Tilt-Compensated Vessel Volume Measurement From Fluid Surface Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining fluid volume changes in a vessel inaccurately measure fluid levels when the vessel is not horizontal, leading to incorrect volume calculations during fluid addition or removal.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a fluid level detector and tilt sensor to measure surface levels and roll/pitch values of a vessel, combined with a computing device to calculate and compare fluid volumes, ensuring accurate volume determination despite vessel orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluid level is measured in a non-horizontal vessel using conventional methods, then measurement process is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect volume indication
Solution Approach 1:
A tilt sensor is introduced as an intermediary device to measure the orientation of the vessel. The tilt sensor provides roll and pitch angle data that is used to calculate the actual fluid volume, serving as a mediator between the fluid level measurement and the volume determination, thereby resolving the inaccuracy caused by vessel tilting without requiring complex mechanical leveling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical level measurement systems with an electronic sensing approach. Instead of using complex mechanical leveling mechanisms or manual inclination corrections, the system uses electronic tilt sensors and computational algorithms to automatically compensate for vessel orientation, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic measurement and digital calculation
2Reliability
If vessel orientation is not accounted for in fluid level measurement, then measurement process is straightforward, but reliability of volume determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only measures the fluid level but also detects vessel orientation through tilt sensors and automatically calculates the corrected volume. This multi-functional approach integrates level detection, orientation sensing, and volume calculation into a single unified system, improving reliability without requiring separate manual correction procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring vessel orientation via tilt sensors and using this information to dynamically adjust the volume calculation. The measured tilt angles are fed back into the calculation algorithm to compensate for orientation effects, creating a closed-loop measurement system that automatically corrects for vessel positioning errors
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
Provides accurate measurement of fluid volume changes within a vessel by accounting for its orientation, enhancing precision in fluid addition or removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a first roll value (23) of the vessel; measuring a first pitch value (26) of the vessel
Implementation Method 2
measuring a first surface level (20) of fluid within the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus (5) for determining a change in volume within a vessel (11) with regard to fluid (14) being added or removed from the vessel. The method involves measuring first and second surface levels (20, 20′) of fluid (14) within the vessel (11) (with regard to fluid being added or removed therefrom), first and second roll values (23, 23′) of the vessel, and first and second pitch values (26, 26′) of the vessel. From these measurements, and in conjunction with the known interior dimensions and known interior total volume of the vessel, there are calculated first and second fluid volumes that are compared to determine a change in fluid within the vessel.