External Laser Measurement for Hazardous Container Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring container capacity, such as those using laser devices, require electronic components to be inserted into the container, violating safety regulations and introducing uncertainty in measurements, especially when dealing with hazardous substances like fuels or explosive vapors.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a laser measurement device and optic deflector positioned outside the container, using a bearing shaft with a through hole to direct the laser beam internally, allowing for high-resolution scanning without electronic components inside the container, thus adhering to safety regulations and minimizing measurement uncertainty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic laser measurement devices are inserted into the container, then measurement capability is achieved, but safety regulations are violated and measurement uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into two parts: the electronic laser measurement device remains outside the container, while only a passive optical deflector is inserted inside. This segmentation allows the electronic components to stay in the safe external environment while the optical component performs measurements through the container interior, thus maintaining both safety compliance and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A passive optical deflector serves as an intermediary element that is inserted into the container. This deflector redirects the laser beam without containing any electronic components, acting as a mediator between the external electronic measurement device and the internal measurement space. The intermediary approach enables measurements inside hazardous containers while violating no safety regulations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser measurement device is moved to scan the container, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement approach transitions from static single-point measurements to dynamic multi-dimensional scanning. The optical deflector rotates around the container's vertical axis and simultaneously moves vertically, creating a two-dimensional scanning pattern that comprehensively covers the entire container interior. This dimensional expansion enables complete measurement coverage while maintaining precision through the stability of the external electronic device.
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
Enables precise container capacity measurement with reduced uncertainty and compliance with safety laws, allowing for the measurement of hazardous substances without electronic device insertion, including fuels and explosive vapors, and eliminating the need for degassing the container.
Implementation Method 1
a laser measurement device (3), adapted to generate a ray (R) at a predetermined wave length for measuring a distance
Implementation Method 2
sends out laser light to the wall face of a cavity from a laser-light transmitting-receiving part, and it receives its reflected light
Implementation Method 3
an optic deflector (31), adapted to deflect said ray (R) in a desired direction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4C
Figure 5
AI summary
An apparatus 2 for measuring the capacity of a container C comprising: a laser measurement device 3, adapted for generating a ray R for measuring a distance; an actuating device 5, adapted for moving said apparatus 2 in order to perform the measurement of the capacity of said container Cat least one bearing shaft 4, which is adapted to be inserted, at least partially, into container C through an opening C0; an optic deflector 31, adapted to deflect said ray R in a desired direction; at least one electronic control device 8, adapted to calculate the position of the optic deflector 31 and to process the data obtained from said laser measurement device 3. Said laser measurement device 3 is arranged outside of container C, and optic deflector 31 is associated to said bearing shaft 4. Said actuating device 5 is able to cause said optic deflector 31 to rotate around longitudinal axis k of shaft 4 and to move deflector 31 itself along a direction that is parallel to longitudinal axis k of shaft 4. Said apparatus 2 allows the measurement of the capacity of a container C for explosive or inflammable substances.