Fastening Device for Radar Fill Level Gauges on IBC Tanks
Solution Overview
Problem
Radar-based level measuring devices face challenges in attaching to IBC tanks without a designated container opening, as traditional methods like drilling or gluing compromise the container's tightness and are not easily removable.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device comprising a clamp bracket, adapter, and second fastening means allows for the releasable attachment of the level measuring device to the outer grille of the IBC tank, ensuring the device can be vertically aligned and securely fastened without compromising the container's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If drilling holes to attach the level gauge to the container, then the level gauge can be securely fixed, but the container's tightness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fastening device consisting of a clamp holder and adapter that attaches to the outer grid of the container without penetrating the container wall. This mediator transfers the mounting function from the container body to the external grid structure, thereby securing the level gauge while preserving the container's integrity and tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device is segmented into multiple components: a clamp holder that attaches to the outer grid, and an adapter that connects the level gauge to the clamp holder. This segmentation allows the attachment system to be configured externally on the container's grid structure rather than requiring integration into the container wall itself, thus avoiding tightness compromise.
2Ease of manufacture
If gluing the level gauge to the outer surface of the container, then the attachment is simple, but it cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device employs dynamic, reversible mechanical connections through threaded fasteners and snap-fit mechanisms. The adapter can be easily attached to and detached from the clamp holder, and the clamp holder can be removed from the outer grid, providing a flexible mounting system that is both simple to install and easily removable without permanent attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical bonding (gluing) with a mechanical fastening system comprising threaded connections and snap-fit elements. This mechanical substitution maintains ease of installation through simple assembly while enabling easy removal and repositioning, overcoming the irreversibility of adhesive bonding.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If using a clamp holder and adapter system, then the container tightness is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp holder and adapter system serves multiple functions: it provides secure mounting for the level gauge, preserves container tightness by avoiding wall penetration, enables easy installation and removal, and allows for vertical alignment adjustment. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single integrated fastening device, the overall system complexity is managed despite the additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp holder and adapter are designed as an integrated fastening system where the adapter connects the level gauge to the clamp holder, which in turn attaches to the outer grid. This merging of mounting and alignment functions into a unified device reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the installation process compared to multiple discrete attachment methods.
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 secure, removable, and non-invasive attachment of radar-based level measuring devices to IBC tanks, maintaining container tightness and allowing for easy installation and alignment without the need for structural modifications.
Implementation Method 1
A level gauge that operates according to the pulse transit time principle is described... The two common measurement principles are the pulse-time-of-flight principle (also known as 'Puls radar' known) and the FMCW principle ('Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave')
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening device (1) for fixing a radar-based fill level gauge (5) to an outer grating (22) of an IBC tank. To this end, the device comprises the following components: a clamping retainer (11), which can be clamped to a grating bar of the outer grating (22); and an adapter (12) having a first fastener (121, 121'), by means of which the fill level gauge (5) can be mounted detachably on the adapter (12), and having a cut-out (122), through which radar signals (SHF, RHF) of the fill level gauge (5) can be sent towards the filling material (2) when in the mounted state. In addition, the device comprises a second fastener (13), by means of which the fill level gauge (1) can be fastened indirectly to the clamping retainer (11). According to the invention, the outer grating (22) is thus used to fasten the fill level gauge (5) to the container (2). As a result, the actual container (2) does not have to be brought into direct contact with the fill level gauge (5) or with the fastening device (1). Moreover, any structural interventions on the actual container (2), which could adversely affect the leakproofness of the container, are no longer necessary.