Rotatable Gauge Plate for Pressurized Tank Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level gauges for high-pressure containers face inaccuracies due to incorrect installation angles and tank tilts, leading to variances in liquid level readings, and are prone to damage from vibrations and shocks during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid level gauge with a rotatable gauge plate that automatically aligns with the gravitational force vector, independent of tank tilt or orientation, combined with a sensing probe assembly and adjustable counterweight for precise buoyancy, ensuring accurate liquid level determination regardless of installation errors or tank position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gauge plate is mounted at an angle with respect to gravity, then the gauge can be installed on the tank, but the liquid level readings become inaccurate due to skewing of gauge numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge plate is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation. The weighted portion causes the gauge plate to automatically rotate and align itself perpendicular to the gravitational force vector, ensuring accurate readings regardless of installation angle or tank tilt.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge plate self-corrects its orientation through the weighted portion mechanism. Instead of requiring precise manual alignment during installation, the gauge plate autonomously orients itself to the correct position based on gravity, eliminating installation errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tank is placed on a sloped surface, then the tank can be positioned for loading/unloading, but the liquid level readings vary between right and left sides of the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge plate rotates dynamically to remain perpendicular to gravity regardless of tank orientation. This allows the tank to be positioned on sloped surfaces for loading/unloading while the gauge plate automatically adjusts to provide consistent accurate readings from any tank position.
3Device complexity
If the gauge plate is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the gauge is susceptible to damage from vibrations and shocks during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge plate is designed to rotate rather than remain fixed, allowing it to absorb and accommodate vibrations and shocks during transportation. This dynamic capability enhances durability while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a straightforward rotation mechanism with weighted portion.
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 solution provides consistent and accurate liquid level readings independent of tank tilt or orientation, reducing errors caused by installation issues and environmental factors, and enhances durability against transportation-related damages.
Implementation Method 1
The gauge plate is rotatable about a first axis and has a weighted portion such that the gauge plate naturally rotates toward a gravitational force vector to follow a horizontal orientation of an upper surface of the liquid in the tank
Implementation Method 2
a float assembly having a float that floats on an upper surface of the liquid and is rotatable about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, with an amount of angular rotation of the float about the second axis being dependent on a change in the level or volume of liquid in the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid level gauge for determining the level or volume of liquid within a tank includes a mounting head adapted for connection to the tank, a gauge assembly connected to one side of the mounting head, and an elongate sensing probe assembly extending into the tank. The gauge assembly includes a rotatable gauge plate with a scale located thereon and a rotatable indicator that moves across the scale in response to a change in liquid level. The gauge plate is weighted for rotation toward a gravitational force vector for orientation with an upper surface of the liquid in the tank independent of tank tilt. The sensing probe includes a float rod with an integral coil spring hinge to facilitate installation of the gauge within the tank. A counterweight is adjustable along the float rod to fine-tune float weight or buoyancy for a particular gauge configuration and liquid type.