Switchable Valve Pressure Sensor for Tank Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensor configurations for pressurized liquid storage tanks face challenges such as high cost, complexity, and accuracy issues due to the need for multiple sensors or complex differential pressure sensors, which can be damaged by improper connections and suffer from measurement errors caused by temperature and ambient effects.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor configuration that includes a switchable valve and a remote telemetry unit (RTU) with a solenoid valve, allowing the pressure sensor to selectively connect to multiple ports of the tank, canceling out measurement errors and reducing costs by using a single pressure sensor for accurate differential pressure calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pressure sensors are used to measure both pressure and differential pressure, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The single pressure sensor is configured to perform multiple measurement functions by selectively connecting to different ports. The sensor can measure absolute pressure at the HI port, absolute pressure at the LO port, and through sequential measurement, differential pressure is calculated. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate differential pressure sensors while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a switchable valve mechanism that dynamically reconfigures the pressure sensor connections between different ports based on measurement requirements. The valve allows the sensor to switch between measuring absolute pressure at HI port, absolute pressure at LO port, or calculating differential pressure, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring multiple fixed sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate pressure sensors are used to calculate differential pressure, then measurement versatility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function for both HI port and LO port pressures into a single pressure sensor. By using one sensor instead of two, the system eliminates the problem of differential temperature effects that occur when two separate sensors are used. The single sensor experiences uniform temperature conditions, ensuring that differential pressure calculations remain accurate even in varying thermal environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a differential pressure sensor is used to measure level, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to risk of sensor damage from improper connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a switchable valve as an intermediary component between the pressure sensor and the tank ports. This valve acts as a protective mediator that ensures the pressure sensor only connects to ports under controlled conditions. The valve prevents direct improper connections that could damage the sensor, while still enabling the sensor to measure both absolute pressure and differential pressure through proper switching sequences.
4Ease of manufacture
If a combo PDP sensor is used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but device complexity remains high
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an integrated combo PDP sensor, the patent segments the measurement functions into a single pressure sensor配合 a switchable valve. This segmentation approach uses standard, off-the-shelf components (a regular pressure sensor and a valve) rather than a specialized integrated sensor, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the same functional results. The system separates the sensing function from the switching function, allowing each component to be optimized independently.
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
This configuration provides accurate level, volume, and mass measurements while reducing costs and eliminating sensor damage from improper connections, offering improved accuracy and reliability in determining tank parameters.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor configuration includes a switchable valve and a remote telemetry unit (RTU) with a solenoid valve coupled to the pressure sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
In at least some embodiments, a pressure sensor configuration includes a pressure sensor and a switchable valve coupled to the pressure sensor. The switchable valve enables the pressure sensor to measure pressure at multiple ports of a pressurized tank.