Wireless Valve Protection System for LPG Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for protecting LPG tank filling valves from unauthorized access face challenges in explosive and potentially flooded environments, particularly with wired electrical supplies and battery-powered solutions that are unreliable and require frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A wireless protection system using a blocking device with an electromechanical actuator powered by inductive coupling for wireless recharging, featuring a communication terminal that exchanges cryptographic authorization and operational signals via WPC and Bluetooth channels, ensuring secure and maintenance-free operation in ATEX-0 environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired electrical supply is used for the control module and electromagnetic actuator, then the system can provide reliable power for valve operation, but the system becomes problematic to implement in ATEX-0 (explosive) environments and potentially flooded locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired electrical supply systems with wireless power transmission technology. The base station transmits power signals through the ground to the transponder in the valve assembly, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections in hazardous environments. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing reliable power without exposing the system to explosive environment risks or flooding vulnerabilities associated with wired connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless power transmission system consisting of a base station and a transponder. The base station communicates with the transponder through electromagnetic signals transmitted through the ground, serving as an intermediary that transfers power without direct electrical contact. This intermediary system enables reliable power supply while avoiding the harmful effects of wired connections in ATEX-0 environments and flooded locations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If batteries are used to power the control module and electromagnetic actuator, then the system can operate in ATEX-0 environments and flooded locations, but the system suffers from limited battery life and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power system where the valve assembly continuously receives power from an external base station through wireless transmission. The transponder in the valve assembly automatically receives and utilizes the transmitted power signals without requiring manual battery replacement or recharging. This self-service mechanism eliminates the limitations of battery life while maintaining operation in ATEX-0 environments and flooded locations, thereby resolving the contradiction between environmental resistance and system reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple mechanical locks or padlocks are used to protect the filling valve, then the system provides basic protection from unauthorized access, but the system lacks reliable remote control capability and authorization verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the wireless communication interface serves multiple purposes: it provides basic protection through authorized access control, enables remote control of valve operations, verifies authorization through cryptographic protocols, and transmits operational data. This universal system replaces simple mechanical locks while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized wireless communication components, thereby resolving the contradiction between mechanical simplicity and advanced operational capabilities.
4Reliability
If wireless power transmission and cryptographic authorization systems are implemented, then the system provides secure remote control and reliable operation in hazardous environments, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless protection system into two independent components: a base station that provides power transmission and authorization verification, and a transponder in the valve assembly that receives and executes commands. This segmentation distributes system complexity across separate units, allowing each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability for secure operation in hazardous environments.
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
The system effectively prevents unauthorized access to LPG tank filling valves by using wireless power and communication, ensuring secure operation without internal energy sources and reducing maintenance needs, while maintaining reliability and safety in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless protection system using a blocking device with an electromechanical actuator powered by inductive coupling for wireless recharging
Data Source
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AI summary
A system of protection from unauthorized access to a valve of a fuel- gas tank, comprising: • a valve (14) configured for enabling execution of operations of filling of the tank (11); and • blocking means (15) that co-operate with said valve (14) for blocking, between a closing position and an opening position, access to said valve (14); • said blocking means (15) being operated between the closing and opening positions by actuator means supplied with electrical energy, said system comprising a wireless terminal (12) configured for governing said actuator means. According to the invention, said wireless terminal (12) comprises means for sending a charging signal that includes a data signal portion and a supply portion carrying energy via electromagnetic induction, in particular a WPC (Wireless Power Consortium) signal; • said blocking means (15) being configured for receiving electrical energy from said supply portion of said charging signal for operating said actuator means; • said blocking means (15) further comprising control means that enable operation of said actuator means according to a data signal portion of the charging signal exchanged with corresponding control means of the wireless terminal (12).