Automatic Fluid Coupling for Safer Tank Transshipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing logistics systems for fluid medium transshipment are labor-intensive, inflexible, and prone to human error, leading to operational inefficiencies and safety risks, particularly in situations involving unplanned fluid releases or accidents.

Innovation Solution

A logistics system featuring automated transshipment processes using a controller, movement system, and automatic coupling system to manage fluid connections, enabling flexible operation and reducing human intervention, with integrated safety measures to prevent accidents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual operations are used for transshipment, then staff can monitor and document activities, but the process is labor-intensive and staff constitute a bottleneck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring and documentation capabilityVSAvoidtransshipment throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-monitoring through sensors that detect fill levels, weights, and process states, eliminating the need for manual monitoring by staff while maintaining continuous oversight capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual documentation activities are replaced by an automated control system that records all transshipment data, process parameters, and events digitally, removing the bottleneck of manual staff operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual operations are used for transshipment, then flexibility is limited and sites cannot react well to fluctuations, but automation requires significant investment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to fluctuationsVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transshipment system is designed with dynamic capabilities where the automated control system can adjust operating parameters, switch between different transshipment scenarios, and respond flexibly to fluctuations in demand or transport availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automated transshipment site is designed to handle multiple transport modes (road, rail, waterway) and various product types through a universal control system that adapts to different operational requirements without requiring mode-specific infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If staff are present at transshipment sites, then monitoring can be performed, but people are at risk in the direct danger zone during accidents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidrisk to personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Human staff are completely extracted from the transshipment operation and replaced by an automated control system with sensors and actuators, eliminating human presence from danger zones while maintaining monitoring and control capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

An automated control system acts as an intermediary between the transshipment process and human operators, allowing monitoring and control functions to be performed remotely without exposing personnel to physical hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of time

If manual operations are used, then connection processes require significant time and effort, but automation increases initial system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection timeVSAvoidcoupling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is pre-configured with alignment features, positioning mechanisms, and automated guidance that enable rapid connection without manual adjustment, reducing connection time while the initial complexity is managed through standardized design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260054977A1Logistics system for the automatic transfer of at least one fluid medium

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 BASF SE

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a logistics system and a method for the automatic transshipment of at least one fluid medium. The logistics system includes at least one transshipment site, wherein the transshipment site is configured to carry out at least one process selected from the group consisting of loading a mobile tank with the fluid medium and unloading the fluid medium from the mobile tank, where the transshipment site has at least one pipe system having at least one pipe connection, at least one controller, where the controller is programmed to control at least one function of the logistics system, at least one movement system having at least one movement arm and an automatic coupling system, where the movement arm is configured to move the coupling system, where the automatic coupling system is configured to automatically open at least one tank nozzle of the mobile tank, where the automatic coupling system is furthermore configured to automatically open the pipe connection of the transshipment site, and where the automatic coupling system is furthermore configured to fluidically connect the tank nozzle and the pipe connection.