BACKGROUND

Numerous components in numerous different fields are dependent on the presence or absence of liquid, or a certain amount of liquid. Sensors have been developed for detecting the presence of fluid. One type of sensor is a single-point electro-optic sensor. The single-point electro-optic sensor includes a light source, a light detector, and a refractor (e.g., a prism). While single-point electro-optic sensors are accurate for determining when a fluid level reaches a specific point, single-point electro-optic sensors cannot provide continuous fluid level measurement. Another type of sensor is a multi-point electro-optic sensor. Multi-point electro-optic sensors can include multiple light sources and multiple light detectors disposed along a sensor body. However, these sensors also only determine when a fluid level reaches specific points. Therefore, there is a desire to provide an electro-optic sensor that is capable of continuous fluid level measurement.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electro-optic fluid level sensor. The electro-optic fluid level sensor includes a body having a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion. The body defines a central bore and a central longitudinal axis. A light source is disposed at the first end portion of the body. A first light detector is disposed at the second end portion of the body. A second light detector is disposed at the second end portion of the body. The second light detector is offset from the first light detector in a direction that is parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electro-optic continuous fluid level sensor. The electro-optic continuous fluid level sensor includes a body having a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion. The body defines a central bore and a central longitudinal axis. The central bore is adapted to receive a fluid. A light source is disposed at the first end portion of the body. The light source is aligned with the central longitudinal axis. The light source emits light in a direction that is generally parallel with the central longitudinal axis. A light detector assembly is disposed at the second end portion of the body. The light detector assembly is adapted to receive light emitted from the light source. The light detector assembly includes a first light detector and a second light detector. The second light detector is axially offset from the first light detector in a direction that is generally parallel with the central longitudinal axis.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for sensing a fluid level in a fluid chamber. The method comprises the steps of emitting light from a light source disposed in an electro-optic fluid level sensor. The light is received at a first light detector of the electro-optic fluid level sensor. The first light detector outputs a first output that is proportional to an amount of light the first light detector receives. The light is received at a second light detector of the electro-optic fluid level sensor. The second light detector is axially offset from the first light detector. The second light detector outputs a second output that is proportional to an amount of light the second light detector receives. The height of a fluid relative to the first light detector is computed. The height of the fluid computation is a mathematical function of a distance of the axial offset and the first and second outputs.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for sensing a fluid level in a fluid chamber. The method comprises the steps of emitting light from a first light source disposed in an electro-optic fluid level sensor. The light is received at a light detector of the electro-optic fluid level sensor. The light detector outputs a first output that is proportional to an amount of light the light detector receives from the first light source. Light is emitted from a second light source. The second light source is axially offset a distance from the first light source. The light from the second light source is received at the light detector of the electro-optic fluid level sensor. The light detector outputs a second output that is proportional to an amount of light the light detector receives from the second light source. The height of a fluid is calculated. The height of the fluid calculation is based on a mathematical function of a distance of the axial offset and the first and second outputs.

