Fluid level detection device with stabilizer

A fluid level detection device for a chamber containing a fluid and defining a chamber floor, the device comprising:

• a sensor operatively connected to the chamber;
• wherein the fluid in the chamber defines a present fluid volume and a present fluid level relative to the chamber floor;
• wherein the sensor is configured to indicate one of at least two states, a first state when the present fluid level in the chamber is above a threshold level with respect to the chamber floor, and a second state when the present fluid level in the chamber is below the threshold level;
• a stabilizer configured to at least partially surround the sensor, the stabilizer having a first and second end;
• wherein the stabilizer includes a base portion at the first end and a plurality of sidewalls each contiguous with the base portion, the plurality of sidewalls including first, second, third and fourth sidewalls;
• wherein the first sidewall is contiguous with both the second and fourth sidewalls;
• wherein the third sidewall is contiguous with both the second and fourth sidewalls:
• wherein the first sidewall defines a drain slot extending from a slot level to the second end of the stabilizer, such that the drain slot opens into the second end of the stabilizer;
• wherein the plurality of sidewalls and the base portion define a storage well configured to store a portion of the fluid around the sensor;
• and
• wherein the stabilizer is configured to prevent the sensor from indicating the second state when the present fluid volume in the chamber is above a predetermined minimum volume.

An oil pan comprising:

• a chamber floor;
• a first and a second chamber wall extending away from the chamber floor, the chamber floor and the first and second chamber walls defining a chamber configured for collecting a fluid therein;
• wherein the fluid in the chamber defines a present fluid volume and a present fluid level relative to the chamber floor;
• a fluid level detection device operatively connected to the first chamber wall, the fluid level detection device including:
• a sensor configured to indicate one of at least two states, a first state when the present fluid level in the chamber is above a threshold level, and a second state when the present fluid level in the chamber is below the threshold level;
• a stabilizer configured to at least partially surround the sensor, the stabilizer having a first and second end;
• wherein the stabilizer includes a base portion at the first end and a plurality of sidewalls each contiguous with the base portion, the plurality of sidewalls including first, second, third and fourth sidewalls;
• wherein the first sidewall is contiguous with both the second and fourth sidewalls;
• wherein the third sidewall is contiguous with both the second and fourth sidewalls;
• wherein the first sidewall defines a drain slot extending from a slot level to the second end of the stabilizer, such that the drain slot opens into the second end of the stabilizer;
• wherein the plurality of sidewalls and the base portion define a storage well configured to store a portion of the fluid around the sensor;
• and
• wherein the stabilizer is configured to prevent the sensor from indicating the second state when the present fluid volume in the chamber is above a predetermined minimum volume.