Mobile Fluid Transfer With Ultrasonic Flow Sensing
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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 measurement 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 management systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow meters are installed in the hoses to measure fluid flow rate, then fluid measurement capability is improved, but the flow rate becomes restricted and transfer speed decreases
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 measurement accuracy. This resolves the contradiction by substituting a non-intrusive measurement method that does not impede fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ultrasonic transducer system that measures flow through the hose walls without requiring the fluid to pass through a restrictive metering element. The ultrasonic waves act as an intermediary medium to convey flow information without physically obstructing the fluid path, thereby maintaining both measurement capability and flow speed.
2Measurement precision
If flow meters are calibrated for each fluid viscosity to ensure accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and calibration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic flow measurement system is designed to be universally applicable to multiple fluid types and viscosities without requiring separate calibration for each fluid. The system automatically adapts to different fluid properties, eliminating the need for manual recalibration when changing fluids. This resolves the contradiction by providing a single calibration that works across multiple fluid types, reducing both complexity and calibration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its measurement parameters based on the actual fluid being measured, using algorithms that compensate for viscosity variations in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across different fluid types without requiring physical recalibration, thereby reducing device complexity and operational burden.
3Loss of information
If no data acquisition system is installed, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to track and manage fluid inventory and operations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a data acquisition and feedback system that continuously monitors fluid levels, transfer quantities, and operational status, then feeds this information back to the operator through displays and to remote systems via communication interfaces. This feedback mechanism enables real-time inventory tracking and operational management without excessive complexity, as the system automatically processes and communicates essential information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-reporting of fluid inventory and transfer operations, automatically tracking quantities without requiring manual intervention. The integrated sensors and microprocessor-based control system autonomously collect, process, and communicate data, reducing the burden on operators while providing comprehensive inventory management capabilities.
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.