Gateway-Based IoT Control for Remote Fluid Tank Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote monitoring systems for fluid tanks and gas devices often require upgrading to smart appliances, struggle with connectivity issues, and fail to provide reliable continuous data transmission, especially for propane tanks stored remotely, which can lead to safety hazards due to gas leaks or combustion risks.
Innovation Solution
A system with a processor-controlled IoT device network that includes a sensor node, gateway device, and user device, utilizing a network architecture with repeater nodes to ensure data integrity and reliability, and a management app for remote control and monitoring, with an admin database to analyze and act on measured parameter changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wireless mesh network with repeater nodes is used to extend signal range for remotely stored propane tanks, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of troubleshooting increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary component that centralizes the management of sensor nodes and repeater nodes. The gateway handles data collection, processing, and transmission to the cloud platform, eliminating the need for each node to independently manage complex mesh network communications. This intermediary architecture extends monitoring coverage to remotely stored propane tanks while containing system complexity within the gateway device.
2Reliability
If remote monitoring of propane tanks is implemented to detect gas leaks and combustion risks, then safety monitoring is improved, but reliable continuous data transmission becomes difficult due to connectivity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by equipping the gateway device with local storage capabilities and data caching mechanisms. When cloud connectivity is interrupted, the gateway continues to store and process sensor data locally, ensuring no safety-critical information is lost. Once connectivity is restored, the cached data is automatically synchronized to the cloud platform. This preliminary data preservation action ensures continuous safety monitoring reliability despite intermittent connectivity issues.
3Ease of operation
If existing appliances are upgraded to smart connected appliances for remote access and control, then remote control capability is improved, but compatibility with existing systems decreases and upgrade costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves as an intermediary that enables remote control of existing propane tank systems without requiring the tanks themselves to be upgraded to smart appliances. The gateway interfaces with standard sensor nodes and provides cloud-based remote access capabilities, allowing users to monitor and control their propane systems remotely while maintaining compatibility with existing non-smart infrastructure.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If technician access to node data is required for troubleshooting connectivity issues, then diagnostic capability is improved, but the time and complexity of troubleshooting increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud platform implements automated feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor network health, node status, and data transmission quality. When connectivity issues are detected, the system automatically generates diagnostic reports and alerts technicians with specific problem locations and recommended actions. This automated feedback eliminates the need for technicians to manually access and analyze data from multiple nodes, significantly reducing troubleshooting time while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A network of wireless nodes collects data from a fluid tank or gas usage device sensor and uploads the data to the cloud or the Internet. The network allows for a temporary node to integrate into the network such that technicians can access the network without access to the cloud or internet. Data from the sensor may then be used by the system, either locally or remotely, to control or adjust one or more Internet of Things (IoT) devices based on the values of parameters such as tank fluid level or gas usage, etc.