Wireless Tank Lid Sensor for Remote Volume Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for monitoring tank contents are inefficient due to manual checks, which are cumbersome and resource-intensive, especially for remote or hard-to-reach tanks, and lack real-time data transmission capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A cover system for tanks equipped with a wireless remote monitoring system that includes sensors to detect volume, location, and flow, and a transmitter to wirelessly communicate this data, allowing for remote monitoring and reducing the need for manual checks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual checks are used to monitor tank volume levels, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the monitoring efficiency is low and resource consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated wireless monitoring system that uses sensors to detect tank volume levels, location, and flow rates, transmitting data remotely to eliminate the need for physical travel to each tank location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system enables tanks to self-report their status through automated sensors and transmitters that continuously monitor volume levels, location, and flow rates without requiring human intervention or manual checks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual inspections are performed frequently to ensure accurate monitoring, then measurement precision is maintained, but time consumption and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume level accuracyVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless monitoring system provides continuous real-time monitoring of tank volume levels, location, and flow rates through automated sensors and transmitters, eliminating the discontinuous nature of manual inspections and providing uninterrupted data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual measurement tools and methods are replaced with electronic sensors that automatically detect and transmit volume level data, providing precise continuous measurements without human intervention or time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If tanks are monitored remotely using wireless systems, then productivity and efficiency improve, but device complexity and initial cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless monitoring system is designed to perform multiple functions including volume level detection, location tracking, flow rate monitoring, and remote data transmission, allowing a single system to replace multiple separate manual monitoring processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless transmitters and receivers as intermediary devices that bridge the gap between remote tanks and central monitoring systems, enabling efficient remote monitoring without requiring direct physical access to each tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If manual checks are used for remote tanks, then the system remains simple to operate, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to travel requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring accessibilityVSAvoidtravel time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Physical travel to remote tank locations is replaced by wireless communication systems that transmit monitoring data electronically, eliminating the need for operators to physically visit each tank and significantly reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system performs self-service by automatically collecting and transmitting data from remote tank locations without requiring human presence or travel, making the system easy to operate regardless of tank accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11781889B2Methods and systems for a wireless monitoring system for a tank

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 WORTHINGTON CYLINDER CORP

AI summary

The innovation described herein generally pertains to a system and method related a wireless remote monitoring system for a tank, wherein the wireless monitoring system is incorporated into or coupled to a lid for the tank. The wireless remote monitoring system for the tank can include a cover system that includes a lid mountable on a corresponding tank, the lid comprising a space sized and shaped for receiving the wireless remote monitoring system therein, wherein the wireless remote monitoring system is operatively coupled to a sensor.