Mechanical Overfill Indicator for Flexible Collapsible Liquid Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible collapsible liquid tanks, or pillow tanks, lack effective monitoring systems for liquid volume, leading to potential overfilling and seam stress, which can result in tank failure, as existing methods are either cumbersome, expensive, or prone to poor record keeping.
Innovation Solution
A visual overfill and liquid level indicator device that uses a flag or pointer mechanically linked to the tank's vent mechanism, with a calibrated line or fabric strip to provide a visible warning or approximation of liquid volume, requiring no power or record keeping, and suitable for both new and existing tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor system is installed to monitor liquid volume accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of volume measurement from complex electronic sensor systems and implements it through a simple mechanical linkage that connects the vent mechanism to a visual indicator, eliminating the need for expensive pressure sensors while maintaining adequate measurement capability for overfill prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive mechanical components including a linkage arm, indicator flag, and calibrated line instead of expensive electronic pressure sensor systems, achieving acceptable measurement precision at minimal cost for the intended application
2Measurement precision
If external measurement sticks with strings are used to measure tank height, then measurement capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome procedure and poor readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service measurement system where the indicator automatically tracks liquid level through mechanical linkage as the tank fills, eliminating the need for operators to manually position sticks and read measurements, thereby greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining continuous measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides continuous visual feedback through the indicator flag that automatically responds to liquid level changes, allowing operators to monitor tank fill status in real-time without manual intervention, unlike the cumbersome external measurement method
3Measurement precision
If metering and record keeping systems are used to track liquid volume, then measurement capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to poor record keeping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for manual record keeping by providing continuous automatic visual feedback through the indicator system, which reliably tracks liquid level without human intervention, thereby eliminating the reliability problems associated with manual metering and record keeping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous visual feedback through the indicator flag that automatically reflects liquid level, providing reliable real-time information without the errors and omissions inherent in manual metering and record keeping systems
4Device complexity
If no monitoring system is used, then device complexity is minimized, but overfill detection capability is lost leading to tank failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential safety function from complex electronic monitoring systems and implements it through simple mechanical linkage and visual indicator components, maintaining tank safety while minimizing device complexity to just a few basic mechanical elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, simple mechanical components including linkage arms, indicator flags, and calibrated lines instead of expensive electronic sensor systems, achieving adequate reliability for overfill prevention at minimal cost and complexity
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, and reliable visual indication of overfill or liquid level, preventing tank failure by alerting operators to stop filling, without the need for complex systems or record keeping.
Implementation Method 1
a linkage connecting the base portion to the indicator such that the indicator is moved from the resting position to the alert position as the top wall of the tank reaches a threshold distance from the floor
Data Source
AI summary
An overfill indicator for a flexible collapsible liquid storage tank made of a liquid impervious fabric and having a floor and a top wall with a vent therein, the overfill indicator comprising a connector portion adapted to removably connecting to the vent of the tank, an indicator movably mounted to the connector portion, the indicator being moveable between a resting position and a visually noticeable alert position, a base portion located on the inside of the tank and on the floor thereof and aligned with the vent, and a linkage connecting the base to the indicator such that the indicator is moved from the resting position to the alert position as the top wall of the tank reaches a threshold distance from the floor as the tank is filled with liquid, wherein said threshold distance coincides with the tank having reached a desired liquid capacity.