IoT Tank Mesh Monitoring With Gateway Control for Depletion Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote monitoring systems for fluid tanks and gas usage 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, leading to difficulties in identifying signal node failures and potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor-connected sensor node, a controller node, and a cloud-based admin network that queries and analyzes measured parameter values, calculates rates of change, and sends control commands based on predefined rules, using a mesh network with temporary nodes for field technician access without internet connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wireless mesh networks are used to extend signal range for remotely stored propane tanks, then monitoring coverage is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of troubleshooting increase due to multiple repeater nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the wireless mesh network and the cloud-based monitoring system. This gateway consolidates the complexity of managing multiple repeater nodes by providing a single point of data aggregation and processing, thereby extending monitoring coverage without proportionally increasing troubleshooting complexity.
2Loss of information
If remote monitoring systems require internet connectivity, then data transmission capability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when internet connection is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by implementing local data buffering and caching at the gateway device before data needs to be transmitted. When internet connectivity is unavailable, the gateway can store monitoring data locally and automatically transmit it once connectivity is restored, ensuring continuous monitoring capability without immediate internet dependency.
3Loss of time
If automated control systems are implemented for safety interventions, then response time to hazards is improved, but system complexity increases requiring continuous accurate data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors sensor data and automatically adjusts control actions based on real-time conditions. The gateway device receives data from sensor nodes, processes it against predefined safety thresholds, and triggers automated responses (such as shutting off gas valves or activating alarms) when hazards are detected, creating a closed-loop control system that responds dynamically without requiring complex centralized control.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing appliances are integrated into remote networks, then upgrade costs are reduced, but measurement and control precision deteriorate compared to smart appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into independent sensor nodes that can be attached to existing appliances without requiring the appliances themselves to be smart devices. These sensor nodes contain dedicated sensing and communication capabilities, allowing precise measurements to be obtained from traditional appliances through external sensing components rather than requiring integration of complex smart functionality into the appliances themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote monitoring network for actuating Internet of Things (IoT) devices may comprise a mesh network of wireless sensor nodes positioned proximate to fluid tanks. Each sensor node may comprise a wireless communication device configured to acquire fluid level measurements from the fluid tanks. A gateway device connected to the mesh network may be configured to transmit data from the sensor nodes to a cloud-based admin network. A temporary node may be configured to temporarily integrate with the mesh network to provide access to sensor data without internet connectivity. A device command module may be configured to receive the fluid level measurements from the sensor nodes. The device command module may compare the fluid level measurements against threshold values. The device command module may calculate depletion rates based on historical fluid level data. The device command module may transmit control commands to IoT devices based on the calculated depletion rates.