Portable Orientation Device for Level Gauge Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of level gauges on containers with inclined or non-standard geometries is complex and time-consuming, requiring precise alignment to ensure accurate measurements, especially in industrial settings where containers have tapered ends or lateral offset arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A portable device equipped with a processor, inclination sensor, and display is used to determine the container's dimensions and the level gauge's position, calculating the required orientation change and providing visual or auditory feedback to align the level gauge correctly, simplifying the installation and realignment process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual alignment methods are used for level gauges on containers with inclined or non-standard geometries, then installation can be performed without additional equipment, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidalignment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a portable alignment device as an intermediary tool between the installer and the level gauge. This device includes a processor, inclination sensor, and display device that work together to simplify the alignment process. The portable device serves as a mediator that translates complex geometric requirements into simple visual instructions, resolving the contradiction between installation speed and process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable alignment device enables self-service alignment by providing automated calculations and real-time visual feedback through its display. The device autonomously determines the required orientation based on container geometry and level gauge position, eliminating the need for complex manual calculations or specialized alignment equipment, thus improving installation productivity without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If precise alignment is required for accurate level measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel measurement accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The portable alignment device implements feedback through its display device, which provides real-time visual information about the required orientation of the level gauge. This feedback mechanism allows installers to achieve precise alignment quickly by following direct visual guidance rather than performing complex manual measurements and calculations, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs preliminary calculations of the required orientation based on pre-input container dimensions and level gauge position. By calculating the optimal alignment parameters before installation begins, the system enables installers to directly apply pre-determined orientation values, ensuring measurement precision without the time-consuming trial-and-error process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If traditional alignment methods are used, then no additional portable equipment is needed, but the process requires complex calculations and multiple measurement steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment operation simplicityVSAvoidalignment procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with an electronic system comprising a processor, inclination sensor, and display device. Instead of using traditional mechanical tools for measurement and calculation, the system uses electronic sensing and digital computation to determine orientation, significantly simplifying the operation while reducing procedural complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The portable device changes the parameters of the alignment process by using electronic inclination measurements and digital calculations instead of manual geometric constructions. The system accepts simple input parameters (container dimensions, gauge position) and automatically computes the required orientation parameters, transforming a complex multi-step mechanical process into a simple electronic calculation and display task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 portable device significantly simplifies the alignment of level gauges on containers by providing precise instructions for orientation, ensuring accurate measurements and reducing installation time, even in complex geometries, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The processor for determining an inclination of the level measuring device is designed to use the inclination sensor to determine an inclination of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3120121B1Portable device for orienting a fill-level measuring device on a container
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO
  • EP3120121B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3120121B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3120121B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a portable device (100) for orienting a fill-level measuring device (201) on a container (200). For this purpose, the portable device (100) can be placed on a surface of the fill-level measuring device (201). By means of a tilt sensor of the portable device (100), the tilt of the portable device (100) and thus also the tilt of the fill-level measuring device (201) can be determined. On the basis of the tilt of the fill-level measuring device, a dimension of the container (200), and a position of the fill-level measuring device (201) in relation to the container (200) or on the basis of a tilt angle of the fill-level measuring device on the container that is to be set, a change of the orientation of the fill-level measuring device that is still required can be determined by a processor of the portable device. Said change of the orientation of the fill-level measuring device that is still required can be displayed on a display device of the portable device. The invention further relates to a fill-level measuring system, to a method, to a program element, to a computer-readable medium, and to the use of a mobile terminal.