Flexible Tank Volume Measurement via Load Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the volume of liquids in collapsible storage tanks are inaccurate and require calibration, especially for flexible tanks, due to changes in temperature and material warping, leading to potential measurement errors up to 30%.
Innovation Solution
A non-intrusive load sensing apparatus with a first set of load-sensitive sensors arranged externally and a second set of sensors internally, which calculates the volume based on weight and density, allowing for accurate measurement without modifying the tank, and can be calibrated for various tank sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a strap table is used to measure the volume of a collapsible tank, then the tank can be monitored without intrusive techniques, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to temperature changes and material warping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical strap table method with a sensor-based system that uses load cells to measure the weight of the substance in the tank. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical measurements that are affected by temperature and material deformation, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining non-intrusive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from physical dimensions (using strap tables to measure tank geometry) to mass parameter (using load cells to measure weight). This parameter change allows for accurate volume determination through the relationship between weight, density, and volume, avoiding the inaccuracies caused by temperature-induced dimensional changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tank material warps and stretches over time, then the tank remains flexible and adaptable, but the calibration accuracy of the strap table deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical strap table calibration method with an electronic weighing system using load cells. This substitution eliminates the calibration problem entirely, as the load cells directly measure the weight of the substance without being affected by the tank's dimensional changes over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the volume based on the measured weight and the known density of the substance, eliminating the need for periodic calibration. The system self-corrects for any tank deformation or material warping by continuously measuring the actual weight rather than relying on pre-calibrated geometric assumptions.
3Measurement precision
If intrusive techniques are used to measure liquid level in a rigid tank, then the volume can be computed with fixed geometry, but the tank design becomes more complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces intrusive level measurement techniques (such as probes or sensors inside the tank) with an external weighing system. The load cells are placed outside the tank to measure the total weight, eliminating the need for internal intrusive elements and simplifying the tank design while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces weight as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine volume. Instead of directly measuring liquid level inside the tank, the system measures the total weight and uses the relationship between weight, density, and volume to calculate the volume, thereby avoiding the need for complex internal measurement structures.
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
This solution provides accurate and reliable volume measurement with minimal error, even for flexible tanks, by using load-sensitive sensors to determine the dynamic footprint and pressure profile, enabling precise monitoring and management of stored substances.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensing apparatus used for determining the volume of the substance in the flexible storage container can include a first set of load-sensitive sensors arranged in at least a region of the first footprint external to the second footprint
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible storage container may have a first footprint when empty, and retracts to a second footprint when filled with a substance. A load sensing apparatus used for determining the volume of the substance in the flexible storage container can include a first set of load-sensitive sensors arranged in at least a region of the first footprint external to the second footprint, and a second set of load-sensitive sensors arranged within the second footprint. The sensor data from the load-sensitive sensors can be used to create a pressure level profile, and the volume of the substance contained in the flexible storage container can be calculated from the pressure level profile.