Liquid Volume Measurement Using Self-Calibrated Height Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid volume determination methods in containers are inaccurate due to non-uniform container dimensions and shape variations, leading to difficulties in establishing reliable correlations between liquid height and volume, especially in non-linear and non-symmetric containers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flow meter, liquid level sensor, and register that continuously measures liquid volume and height at multiple intervals, using a self-calibrating method to establish a data-driven height-to-volume relationship, incorporating temperature compensation for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linear measurement sensors are used to determine liquid volume in containers, then the measurement process is simple, but the accuracy is poor due to non-uniform container dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple vertical segments or zones, each with its own calibration factors. The liquid column is segmented into multiple measurement intervals, with each interval having specific height-to-volume correlation data stored in memory. This segmentation allows the system to account for non-uniform container dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters from a single linear measurement to multiple discrete height measurements at different intervals. By taking measurements at multiple levels (first interval, second interval, etc.) and applying different calibration factors to each, the system transforms a simple but inaccurate single-point measurement into a multi-parameter measurement that achieves high accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If complex calibration methods are used to account for non-uniform container shapes, then measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration data is prepared in advance during system setup or container characterization. Height-to-volume correlation data for multiple intervals is pre-calculated and stored in memory before actual liquid volume measurements are taken. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during operation, reducing system complexity while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical calibration procedures with electronic data processing. Instead of requiring complex physical measurement devices or manual calibration mechanisms, the invention uses microprocessor-based calculations with pre-stored calibration tables, substituting mechanical complexity with simpler electronic lookup and computation operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual calibration procedures are used, then adaptability to container variations is achieved, but labor costs and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-calibration by utilizing measurements from the same liquid level sensor it uses for operational measurements. The microprocessor automatically processes the calibration data, stores calibration factors in memory, and applies them during normal operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual calibration procedures, reducing labor costs and human error while maintaining adaptability to different container variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where measurement data from the liquid level sensor is continuously fed back to the microprocessor for processing and calibration refinement. The system uses feedback from actual liquid level measurements to verify and adjust calibration parameters, enabling automatic adaptation to container variations without manual intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for accurately determining the volume of liquid in a container, such as after or prior to a fluid transfer into/from the container. The volume of liquid flowing through a flow meter can be measured at multiple data intervals by a flow meter. Further, the height of a liquid inside the container can be measured by a liquid level sensor at the multiple data intervals. A register can receive data indicative of the respective measurements, and the volume of liquid in the container can be determined based on the relationship between data indicative of the measurement of the volume of liquid flowing through a flow meter at the multiple data intervals and the measurement of the height of a liquid inside the container at the multiple data intervals.