Portable Fluid Tank Wireless Control for Remote Site Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid-based solutions face challenges due to the lack of convenient and accessible fluid supply at various job sites, particularly in environments lacking established infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A portable fluid tank system with a mounting assembly for secure attachment, wireless control capabilities, and a fluid actuation system for controlled fluid movement and pressurization, featuring a removable energy storage device and a multi-state control interface for direct or remote operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fluid-based solutions are used in remote job sites without established infrastructure, then fluid mobility and accessibility are improved, but fluid supply reliability and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid accessibilityVSAvoidfluid supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid supply system is divided into modular portable tanks that can be independently positioned and connected to docking assemblies, allowing flexible deployment in remote areas while maintaining reliable fluid supply through standardized connection interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A docking assembly acts as an intermediary between the portable fluid tank and the job site infrastructure, providing a stable connection point that ensures reliable fluid supply while maintaining the mobility benefits of the portable tank system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If portable fluid tank systems are designed for mobility, then adaptability to different job sites is improved, but mechanical stability and secure attachment deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejob site adaptabilityVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly incorporates universal engagement members that can interface with various docking assembly configurations, enabling the portable tank to adapt to different job sites while maintaining stable and secure attachment through standardized mechanical connection features

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If wireless control capabilities are added to enable remote operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and electronic component vulnerability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Wireless control capabilities replace complex mechanical control linkages with electronic communication systems, enabling remote operation while reducing mechanical complexity through the use of wireless signals transmitted between the control interface and the fluid actuation system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If electronics housing is positioned for optimal control access, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to fluid overflow and harmful factors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol interface accessibilityVSAvoidfluid overflow risk to electronics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spill face is designed with an elevated upper segment positioned closer to the electronics housing that creates a barrier against fluid overflow before it can reach the electronics, proactively preventing harm rather than reacting to it after overflow occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enables efficient and controlled fluid handling in environments with limited infrastructure, providing secure attachment, wireless control, and protection of electronic components from fluid overflow.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible diaphragm for pressure modulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiaphragm pressure modulation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first engagement member on the fluid tank, configured to mechanically engage with a complementary second engagement member on an external docking assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4588572A1Portable fluid tank system with multi-state control interface and remote operation
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • EP4588572A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4588572A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4588572A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A portable fluid tank system can include wireless control capabilities. The portable fluid tank system can include a fluid tank with an internal volume for fluid storage and a fluid actuation system for controlled fluid movement and pressurization. An electronics housing within the portable fluid tank system can accommodate a removable energy storage device, providing power to the actuation system. The portable fluid tank system can include a multi-state control interface, facilitating direct user interaction or remote operation via a wireless communication module. The module can receive and execute commands from a remote transmitting device, enabling remote activation and control of the fluid actuation system.