In-Tank LED Illumination for Visible Tank Condition Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring tank parameters, such as material level, pressure, and flow, often rely on indicator lights that may not be easily visible to operators, especially when viewing the tank itself, which limits visibility and night-time readability.
Innovation Solution
An in-tank illumination system with sensors and a controller that adjusts lighting based on sensor readings, using LED assemblies to illuminate the tank's interior, allowing parameter indications to be visible externally, with customizable colors and blink patterns to convey different conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If indicator lights are mounted on control panels or attached to the sides of tanks, then the system structure remains simple, but the visibility of tank parameters to operators is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is positioned inside the tank, nested within the tank structure itself. This internal placement allows the light to illuminate the tank interior and make parameters visible from the outside, resolving the visibility issue while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system transitions from external side-mounted indicators to internal illumination that radiates through the tank wall. This dimensional change in light source placement enables operators to view parameters directly through the translucent tank wall from any angle, significantly improving visibility.
2Illumination intensity
If in-tank illumination is implemented to improve visibility, then parameter visibility is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source serves multiple functions: it illuminates the tank interior for visibility, and simultaneously acts as an indicator by changing color and blink patterns to convey different tank conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate indicator components, managing complexity while enhancing visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination source changes color (e.g., green, yellow, red) and blink patterns to indicate different tank conditions such as material level, pressure, and flow status. This color-coding system provides intuitive visual information without requiring additional indicator components.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors and control signals are used to indicate different tank conditions, then the information provided is more detailed, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different tank conditions are indicated by different colors and blink patterns of the illumination source. For example, green may indicate normal conditions while red indicates critical conditions. This visual encoding system transmits detailed information efficiently without requiring complex control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination source uses different blink patterns (frequency and duration) to indicate different tank conditions or severity levels. This periodic variation in light output provides additional information dimensions without requiring additional sensors or control components.
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
Enhances visibility and communication of tank conditions, providing clear and intuitive external indications of material levels, pressure, weight, and flow status, even in low-light conditions, improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination source can be a light emitting diode (LED) assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An in-tank illumination system and method for a translucent tank with sensors configured to monitor conditions of the tank and material inside. The illumination system includes an illumination source that illuminates the tank interior and is visible outside; and a controller that determines tank conditions based on the sensor readings, and sends control signals to the illumination source. When the controller detects a tank condition, it sends control signals to the source to illuminate the tank to indicate the tank condition. The system can include a bracket connecting the source to the tank interior near the top. The controller and source can be on different vehicles. Different control signals can change colors, blink patterns, and other properties of the source to indicate different tank conditions. The tank conditions can have different priorities to select which to indicate. The severity or duration of tank conditions can also be indicated.