RFID Filling Station With Weighing Control for Accurate Liquid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling stations lack efficiency in transferring liquids from large bulk containers to smaller containers and do not ensure the correct type of fluid is transferred, particularly in the hospitality industry where RFID tags are not utilized.
Innovation Solution
A filling station with a station housing supporting a top pedestal for smaller containers and a bottom pedestal for bulk containers, equipped with a scale, fluid conduit system, pump, and RFID readers to ensure accurate fluid transfer based on RFID tag matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual filling methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and filling speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses RFID tags on containers to automatically identify and configure filling parameters without manual intervention. The scale automatically detects container placement and triggers the filling sequence, making the system self-sufficient and high-productivity while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control systems. RFID readers and scales detect container positions and weights, while a controller automatically activates the pump and monitors filling, substituting complex manual procedures with simpler automated sensing and control.
2Measurement precision
If RFID tags are implemented, then measurement precision and fluid type verification improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RFID technology to replace manual verification of fluid types. The RFID reader automatically reads tags on bulk containers to verify fluid identity and matches it with RFID tags on smaller containers, providing precise verification without adding significant mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
RFID tags serve as intermediaries that carry identification information about fluid types. The RFID reader acts as an intermediary device that reads these tags and communicates with the controller, enabling accurate fluid type verification through a simple tag-read-compare process.
3Productivity
If automated pump control is used, then productivity improves, but reliability may worsen due to potential operational errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a scale that continuously monitors the weight of the smaller container during filling. The controller receives real-time weight feedback and automatically adjusts or stops the pump operation when the target fill weight is reached, ensuring both high productivity and operational accuracy without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system performs preliminary verification of fluid types and container identification before the filling operation begins. This preliminary check prevents operational errors by ensuring the correct fluid is transferred to the correct container, thereby improving reliability while maintaining automated high-speed filling.
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
Facilitates quick and precise fluid transfer from bulk to smaller containers while ensuring the correct fluid type is dispensed, preventing accidental operation and spills, and optimizing fluid volume measurement.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is mounted in or on the station housing for pumping the liquid from the fluid intake tube to the fluid outlet port
Implementation Method 2
A scale is operably mounted on the top pedestal, the scale having a load cell for measuring the weight of the smaller container
Data Source
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AI summary
A filling station for transferring a liquid from a large bulk container to a smaller container has a station housing with a top pedestal supported above a bottom pedestal by a support body, the top pedestal being configurated to support the smaller container, and the bottom pedestal being configurated to support the large bulk container. A scale is operably mounted on the top pedestal, the scale having a load cell for measuring the weight of the smaller container. A fluid flow conduit system extends from a fluid intake tube positioned above the bottom pedestal, to a fluid outlet port positioned above the top pedestal. A pump is mounted in or on the station housing for pumping the liquid from the fluid intake tube to the fluid outlet port, for transferring the fluid from the large bulk container to the smaller container via the fluid flow conduit system.