Float Lever Inclinometer for Sediment-Tolerant Tank Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for measuring liquid levels in containers, such as tanks and vessels, often require expensive and environmentally impactful sensors, and may be prone to errors due to sediment presence.
Innovation Solution
The use of an inclinometer mounted on a lever arm pivotably attached to the inner wall of a container, with a float mounted on the lever arm, allows for accurate measurement of liquid levels by calculating the height of the fluid surface based on the angle of the lever arm relative to horizontal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive sensors (vibrating, rotating paddle, diaphragm, capacitance, optical, nuclear, ultrasonic) are used to measure liquid levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensors (optical, ultrasonic, capacitance) with a simple mechanical system consisting of a float, lever arm, and inclinometer. The float follows the liquid level, moves the lever arm via buoyancy, and the inclinometer measures the lever arm's angle, providing a cost-effective mechanical solution for liquid level measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, simple components (float, lever arm, inclinometer) that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than expensive proprietary sensors. The system prioritizes low cost and simplicity over long component life, allowing for easy maintenance and replacement of wear-prone mechanical parts
2Measurement precision
If nuclear or ultrasonic sensors are used to measure liquid levels, then measurement precision is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effects of nuclear radiation and ultrasonic emissions into beneficial passive physical phenomena: buoyancy forces from fluid displacement and gravitational forces on the float. These natural forces drive the measurement mechanism without creating environmental pollution or wildlife disturbance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates nuclear and ultrasonic sensors that cause environmental harm by replacing them with a purely mechanical system using floatation and gravity. This mechanical approach achieves accurate measurement without radioactive emissions or ultrasonic waves that could disturb nearby wildlife
3Measurement precision
If complex sensors are used to measure liquid levels, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into separate, simple functional components: the float (buoyancy element), the lever arm (mechanical linkage), and the inclinometer (measurement sensor). This segmentation allows individual components to be easily inspected, maintained, or replaced without affecting the entire system, improving ease of maintenance compared to integrated complex sensors
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 approach is cost-effective, easy to implement and maintain, and environmentally friendly, while providing accurate measurements of liquid levels and volumes, even in the presence of sediments.
Implementation Method 1
a float mounted on the lever arm at a location spaced apart from the first end of the lever arm; the float is configured to float on the surface of oil or float at an interface between oil and water
Implementation Method 2
Inclinometers are sensors used to measure the magnitude of slope, tilt, elevation, or depression of an object with respect to the gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for measuring liquid levels in a tank can include a lever arm pivotably attached to an inner wall of the tank at a first end of the lever arm. A float is mounted on the lever arm at a location spaced apart from the first end of the lever arm. An inclinometer is mounted on a lever arm to measure an angle of the lever arm relative to horizontal. A processor is operable to calculate a height of a surface of the fluid in the container based on the angle of the lever arm relative to horizontal.