Intelligent Pressure Gauge with QR Code for Automated Fleet Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing a fleet of gas containers with multiple pressure gauges is tedious and time-consuming, as manual reading of pressure values is required for each container, lacking an efficient method for automated data recording and association with container-specific information.
Innovation Solution
A method using a pressure gauge with a dial bearing a two-dimensional code and a rotating needle, where images of the gauge are processed to decode the code and determine the needle's position, allowing automated reading and association of pressure values with container information such as gas type, supplier, and expiry date, using a digital device with image processing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual reading of pressure gauges is used for each gas container, then pressure values can be obtained, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming when managing a fleet of containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reading of pressure gauges with an automated optical system. A camera captures images of the pressure gauge dial, and image processing algorithms automatically detect the needle position and decode the two-dimensional code to extract pressure values and container information, eliminating the need for manual reading while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the pressure gauge information through image capture. Instead of manually reading the physical gauge, the system photographs the dial and uses image processing to extract the pressure value and container identification from the visual representation, enabling automated fleet management.
2Loss of information
If manual reading and recording is performed for each container, then pressure data can be collected, but the process lacks efficiency for large numbers of containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data collection and recording processes with automated image capture and digital processing. The system photographs the pressure gauge and two-dimensional code, then automatically processes the images to extract and store pressure data and container information in a database, dramatically improving productivity for fleet management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service data collection where the pressure gauge and container information serve themselves through the automated imaging and processing system. The two-dimensional code on the gauge automatically provides container identification, and the image processing automatically extracts pressure values, eliminating the need for human intervention in data collection.
3Extent of automation
If a two-dimensional code is added to the pressure gauge dial, then automated reading and information association become possible, but the dial design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional code on the pressure gauge dial serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides container identification information, enables automated imaging and processing, and maintains compatibility with the existing pressure measurement display. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by enabling automated fleet management capabilities.
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
Enables efficient, error-free automated reading and recording of pressure values and associated information, improving the management of gas container fleets by streamlining data collection and storage.
Implementation Method 1
the rotating needle is positioned under the effect of the gas pressure to indicate a measured pressure value
Implementation Method 2
aneroid manometers use the elasticity of a metal part whose deformation by the pressurized fluid, for example the deflection of a diaphragm or the variation in curvature of a coiled tube, such as a Bourdon tube, makes it possible to determine faithfully the difference in applied pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure gauge (1) comprising a dial (4) bearing a marking (5, 9) and a pressure indicator (6) capable of rotating (7) with respect to said dial (4), the pressure indicator (6) as it rotates changing orientation and/or position relative to said marking (5, 9). The marking (5, 9) comprises a two-dimensional code (9) that encodes at least one given information item. The pressure gauge (1) comprises a reference (13) acting as a reference position so that the pressure indicator (6) can be positioned in space. The invention also relates to a valve unit for distributing fluid, particularly gas, comprising such a pressure gauge (1) and to an assembly for distributing fluid, particularly gas, comprising a gas container, such as a gas cylinder, to which such a fluid distribution valve unit equipped with a such a pressure gauge (1) is fixed. Another aspect of the invention also relates to a method for measuring the pressure displayed by a pressure gauge (1).