Wireless Fill Level Sensor for Grit Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the filling level of grit containers, such as those used for sand or road salt, are labor-intensive and time-consuming, often resulting in delayed detection of empty containers, especially in urban areas during cold seasons, leading to inefficient resource allocation and potential complete emptying.
Innovation Solution
A filling level determination device equipped with sensors like time-of-flight, ultrasonic, radar, pressure, and movement sensors, which transmit filling level information wirelessly to a processing unit for remote monitoring, reducing the need for on-site inspections and enabling real-time knowledge of container levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If on-site inspection methods are used to monitor filling levels, then direct knowledge of container status is obtained, but significant time and labor resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated sensor-based measurement system. A fill level determination device with sensors (ultrasonic, radar, pressure, or time-of-flight) automatically measures the filling level and transmits data wirelessly to a processing unit, eliminating the need for physical on-site inspection by staff.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system performs self-monitoring through integrated sensors that continuously track filling levels and automatically communicate status to authorities. The system serves itself by detecting and reporting its own state without external intervention, enabling real-time awareness of filling levels across multiple containers.
2Reliability
If frequent on-site inspections are conducted to prevent complete emptying, then container status is known timely, but labor and resource consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a continuous feedback loop where sensors monitor filling levels and automatically transmit data to a processing unit. When the filling level drops below a threshold, the system generates an alert to the responsible authority, enabling timely refilling decisions without requiring frequent manual checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects low filling levels in advance before complete emptying occurs. By continuously monitoring and alerting authorities when thresholds are approached, the system enables proactive refilling planning, preventing complete emptying and allowing optimization of refilling routes and scheduling.
3Loss of information
If multiple containers are monitored manually, then comprehensive oversight is achieved, but the body responsible experiences high resource usage and delayed knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal monitoring platform that can track multiple containers simultaneously through standardized sensors and wireless communication. The processing unit receives data from various container types using the same infrastructure, enabling comprehensive oversight of numerous containers without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
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 solution significantly reduces labor and resource usage by allowing for remote monitoring of grit container levels, ensuring timely refills and optimizing resource allocation, while being durable and resistant to environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The level determination means comprises a time-of-flight sensor unit
Implementation Method 2
the level determination means comprises a time-of-flight sensor unit, an ultrasonic sensor unit
Implementation Method 3
the level determination means comprises a time-of-flight sensor unit, an ultrasonic sensor unit, a radar sensor unit
Implementation Method 4
the level determination means comprises a time-of-flight sensor unit, an ultrasonic sensor unit, a radar sensor unit, a pressure sensor unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A level determination device (20, 30, 40, 50) is proposed, comprising a level determination means configured to determine the level of a filling material in a container and to send level information, a processing unit (66) configured to process at least the level information, and an information transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit at least the level information to an external receiver (70).