Removable Sensor Box for Storage Tank Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and transport systems for sensitive and dangerous products face challenges in monitoring conditions during transport, including damage detection and traceability, especially due to vibrations and the difficulty in implementing continuous checks.
Innovation Solution
A measuring and communication device equipped with sensors, a geolocation module, and a control unit that continuously monitors the storage tank's displacement and physical conditions, with a remote server for data exchange and security, and a removable box for easy assembly and disassembly, ensuring secure and precise tracking of the tank's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous monitoring of storage tank during transport is implemented, then detection of product deterioration and tank damage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into two main segments: a fixed unit attached to the storage tank containing sensors for temperature, pressure, and location tracking, and a removable box containing the control unit, communication module, and power supply. This segmentation allows the complex electronic components to be easily removed and transferred between tanks, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable box is designed as a universal monitoring device that can be attached to any storage tank of compatible size. It integrates multiple functions including geolocation tracking, environmental sensing, data processing, and wireless communication into a single portable unit, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for each monitoring function.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and monitoring equipment are permanently installed on storage tanks, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and reusability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates permanent sensor installations on the tank from the removable monitoring electronics. Sensors remain fixed on the tank for continuous accurate measurement, while the control unit and communication modules are housed in a removable box that can be easily attached and detached without affecting sensor placement or measurement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable box acts as an intermediary between the fixed sensors on the tank and the external communication systems. It receives data from the sensors through connection elements, processes the information, and transmits it remotely, thereby enabling easy removal of the electronic components while maintaining the permanent sensor installation for continuous measurement.
3Reliability
If security measures are added to protect data exchange, then information security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages security protocols for data transmission without requiring additional manual security devices or complex external security systems. It handles authentication, encryption, and data protection internally through software-based security measures integrated into the existing communication module, maintaining security while avoiding additional hardware complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
A measurement and communication device (9) for a storage and/or transport vessel (11) of a product (13), the measurement and communication device (9) comprising a sensor (25) capable of measuring a physical quantity relating to the storage and/or transport vessel (11) and/or to the product (13) stored in the storage vessel (11), a geolocation module configured for determining geographical coordinates of the measurement and communication device (9), a communication unit capable of sending information to a remote server according to a communication protocol via radio waves, a control unit equipped with a processor, the control unit being designed to command and/or control the sensor (25), the geolocation module and the communication unit.