Resistive wire wiring shield to prevent electromagnetic interference

Abstract

To provide vehicles, such as aircraft, and particularly a resistive wire wiring shield to prevent electromagnetic interference.SOLUTION: A system includes a fuel level sensing probe inside a fuel tank, and an exciter wire bundle to connect the fuel level sensing probe to a power source outside the tank. The exciter wire bundle includes an excitation wire and a grounded guard wire. The excitation wire and the grounded guard wire each include a resistive non-metallic wire. The system also includes a return signal wire bundle to connect the fuel level sensing probe to a device configured to measure a quantity of fuel within the tank. The return signal wire bundle includes a return signal wire and a grounded guard wire. The grounded guard wire of the return signal wire bundle and the grounded guard wire of the exciter wire bundle are configured to shield the return signal wire from electromagnetic interference. The return signal wire and the grounded guard wire each include the resistive non-metallic wire.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles such as aircraft, and more particularly to a resistive wire wiring shield for preventing electromagnetic interference.

Background Art

[0002] The installation of conductive materials within a fuel tank requires significant design detail and consideration in order to minimize the potential for discharge within the fuel tank. Historically, non-metallic conductors such as carbon filled plastics and foams have been widely used for shielding and electrostatic dissipation applications. When exposed to transient electric fields, these materials are resistant to the high currents and sparks that can ignite fuel. Further, the fuel tank is a confined space, and the power supply line and return signal line connected to the fuel level sensing probe inside the fuel tank need to be configured to prevent electromagnetic interference.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one embodiment, a system includes a fuel level sensing probe inside a fuel tank. The system also includes an exciter wire bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probe to a power source outside the fuel tank. The exciter wire bundle includes an excitation wire and a grounded guard wire. The excitation wire and the grounded guard wire each include a resistive non-metallic wire. The system also includes a return signal wire bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probe to a device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank using a return signal from the fuel level sensing probe. The return signal wire bundle includes a return signal wire and a grounded guard wire. The grounded guard wire of the return signal wire bundle and the grounded guard wire of the exciter wire bundle are configured to shield the return signal wire from electromagnetic interference. The return signal wire and the grounded guard wire each include a resistive non-metallic wire.

[0004] According to another embodiment, a vehicle includes a fuel tank and a system for measuring the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. The system includes a fuel level sensing probe inside the fuel tank. The system also includes a feeder wire bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probe to a power source outside the fuel tank. The feeder wire bundle includes a feeder wire and a grounded protective wire. The feeder wire and grounded protective wire include resistive nonmetallic wires. The system also includes a return signal wire bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probe to a device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank using a return signal from the fuel level sensing probe. The return signal wire bundle includes a return signal wire and a grounded protective wire. The grounded protective wire of the return signal wire bundle and the grounded protective wire of the feeder wire bundle are configured to shield the return signal wire from electromagnetic interference. The return signal wire and grounded protective wire include resistive nonmetallic wires.

[0005] According to another embodiment, the method includes providing one or more fuel level sensing probes inside a fuel tank. The method also includes providing a feeder wire bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probes to a power source outside the fuel tank. The feeder wire bundle includes a feeder wire and a grounded protective wire. The feeder wire and the grounded protective wire include resistive nonmetallic wires. The method also includes providing a return signal wire bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probes to a device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank using return signals from the fuel level sensing probes. The return signal wire bundle includes a return signal wire and a grounded protective wire. The grounded protective wire of the return signal wire bundle and the grounded protective wire of the feeder wire bundle are configured to shield the return signal wire from electromagnetic interference. The return signal wire and the grounded protective wire include resistive nonmetallic wires.

[0006] According to one embodiment and any of the embodiments described above, the system, vehicle, or method further includes a plurality of fuel level sensing probes positioned at predetermined different locations within a fuel tank for accurately measuring the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. A power supply bundle includes a plurality of power supply lines and one or more grounded protective lines. Each power supply line is electrically connected to each of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes. A return signal bundle includes a plurality of return signal lines and one or more grounded protective lines. Each return signal line is electrically connected to each of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes.

