Tank-in-Tank Fill Level Indicator Using Beating Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive fill level measurement technologies for tank-in-tank containers are inaccurate due to ambient noise interference and cannot reliably determine the fill level of carbon dioxide containers, especially when internal gauges fail, leading to unpredictable refilling schedules and potential service disruptions in restaurants and bars.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive tank-in-tank fill level indicator system that uses a vibration device to induce vibrations in the outer tank, detecting the resulting beating effect from the interaction with the inner tank's resonant frequency, processed by a microcontroller to accurately determine the liquid volume, and provides fill level information through a display or wireless transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ambient noise filtering is improved to achieve more accurate fill level measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a vibration transducer to mechanically vibrate the outer tank at its resonant frequency, inducing vibrations in the inner tank. The interaction between the two tanks produces a beating effect that is detected and analyzed to determine fill level. This mechanical vibration approach provides a reliable signal that is less susceptible to ambient noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the beating effect signal and uses feedback processing to distinguish the tank vibration signal from ambient noise. The microcontroller analyzes the frequency and amplitude characteristics of the detected signal, comparing it against expected patterns to accurately determine fill level even in noisy environments.
2Reliability
If non-invasive measurement is used to avoid contamination and leakage risks, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ambient noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
By using mechanical vibration of the tank walls and detecting the resulting beating effect, the system achieves reliable fill level measurement without invasive components. The vibration signal provides a distinctive pattern that can be differentiated from ambient noise, maintaining measurement precision while preserving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer tank acts as an intermediary medium that transmits vibration from the transducer to the inner tank. The beating effect produced by the interaction between outer and inner tank vibrations serves as an intermediary signal that carries fill level information without requiring direct contact with the liquid or gas being measured.
3Measurement precision
If internal float gauges are used for fill level measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates when the gauge becomes damaged or inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the tank walls themselves as intermediaries to transmit vibration signals. By measuring the beating effect produced by the interaction between outer and inner tank vibrations, the system obtains fill level information without requiring internal floating components that can become damaged or inoperable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical float gauge system with a vibration-based measurement system. Instead of using floating mechanical components that can get damaged by freezing liquid or other conditions, the system uses vibration transducers and electronic signal processing to determine fill level, significantly improving reliability.
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 system provides accurate, reliable, and remote measurement of carbon dioxide container fill levels, unaffected by ambient noise, allowing for timely refilling and reducing unnecessary fill runs, while being retrofittable and compatible with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A non-invasive tank-in-tank fill level indicator system that uses a vibration device to induce vibrations in the outer tank, detecting the resulting beating effect from the interaction with the inner tank's resonant frequency
Implementation Method 2
detecting the resulting beating effect from the interaction with the inner tank's resonant frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A tank-in-tank fill level indicator, making use of noninvasive tank-in-tank measuring techniques. A vibration device, such as an exciter or resonator, vibrates the outer tank at its natural frequency of vibration, thereby inducing the vibration of the inner tank and a beating effect as a result of the interaction of the vibrations of the two tanks. A vibration detection device, such as an accelerometer, detects the resultant beating effect of the two tanks' induced vibrations. A data processing device, such as a microcontroller, processes the detection data to obtain the liquid volume. A display, wired or wireless data transmission device, or combination thereof, is then used to provide tank or container fill-level information.