Tank Access Control Device with Electromechanical Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control devices for tanks lack secure closure mechanisms, allowing unauthorized access and failing to ensure safety and integrity checks, leading to potential safety risks and unmonitored usage.
Innovation Solution
An access control device with a cap that features a closure body with interlocking threads, a detection system, and a wireless data connection, allowing controlled rotation between open and closed positions, and utilizing a magnetic actuator and geolocation capabilities to ensure secure and monitored access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional screw or bayonet caps are used for tank closure, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate due to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional purely mechanical cap system with an electromechanical system that includes a motorized actuator, control circuitry, and electronic authentication mechanisms. The actuator receives authentication signals and automatically rotates the cap to open or close positions, eliminating the need for manual screwing or bayonet-style opening while maintaining security through electronic verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system between the user and the cap mechanism. A control unit verifies authentication credentials (such as RFID tags, codes, or biometric data) before activating the actuator to open the cap. This intermediary layer prevents unauthorized access while allowing legitimate users convenient operation.
2Reliability
If access control mechanisms are added to tanks, then reliability and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication system, actuator control, and cap operation into a single integrated unit. The control unit consolidates multiple functions (authentication verification, actuator control, status monitoring) into one compact device that attaches to the tank, reducing overall system complexity despite adding security features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic authentication verification and cap operation without requiring manual intervention for each security check. The actuator automatically executes opening or closing actions based on authentication results, and the system self-monitors its own status and integrity, reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If monitoring systems are implemented to check closure integrity, then reliability is improved, but loss of energy increases due to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates periodically rather than continuously, checking closure integrity at predetermined intervals or triggered by specific events (such as attempted access or scheduled checks). This periodic operation maintains reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to activate monitoring only when necessary. Sensors detect changes in closure status, authentication attempts, or environmental conditions and trigger monitoring only when anomalies are detected or according to scheduled cycles, optimizing energy usage while maintaining security.
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
Enhances safety by restricting unauthorized access and continuously monitoring the integrity of the closure, reducing the number of unauthorized access attempts and ensuring secure operation through encrypted data connections and secure positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic actuator and geolocation capabilities to ensure secure and monitored access
Implementation Method 2
a detection system, and a wireless data connection, allowing controlled rotation between open and closed positions
Data Source
AI summary
An access control device for controlling access to a tank defining a storage chamber and access to the storage chamber; the device includes at least one cap and an external apparatus; the cap includes a closure body defining a closed position and an open position; a housing defining a housing volume for the closure body and a reciprocal rotation with respect to the closure body; a connection to connect the closure body to the housing, thereby defining an operating configuration in which said reciprocal rotation is prevented and a non-operating configuration in which it allows said reciprocal rotation, thus preventing said housing from controlling the passage of the closure body between the closed and open positions; and a data connector to provide wireless data connection with the external apparatus to allow it to control the passage of the connection between operating configuration and non-operating configuration.