DIGITAL BEAKER FOR PRECISION VOLUME MEASUREMENTS IN LABORATORY AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

This invention discloses a digital beaker that provides accurate, real-time, and digitally logged measurements of liquid volume. The beaker utilizes electronic sensors, a microcontroller for data processing, a digital display, and wireless connectivity, eliminating parallax and human errors while enabling seamless integration with laboratory management systems.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of measurement technology, specifically focusing on digital instruments for precise volume measurement of liquids in laboratory and industrial settings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional methods for measuring liquid volumes rely on manual observation of liquid levels in graduated cylinders or beakers, which are subject to inaccuracies due to parallax errors, human error, and inconsistencies in graduations. Accurate volume measurement is critical in various fields (pharmaceuticals, chemistry, food and beverage production, biological research, industrial processes), demanding high precision and repeatability. While existing digital scales can measure mass, converting to volume requires additional steps and assumptions about density, introducing further potential error. Additionally, the lack of real-time data capture and automated data logging in traditional methods hinders efficiency in laboratory and industrial workflows.
Several attempts have been made to improve liquid volume measurement using electronic or digital components. However, these efforts often result in cumbersome devices that lack the ease of use and integration capabilities of conventional glassware. There's a need for a digital beaker that maintains the simplicity and utility of a traditional beaker while providing accurate, real-time, and digitally logged measurements. The integration of digital systems with laboratory management software and other data recording devices is also lacking.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
This invention discloses a digital beaker designed to provide accurate and real-time measurements of liquid volume. The digital beaker employs electronic sensors (capacitive, ultrasonic, or load cells), a microcontroller for data processing, a digital display, and wireless connectivity for data transmission to external devices. This system eliminates parallax errors, reduces human error, and provides seamless integration with laboratory management software.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING THE COMPONENTS OF THE DIGITAL BEAKER (BEAKER BODY, SENSOR STRIP, COMMON BASE WITH WEIGHING BALANCE, CHARGING WIRE, ON/OFF SWITCH, TARE BUTTON, DATA RECORDING SWITCH, DISPLAY SCREEN).
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The present invention details a novel digital beaker designed to provide accurate and real-time liquid volume measurements, eliminating the inaccuracies associated with traditional manual methods. The device comprises a durable cylindrical beaker constructed from borosilicate glass or a suitable plastic. Integrated into the base of the beaker is a sophisticated sensor system employing one or more sensing technologies. These sensors may include capacitive sensors, which measure changes in capacitance as liquid levels rise; ultrasonic sensors, which determine liquid level based on the time-of-flight of emitted ultrasonic waves; or load cells, which correlate liquid mass to volume. The choice of sensor(s) will depend on the desired accuracy and application requirements.
A high-performance microcontroller forms the central processing unit of the digital beaker, continuously processing the raw data from the integrated sensor(s). This microcontroller performs the necessary calculations to convert raw sensor readings into precise volume measurements, expressed in a variety of units (milliliters, ounces, liters, etc.), based on user selection. The microcontroller also manages the device's overall operational functions, including unit selection, calibration, and data logging. A user-friendly digital display, either integrated into the side or base of the beaker, provides real-time volume readings. Buttons on the display facilitate user interaction, allowing for easy unit switching, calibration, tare adjustments, and initiation of data logging.
To enhance workflow efficiency and data management, the digital beaker incorporates wireless connectivity options. These may include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB, enabling seamless data transfer to external devices such as smartphones, computers, or laboratory management systems. This feature allows real-time data monitoring and automated data logging, reducing the need for manual data transcription and minimizing potential human error in data recording. The wireless capability significantly improves data management capabilities in both laboratory and industrial settings. The system is designed for low-power consumption, utilizing either battery power or an external power supply via a USB connection.
The advantages of this digital beaker are substantial. It eliminates parallax and manual reading errors inherent in traditional methods, providing highly accurate and repeatable volume measurements. The real-time capability improves workflow efficiency, while automated data logging streamlines data management and reduces the potential for human error. The simple and intuitive user interface makes it easy to operate, regardless of the user's technical expertise. The device's portability and wireless connectivity enhance flexibility, making it suitable for diverse applications in laboratory, industrial, and field environments. Finally, the design considers energy efficiency, using a low-power standby mode when not in active use.
, Claims:1. A digital beaker for measuring liquid volume, comprising a beaker body, a sensor system for measuring liquid level, a microcontroller for processing sensor data, a digital display for displaying measured volume, and a user interface.
2. The digital beaker of claim 1, wherein the sensor system comprises capacitive sensors.
3. The digital beaker of claim 1, wherein the sensor system comprises ultrasonic sensors.
4. The digital beaker of claim 1, wherein the sensor system comprises load cells.
5. The digital beaker of claim 1, wherein the digital display shows volume in multiple units (mL, oz, etc.).
6. The digital beaker of claim 1, further comprising wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB).
7. A method for measuring liquid volume comprising acquiring data from a sensor system in a beaker, processing said data using a microcontroller, displaying the processed data on a digital display, and optionally transmitting said data wirelessly to external devices.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the sensor system comprises capacitive sensors.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the sensor system comprises ultrasonic sensors. 10.The method of claim 7, wherein the sensor system comprises load cells.

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