[0007] The aforementioned features, functions, and advantages can be realized individually in various examples, or combined in yet another example. Further details of yet another example can be understood by referring to the following description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of a fuel tank in a system for measuring or identifying the amount of fuel in a vehicle and fuel tank, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle cut along lines 2 and 3 in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] This is a cross-sectional view of the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle, cut along lines 2 and 3 in Figure 1, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] This figure shows one embodiment of either the power supply line bundle or the return signal line bundle in Figure 3A, illustrating a grounded protective wire twisted together with each power supply line or return signal line according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a system for determining the amount of fuel in a fuel tank, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a system for determining the amount of fuel in a fuel tank, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]This is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a system for determining the amount of fuel in a fuel tank, according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows one embodiment of a clamp assembly configured to secure a power supply line bundle and a return signal line bundle to a grounded structure of a fuel tank, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for monitoring the amount of fuel in a fuel tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following detailed description of the embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples of the present disclosure. Other examples having various structures and processes do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Similar reference numerals may represent the same elements or components in different drawings.

[0010] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for determining or measuring the amount of fuel in a fuel tank includes one or more fuel level sensing probes inside the fuel tank. The system also includes a feeder wire bundle configured to electrically connect each fuel level sensing probe to a power source outside the fuel tank. The feeder wire bundle includes a feeder wire for each fuel level sensing probe and a grounded protective wire configured to be coupled to the feeder wires or each feeder wire to prevent electromagnetic interference from one or more feeder wires. The feeder wires and the grounded protective wire each include a resistive nonmetallic wire. The system further includes a return signal wire bundle configured to electrically connect each fuel level sensing probe to a device configured to determine or measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank using return signals from each fuel level sensing probe. The return signal wire bundle includes a return signal wire for each fuel level sensing probe and a grounded protective wire. The grounded protective wire of the return signal wire bundle and the grounded protective wire of the feeder wire bundle are configured to shield the return signal wires or each return signal wire from electromagnetic interference. The return signal line and the grounded protection line each include a resistive nonmetallic wire. The grounded protection line ensures that the excitation field (generated by the signal carrier line) couples to the grounded protection line rather than the signal / return or return signal line. This effectively eliminates the electromagnetic interference generated by the excitation field. Route the grounded protection line within the feed line bundle and / or return signal line bundle is a simpler and less expensive means of achieving a similar result to shielding between the feed line and the return signal line with less cost and complexity. The feed line bundle and the return signal line bundle can also be routed together with a separation of approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) when a grounded protection line is present, compared to at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) when there is no grounded protection line. This significantly reduces the amount of work required in the confined space of the fuel tank and reduces construction time for installation. According to one embodiment, a vehicle such as an aircraft includes a system for identifying or measuring the amount of fuel in the vehicle's fuel tank.

[0011] Figure 1 shows a fuel tank 102 in a vehicle 104 and a system 100 for measuring or determining the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 102, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 1, the vehicle 104 is an aircraft, and the fuel tank 102 is located inside the aircraft's wing 105. In other embodiments, the fuel tank 102 is any tank for containing flammable material. In some embodiments (e.g., an aircraft), the system 100 is also referred to as a fuel management system. The system 100 includes one or more fuel level sensing probes 106 inside the fuel tank 102. In one embodiment of Figure 1, where the vehicle 104 is an aircraft, the system 100 includes a plurality of fuel level sensing probes 106 positioned at predetermined different locations within the fuel tank 102 to accurately measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 102. An example of a fuel level sensing probe is described in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 670,229, filed on October 31, 2019, entitled "Electric Power and Data Communications within a Fuel Tank and across a Wall of the Fuel Tank Using Resistive Non-metallic Wire," which has been assigned to the same assignee as the applicant of this application.

[0012] System 100 also includes a feeder wire bundle 108 configured to electrically connect one or more fuel level sensing probes 106 to a power supply 110 outside the fuel tank 102 via a first sealed connector 109. The feeder wire bundle 108 includes a feeder wire 202 (Figure 2) and a grounded protective wire 204 (Figure 2) configured to couple with the feeder wire 202 when powered or carrying electrical signals to prevent electromagnetic interference from the feeder wire 202. According to some embodiments, the feeder wire bundle 108 includes a feeder wire 202 connected to each fuel level sensing probe 106. The feeder wire 202 and the grounded protective wire 204 each include a resistive nonmetallic wire. According to one embodiment, the resistive nonmetallic wire is a carbon-filled thermoplastic, such as a carbon-filled polyether ether ketone (PEEK) thermoplastic. The resistive nonmetallic wire has resistances between about 100 ohms / meter and about 1 megaohm / meter.

