Method and system for displacing a fluid from a supply container to a buffer tank

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for displacing fluids from bulk supply containers to buffer tanks in industrial settings lack effective prevention of contamination, despite using identifiers and shared transfer conduits, as they do not adequately ensure safe coupling and fluid compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the identification of fluids and coupling components using tags, retrieval of historical data from a database, and verification by a verification device to ensure safe fluid flow through shared coupling components, which are configured for multiple connections, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring correct buffer tank usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a shared transfer conduit is used to couple supply containers to buffer tanks, then simplicity and standardization are improved, but fluid contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesimplicityVSAvoidfluid contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification and verification of fluid-coupling component compatibility before allowing fluid transfer. The verification device checks historical information and compatibility criteria in advance, preventing contamination before it can occur during the transfer process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the verification device continuously monitors and verifies compatibility between fluids and coupling components. Historical information is retrieved and compared with current fluid properties, providing real-time feedback to prevent incompatible couplings and potential contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If identifiers are used to prevent undesired couplings, then fluid contamination is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid contaminationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses universal tags and a shared database that can identify and verify compatibility for multiple different fluids and coupling components. This multi-functional approach prevents contamination across diverse fluid types without requiring separate identification systems for each fluid-coupling combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The verification device acts as an intermediary between the identifier tags and the fluid transfer process. It retrieves historical information from the database, performs compatibility verification, and controls whether transfer is permitted, simplifying the overall system by centralizing the complex verification logic in a single mediating component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If unique coupling is used for each supply container and buffer tank, then fluid contamination is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid contaminationVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal coupling components that can be used with multiple supply containers and buffer tanks. Combined with automated identification and verification systems, this universal approach maintains contamination prevention while significantly improving ease of operation compared to unique couplings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automated self-verification of compatibility using tags, databases, and verification devices. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual verification procedures, allowing simple shared coupling components to be used safely without requiring operator expertise in fluid compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2939975B1Method and system for displacing a fluid from a supply container to a buffer tank
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 CHRISTEYNS
  • EP2939975B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2939975B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2939975B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for displacing a fluid (1) from a supply container (2) to a buffer tank (3). The invention also relates to a system for displacing a fluid from a supply container to a buffer tank, particularly by applying the method according to the present invention, and more particularly for use in an industrial laundry.