Armored Sight Level Gauge with Rotatable Guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sight tubes for measuring liquid levels in containment vessels are prone to breakage and limited in flexibility, as they are often made of glass or plastic and can only be viewed from fixed angles, making them unsafe and inefficient for field use, especially when dealing with hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A novel armored sight level gauge with a cylindrical transparent sight tube shield and a U-shaped guard member that can be field assembled between fittings, providing structural protection and allowing 360-degree rotation, using O-rings and connector plates for secure and sealed fluid communication, and incorporating perforations for light penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional glass or plastic sight tubes are used, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but the sight tube is prone to breakage and unsafe for field use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the sight tube is placed inside a protective shield, which is in turn connected to a housing with guard members. This nested arrangement protects the fragile sight tube while maintaining overall device functionality without requiring complete redesign of the sight tube itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple materials with different properties: the sight tube (glass or plastic) is protected by a shield and housing made of more durable materials. This composite structure allows each component to contribute its optimal properties - the sight tube provides optical clarity while the protective structures provide durability and impact resistance.
2Ease of operation
If fixed angle viewing is used, then the device structure is simple, but the user must approach from specific angles and it increases checking time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the housing rotatable about the sight tube axis, transforming the static viewing arrangement into a dynamic one. This allows the user to rotate the housing to achieve the optimal viewing angle without moving the entire device or repositioning themselves, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing checking time.
3Reliability
If armored protection is added around the sight tube, then the sight tube is protected from breakage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is divided into distinct segments: a shield directly surrounding the sight tube, a housing containing the shield, and guard members extending from the housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly and maintenance while providing comprehensive protection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If field assembly capability is implemented, then the device can be assembled on-site to fit various dimensions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between guard members and the housing is designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the guard members to be positioned at different angles and distances. This dynamic connection enables field assembly and adaptation to various installation requirements while using relatively simple structural components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables safe, efficient, and flexible measurement of liquid levels in containment vessels, preventing breakage and allowing for easy field assembly to fit various dimensions, while ensuring protection and clear visibility from any angle.
Implementation Method 1
an O-ring positioned around a cylindrical portion of the first receiver plate
Implementation Method 2
The guard member provides a structural protective enclosure substantially enclosing the sight tube shield and the sight tube
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for an armored sight level gauge field assembly for placement between fittings to show liquid level, including an elongated cylindrical transparent sight tube shield and a sight tube extending through the sight tube shield. First and second receiver plates define passages for the sight tube to extend therethrough, each receiver plate also sealing the shield. A U-shaped guard is removably connected to each receiver plate and provides a structural protective enclosure, substantially enclosing the sight tube shield. First and second connector plates attach to each receiver plate, and each connector plate defines an opening to receive ends of the sight tube for fluid communication between the sight tube and the fittings, each connector plate comprising a nozzle extending therefrom, opposite said opening, in coaxial alignment with the sight tube. Each nozzle is positionable between and removable from the spaced apart fittings.