Mobile Fluid Transfer With Ultrasonic Sensing to Prevent Overflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lube skids face limitations in fluid transfer efficiency due to flow restrictions from flow meters, require calibration for each fluid viscosity, and lack data acquisition and communication capabilities, leading to inaccurate fluid management and potential overflow issues during remote machine maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A mobile fluid transfer system equipped with a fluid evacuation and refill system, sensing devices for real-time fluid level measurement, and a control circuit for automated operation and data management, allowing for precise fluid handling and integration with inventory and work order systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow meters are installed in hoses to measure fluid flow rate, then fluid transfer quantity can be monitored, but flow rate becomes slow due to flow restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow meters with ultrasonic flow measurement technology. The ultrasonic flow meter uses acoustic waves to measure fluid velocity without physical contact with the fluid stream, eliminating the flow restrictions caused by traditional mechanical meters while maintaining accurate measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If flow meters are calibrated for each fluid viscosity to ensure accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and calibration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic flow measurement system automatically adjusts its measurement parameters based on the fluid being measured. The system can compensate for different viscosities, densities, and flow conditions through software algorithms and adjustable ultrasonic frequencies, eliminating the need for manual calibration for each fluid type while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring of tank fluid levels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but risk of overfilling and environmental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback control through ultrasonic level sensors that continuously monitor tank fluid levels. When the fluid reaches a predetermined maximum level, the system automatically shuts off the transfer operation or alerts the operator, preventing overfilling and environmental contamination without requiring constant manual attention.
4Ease of manufacture
If lube skid is designed as a simple mechanical device, then ease of manufacture is improved, but data acquisition and communication capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the lube skid system, combining traditional mechanical fluid transfer with ultrasonic measurement, data acquisition, and communication capabilities. The system can perform fluid transfer, measure flow rates and levels, store operational data, and communicate with remote systems, making it a multi-functional platform that enhances both manufacturing value and information management without excessive complexity.
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
The system enables faster and more accurate fluid transfer, prevents overfilling, and integrates with management systems for improved operational efficiency and safety during remote maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic flow meter has no moving parts, is not subject to wear or calibration drift, is not affected by the viscosity of the fluid being measured, and does not restrict flow
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic level sensor provides accurate real-time measurement of the amount of fluid in each tank
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile fluid transfer system. The system includes a fluid evacuation system, a fluid refill system, a sensing system and a control system. The fluid evacuation system comprises a first fluid storage container. The fluid refill system comprises a second fluid storage container. The sensing system is coupled to the fluid evacuation system and the fluid refill system. The control system is coupled to the sensing system, the fluid evacuation system and the fluid refill system. The control system is configured to determine an amount of a first fluid in the first fluid storage container based on a first signal from the sensing system, and determine an amount of a second fluid in the second fluid storage container based on a second signal from the sensing system.