Automatic Tank Coupling for Flexible Fluid Transfer Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logistics systems for handling fluid media in transshipment points are limited by manual operations, lack of flexibility, and personnel bottlenecks, which can lead to inefficiencies and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An automated logistics system for handling fluid media that includes a control system, motion system, and automatic coupling system to automate the loading and unloading of mobile tanks, allowing flexible operation and reducing personnel dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operations are used for loading and unloading mobile tanks, then personnel can perform monitoring and documentation tasks, but personnel availability becomes a bottleneck and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service operations where the logistics system autonomously performs tank connection, fluid transfer, and disconnection without human intervention. The automated coupling system and control system work together to complete the entire loading/unloading cycle, eliminating personnel as the limiting factor in throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors, actuators, and programmable logic to manage the loading and unloading processes. The control system coordinates pumps, valves, and coupling mechanisms to perform tasks previously requiring human operators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual operations are used at transshipment points, then flexibility in operation hours is limited, but automation requires complex control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions including tank identification, connection management, fluid transfer control, monitoring, and emergency response. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a unified control architecture that provides operational flexibility across different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic adaptability through programmable control logic that can adjust operating parameters, switch between different transport modes, and respond to changing conditions in real-time. The automated coupling system and control system work together to complete the entire loading/unloading cycle, eliminating personnel as the limiting factor in throughput.
3Reliability
If personnel are present during loading operations, then monitoring can be performed, but safety risks increase in case of accidents or fluid releases
Solution Approach 1:
Human personnel are completely extracted from the immediate danger zone around mobile tanks during loading and unloading operations. The automated system performs all connection, transfer, and disconnection tasks remotely, eliminating human exposure to potential fluid releases, pressure incidents, or other hazards associated with tank operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated coupling system acts as an intermediary between the control system and the mobile tanks, performing physical connection and disconnection tasks without human involvement. This intermediary mechanism enables safe automated operation while the control system provides remote monitoring and emergency response capabilities.
4Speed
If automated coupling systems are implemented, then connection processes are accelerated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is pre-configured with alignment features, positioning mechanisms, and automated guidance that enable rapid connection without complex real-time adjustments. Tanks are prepared in advance with compatible coupling interfaces, and the system uses pre-programmed sequences to execute connections quickly and reliably, reducing both time and complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a logistics system (100) and a method for the automatic transfer of at least one fluid medium. The logistics system comprises at least one transfer point (102), wherein the transfer point (102) is configured to carry out at least one process selected from the group consisting of loading a mobile tank (104) with the fluid medium and unloading the fluid medium from the mobile tank (104), wherein the transfer point (102) has: at least one pipe system (108) with at least one pipe connection (110); at least one control (142), wherein the control (142) is configured by means of programming to control at least one function of the logistics system (100); at least one movement system (112) with at least one movement arm (114) and an automatic coupling system (116), wherein the movement arm (114) is configured to move the coupling system (116), wherein the automatic coupling system (116) is configured to automatically open at least one filler neck (118) of the mobile tank (104), wherein the automatic coupling system (116) is further configured to automatically open the pipe connection (110) of the transfer point (102) and wherein the automatic coupling system (116) is further configured to fluidically connect the filler neck (118) and the pipe connection (110).