Ultrasound Sensor for LPG Level Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for monitoring product levels in containers, such as LPG cylinders, face challenges including the need for manual measurement, high energy consumption in wireless communication, and cumbersome wired connections, which hinder timely ordering and efficient management of product levels.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an ultrasound-based sensor device arranged on the spherical bottom of a container with an element to change the direction of the ultrasound beam, allowing for automatic product level monitoring and data transmission through low-energy Internet of Things (IoT) networks, enabling conditional data sending and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If wireless communication is used for automatic data transmission, then automation and convenience are improved, but energy consumption increases causing battery depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs measurements periodically at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously, allowing the device to enter low-power sleep modes between measurements. This periodic operation maintains automation while significantly reducing average energy consumption of the wireless communication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement intervals and communication frequency based on product level conditions. When the product level is above the threshold, measurements can be performed less frequently, reducing energy consumption. When the level approaches the threshold, measurement frequency increases to ensure timely detection, optimizing the balance between automation and energy usage.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then product level tracking is improved, but energy consumption increases requiring frequent battery recharging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs discrete measurements at predetermined time intervals. This periodic approach maintains reliable product level tracking by capturing level changes at critical intervals while allowing the system to consume minimal energy between measurements, thereby extending battery operation duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously determines whether to perform measurements and transmit data based on pre-programmed logic and threshold comparisons. This self-service capability eliminates the need for user intervention in monitoring operations while optimizing energy usage patterns to extend battery life without sacrificing tracking reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If wired communication is used for data transmission, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome wires
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical wired connections with wireless communication technology. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cables and connectors, significantly improving ease of installation and device mobility while maintaining low energy consumption characteristics through optimized wireless transmission protocols and periodic communication cycles.
4Device complexity
If manual measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs automatic measurements and data transmission without requiring user intervention. The device autonomously monitors product levels, compares readings against threshold values, and transmits data to external systems automatically, thereby maintaining relatively simple device architecture while dramatically improving monitoring productivity and time efficiency compared to manual methods.
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
Enables continuous, low-energy monitoring and automatic data transmission of product levels, allowing for timely ordering and efficient management, with the system operating for extended periods without battery recharging and providing accurate level measurements despite the container's spherical shape.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device is ultrasound-based
Implementation Method 2
an element is arranged between the sensor device and the container, wherein said element is configured to cause a change of direction of the emission or reception beam of the signal from the ultrasound-based sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring a product level in a container, comprising: obtaining a product level in the container using a product level sensor device; automatically sending data related to at least one of the product levels obtained in the container to at least one external system through a communications network. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method for ensuring that a user does not run out of a product, for example in a LPG container, through a first monitoring step, a second step of sending data through an IoT network via an automated link with his/her local LPG distributor.