing with the laser diodes and photodiodes installed and powered. Laser beams from the laser diodes will reach each photodiode.

FIG. 4 shows how the minor part of the housing is attached to the major part of the housing after the laser diodes and photodiodes are installed. Additionally, the inside of the major housing should be filled with a solid material to seal it and prevent liquids from entering it during use.

FIG. 5 shows a simplified 3D rendering of the module after it is fully assembled, as stated in sections; and,

FIG. 6 is a 3D rendering of the module in its intended use case. The module is depicted partially submerged in a semi translucent liquid inside a container.

The characteristic feature of this design lies in the multileveled arrangement of the major housing and the curved shape of the major housing.