Used Cooking Oil Tank Monitoring With Authorized Drain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Used cooking oil tanks are vulnerable to theft due to the value of the stored oil, and existing systems lack effective monitoring and control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and ensure efficient collection.
Innovation Solution
A fluid storage system with a monitoring unit equipped with an ultrasonic sensor, transmitter, and proximity sensor that detects fluid levels and alerts for approved collection by recognizing a beacon from authorized vehicles, controlling a motorized ball valve to manage drainage operations and prevent theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If used cooking oil tanks are stored in accessible locations for easy collection, then collection efficiency is improved, but vulnerability to theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a monitoring unit as an intermediary between the oil tank and potential thieves. This unit includes sensors, controllers, and communication devices that act as a mediator to detect unauthorized access attempts and alert authorities, thereby protecting the tank while maintaining accessibility for legitimate collection operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the oil tank to monitor and protect itself automatically through integrated sensors, controllers, and alert mechanisms. The self-monitoring capabilities detect fluid level changes, unauthorized access attempts, and environmental conditions without requiring constant human supervision, allowing the tank to defend itself while remaining accessible for scheduled collections
2Device complexity
If manual monitoring of fluid levels is performed, then system complexity is reduced, but loss of time for scheduling collections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring unit automatically tracks fluid levels using sensors and communicates this information to relevant parties without requiring manual inspection. The system self-monitors and provides real-time data on oil levels, enabling automatic scheduling decisions and eliminating the time loss associated with manual monitoring while adding minimal complexity through integrated electronic components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If unauthorized access to drainage lines is prevented by securing them, then theft prevention is improved, but ease of operation for legitimate collection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control mechanisms that adapt the security state of drainage lines based on detected conditions. Sensors monitor for unauthorized access attempts, and controllers dynamically adjust valve positions or activate locking mechanisms only when threats are detected, maintaining easy access for legitimate operations while preventing theft attempts
4Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of fluid levels is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring unit employs periodic sampling of fluid levels rather than truly continuous monitoring. Sensors take measurements at predetermined intervals or when triggered by specific events such as approaching threshold levels, maintaining sufficient measurement precision for scheduling decisions while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to constant monitoring
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 provides real-time monitoring and control, ensuring only authorized collections, reducing theft risks and optimizing the efficiency of used cooking oil collection by scheduling based on actual tank levels and tracking changes.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid storage system with a monitoring unit equipped with an ultrasonic sensor, transmitter, and proximity sensor that detects fluid levels
Implementation Method 2
a proximity sensor to detect the presence of a beacon within a proximity range of the monitoring unit
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid storage monitoring system includes a fluid storage receptacle defining an interior volume and including a drainage fluid line, a fluid control valve in the drainage fluid line, and a monitoring unit coupled to the fluid storage receptacle. The monitoring unit includes a sensor to attach to the fluid storage receptacle and detect an amount of empty space between fluid contents of the fluid storage receptacle and the sensor, a transmitter to receive and transmit data from the sensor and a remote server, and a controller to selectively open the fluid control valve.