Spherical Tank Diameter Measurement with External Laser Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the diameter of spherical tanks are complicated, require manual operations inside the tank, and pose safety hazards due to the dark and confined space, especially when using laser rangefinders.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base, supporting rods, a driving mechanism, a rotating disc, and a counterweight mechanism, which allows for the measurement of the inner equatorial diameter of a spherical tank without manual operation inside, ensuring safety and reliability by using laser rangefinders outside the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual measurement methods (theodolite or handheld laser rangefinder) are used to measure the diameter of spherical tanks, then measurement capability is provided, but operation complexity increases and safety hazards arise due to manual operations inside the dark confined space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base as an intermediary device that can be placed on the tank opening to facilitate measurement. The base includes a rotating platform and laser rangefinder arrangement that allows external measurement without requiring surveyors to enter the confined dark space, thereby eliminating safety hazards while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods (theodolite operations and manual laser rangefinder measurements) with an automated measurement system. The rotating platform automatically positions the laser rangefinder to measure both equatorial and vertical diameters, eliminating the need for manual operations inside the tank while providing comprehensive measurement data
2Measurement precision
If theodolite measurement method is used, then equatorial and vertical diameters can be measured, but the measurement process becomes complicated due to manual measurement and correction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement of equatorial and vertical diameters into a single integrated process. The rotating platform allows the laser rangefinder to automatically measure both types of diameters in sequence without requiring separate manual measurement and correction operations, thereby simplifying the overall measurement process while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-positioning and self-measurement through the rotating platform mechanism. The system automatically adjusts its orientation to measure different diameters without requiring manual intervention for positioning or correction, thereby reducing operational complexity while ensuring measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If laser rangefinder is manually carried inside the spherical tank for measurement, then inner diameters can be measured, but safety hazards increase due to the semi-closed dark space
Solution Approach 1:
The base serves as an intermediary device that enables laser rangefinder measurement from the exterior. The base includes a rotating platform that can be positioned on the tank opening, allowing the laser rangefinder to measure inner diameters without requiring the surveyor to enter the dark confined space, thereby eliminating safety hazards while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual carrying and positioning of laser rangefinder inside the tank with an automated rotating platform system. The platform automatically positions the laser rangefinder to measure both equatorial and vertical diameters from the exterior, eliminating the need for surveyors to enter the hazardous dark confined space while providing accurate measurement data
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 device enables simple, safe, and accurate measurement of the inner equatorial diameter of spherical tanks with high reliability and precision, avoiding the need for manual operations inside the tank and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
opposite sides of the balancing disc are each provided with a laser rangefinder
Implementation Method 2
a free end of the steel tape is configured to pass through the third through hole, the second through hole and the first through hole in sequence to reach a position below the base
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring volume of spherical tanks, includes a base, four supporting rods, a driving mechanism, a rotating disc and a counterweight mechanism. The base is provided with a first through hole and a circular fixing base with a second through hole. The supporting rods are circumferentially provided on the fixing base, with a sliding rod slidably provided at the lower side. An outer end of the sliding rod is provided with a limiting plate. The driving mechanism can drive the sliding rods to move simultaneously in radial directions. The rotating disc with a third through hole is arranged on the fixing base, and is rotatably provided with a reel around which a steel tape is wound. A free end of the steel tape is provided with a balancing disc whose opposite sides are provided with laser rangefinders. The counterweight mechanism can keep the balancing disc stable.