Cylinder Content Indicator Device for Gas Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring compressed liquefied gas cylinders in medical and industrial settings are costly and complex, and fail to effectively alert users when the contents are nearing depletion, especially when the gas is in a two-phase state, as they rely on liquid level measurement technologies that are orientation-dependent and not suitable for two-phase fluids.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder content indicator device that is affixed to the valve of a gas cylinder, featuring a pressure gauge and electronics assembly that detect pressure changes and trigger visual and audio alarms when the pressure falls below predetermined threshold values, indicating when the contents are no longer in a liquid or partially liquid state, and also serves as a handle for lifting the cylinder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If liquid level measurement technologies are used to monitor compressed liquefied gas cylinders, then the contents can be accurately determined, but the system becomes more costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex liquid level measurement technologies with a simple pressure-based detection system. A pressure sensor monitors the pressure inside the cylinder, and when the pressure drops below a predetermined threshold (indicating the gas is no longer in liquid phase), an alarm is triggered. This mechanical/electrical substitution eliminates the need for complex optical or capacitive level sensors, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If liquid level measurement technologies are used to monitor compressed liquefied gas cylinders, then the contents can be accurately determined, but the system becomes more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive pressure sensors and standard alarm components instead of expensive specialized liquid level measurement equipment. The system uses off-the-shelf pressure transducers, comparison circuits, and alarm devices that are readily available and low-cost, making the system economically viable for widespread deployment in medical and industrial settings.
3Measurement precision
If liquid level measurement technologies are used to monitor compressed liquefied gas cylinders, then the contents can be determined, but the system becomes dependent on cylinder orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from liquid level (which is orientation-dependent) to pressure (which is orientation-independent). Since pressure is a scalar property that remains constant regardless of cylinder orientation, the system can accurately monitor contents in any position. The pressure sensor continuously measures the internal pressure, and the alarm triggers when pressure indicates phase change, regardless of how the cylinder is positioned.
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
Provides a simple, cost-effective means to monitor the contents of compressed gas cylinders, ensuring users are alerted when the contents are depleted, while being independent of cylinder orientation and suitable for two-phase fluids, with visual and audio alarms indicating the state of the cylinder contents.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure gauge disposed in the housing body and capable of detecting the pressure of the contents of the containment vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A system and device for monitoring the content of a gas/liquid or gas only containment vessel such as a cylinder is provided. The disclosed apparatus is easily affixed to a standard gas cylinder and configured to monitor the pressure of the cylinder contents and activate a visual and/or audio alarm when the contents of the gas/liquid cylinder are no longer in a liquid or partially liquid state as well as activate another visual and/or audio alarm at a prescribed pressure when the contents of the cylinder are nearing depletion.