Wireless Level Measurement System with Dynamic Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In geographically distributed tank systems, operators often inadvertently fill the wrong tank or cause overfilling, leading to product availability issues and potential harmful mix-ups, as existing systems lack effective detection mechanisms for operator errors during filling operations.
Innovation Solution
A level measurement system with wireless communication and sensing circuitry that adjusts measurement frequency based on anticipated filling events, allowing for low energy consumption during low-risk periods and higher consumption during high-risk periods, enabling timely detection of operator errors through increased measurement frequency when filling is anticipated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the level measurement system operates with continuous high measurement frequency to detect operator errors, then the detection capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement frequency is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts the measurement frequency based on operational context: using a first (lower) measurement frequency during normal operation to conserve energy, and switching to a second (higher) measurement frequency when filling operations are anticipated or detected, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection capability and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter (frequency) based on operational conditions. By monitoring work order indications and filling status, the system transitions between different measurement frequency states, optimizing the balance between reliability (error detection) and energy consumption according to the actual operational phase
2Use of energy by moving object
If the level measurement system uses low measurement frequency to save energy, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect operator errors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic measurement cycles with variable frequencies. Instead of continuous high-frequency measurement, it uses periodic measurements at adjusted intervals based on operational context, maintaining energy efficiency while ensuring adequate detection capability during critical filling operations through context-aware frequency adjustment
3Reliability
If the system increases measurement frequency during filling operations to detect errors, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from work order indications and filling status to automatically adjust measurement frequency. The controller receives information about anticipated filling operations and responds by modifying the measurement regime, creating a closed-loop system that improves detection capability without requiring complex manual control or additional hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A level measurement system, for measuring the level of a product in a tank being monitored by an asset management system, the level measurement system comprising: level sensing circuitry for measuring the level of the product; wireless communication circuitry for wireless communication; and a controller for controlling operation of the level measurement system, the controller being configured to: control the level sensing circuitry to periodically measure the level of the product with a first measurement frequency; transmit a signal indicative of the measured level of the product, using the wireless communication circuitry; receive, from the asset management system using the wireless communication circuitry, an indication of a work order for filling the tank; and control, after having received the indication of the work order, the level sensing circuitry to periodically measure the level of the product with a second measurement frequency, higher than the first measurement frequency.