Universal Sensor Interface Adapter for Tank Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for connecting sensors to containers, such as tanks holding liquids, are inefficient and require complete removal of the sensor system for filling, which is time-consuming and not secure.
Innovation Solution
A universal sensor interface system comprising a sensor assembly with a transducer and adapter that allows quick and secure attachment and detachment from the tank fill port using a tab-and-slot mechanism, enabling fast and reliable monitoring of liquid levels without removing the adapter from the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sensor system is completely removed from the tank for filling, then the filling operation can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into two separate components: a permanently mounted adapter that remains on the tank, and a removable sensor assembly that can be quickly detached. This segmentation allows the adapter to stay fixed while only the sensor portion is removed for filling operations, significantly reducing the time and effort required compared to removing the entire sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component that remains permanently mounted on the tank fill port. It provides a mounting interface for the sensor assembly while allowing quick attachment and detachment. This intermediary structure enables efficient filling operations without requiring complete removal of the monitoring system.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor system is completely removed from the tank for filling, then the filling can be performed, but the re-attachment process is not secure and reliable
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the adapter (permanently mounted) from the sensor assembly (removable), the system ensures that the secure mounting interface remains on the tank via the adapter. The sensor assembly can be easily removed for filling and then reliably re-attached to the adapter's secure interface, combining ease of operation with reliable re-attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as a secure intermediary mounting structure that remains fixed on the tank. It provides a reliable re-attachment interface that ensures the sensor assembly can be securely mounted after filling operations, eliminating concerns about improper re-attachment while maintaining easy accessibility for filling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal connection system is implemented, then compatibility with various containers and sensors is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate different tank fill ports and sensor assemblies. By creating a standardized connection system with complementary interfaces, the adapter can work with various container types and sensor models, achieving versatility without requiring multiple specialized components for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system uses asymmetric complementary interfaces between the adapter and sensor assembly, with tabs on one component fitting into corresponding slots on the other. This asymmetric design provides universal compatibility while maintaining simple, straightforward connection and disconnection procedures, avoiding the complexity of symmetric or multi-configuration interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal sensor interface system includes a sensor assembly and an adapter with twist to lock and twist to unlock functionality. The sensor assembly has a sensor interface box and a transducer communicatively connected to the sensor interface box by a cable. The adapter is configured to connect to an access aperture of a container for holding a fluid. The sensor interface box has a first connection interface, and the adapter has a complementary second connection interface. The first connection interface and the second connection interface cooperate to facilitate connection of the sensor assembly to the access aperture of the container and disconnection of the sensor assembly from the access aperture of the container.