[0013] System 100 also includes a return signal bundle 116 configured to electrically connect one or more fuel level sensing probes 106 to a device 118 outside the fuel tank 102, which is configured to identify or measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 102 using the return signals from the fuel level sensing probes 106 or from each of the multiple fuel level sensing probes 106. The return signal bundle 116 electrically connects one or more fuel level sensing probes 106, as shown in Figure 1, via a second sealed connector 120. The return signal bundle 116 includes a return signal line 206 (Figure 2) and a grounded protection line 208 (Figure 2). The grounded protection line 208 of the return signal bundle 116 and / or the grounded protection line 204 of the power supply bundle 108 are configured to shield the return signal line 206 from electromagnetic interference. According to one embodiment, the return signal bundle 116 includes a return signal line 206 from each fuel level sensing probe 106. In one embodiment of Figure 1, the device 118 includes a return signal interface 124 or receiver configured to receive return signals from one or more fuel level sensing probes 106 to measure or determine the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 102. The return signal line 206 and the grounded protection line 208 each include a resistive nonmetallic wire. In one embodiment shown in Figure 1, the power supply 110 is a component of the device 118 configured to measure or determine the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 102. In other embodiments, the power supply 110 is a component separate from the device 118. Examples of the device 118 include, but are not limited to, a computer, a probe reader, or a data concentrator.

[0014] As previously described, the system 100 in one embodiment of Figure 1 includes a plurality of fuel level sensing probes 106 positioned at predetermined different locations within the fuel tank 102 to accurately measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 102. The power supply bundle 108 includes a plurality of power supply lines 202 and one or more grounded protection lines 204 (Figures 2 and 3A). Each power supply line 202 is electrically connected to each of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes 106. The return signal bundle 116 includes a plurality of return signal lines 206 and one or more grounded protection lines 208. Each return signal line 206 is electrically connected to each of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes 106.

[0015] Referring also to Figure 2, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a feeder wire bundle 108 and a return signal wire bundle 116 cut along line 2-2 in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The feeder wire bundle 108 includes a single grounded protective wire 204 and a plurality of feeder wires 202. In some embodiments, the single grounded protective wire 204 and the plurality of feeder wires 202 are twisted together to form the feeder wire bundle 108. The feeder wires 202 are coupled to the single grounded protective wire 204 when the feeder wires 202 are supplying power or carrying electrical signals, in order to prevent electromagnetic interference from the feeder wires 202. The feeder wire bundle 108 also includes a jacket 210 of installation material to protect the feeder wires 202 and the grounded protective wire 204.

[0016] In one embodiment of Figure 2, the return signal bundle 116 also includes a single grounded protective wire 208 and multiple return signal lines 206. In some embodiments, the single grounded protective wire 208 and multiple return signal lines 206 are twisted together to form the return signal bundle 116, shielding the return signal lines 206 from electromagnetic interference, such as from the feed line 202. The return signal bundle 116 also includes a jacket 212 of installation material to protect the return signal lines 206 and the grounded protective wire 208. The feed line bundle 108 and the return signal bundle 116 are also separated by a predetermined distance "D" to prevent electromagnetic interference from the feed line bundle 108 to the return signal bundle 116. For example, the predetermined distance "D" is about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).

[0017] Referring also to Figures 3A and 3B, Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of a feeder wire bundle 108 and a return signal wire bundle 116 cut along line 3-3 in Figure 1, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3B is a diagram of one embodiment of either the feeder wire bundle 108 or the return signal wire bundle 116 of Figure 3A, showing a grounded protective wire 204 or 208 twisted with each feeder wire 202 or return signal wire 206, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment in Figures 3A and 3B, the feeder wire bundle 108 includes a plurality of grounded protective wires 204 and a plurality of feeder wires 202. Each grounded protective wire 204 forms a pair 302 twisted with one of the multiple feed lines 202, as shown in Figure 3B, to form a feed line bundle 108, which electromagnetically couples the feed line 202 to the multiple grounded protective wires 204 when the feed line 202 is supplying power or carrying electrical signals, in order to prevent electromagnetic interference from the feed line 202. The feed line bundle 108 also includes a jacket 210 of installation material to protect the feed lines 202 and the grounded protective wires 204.

[0018] In one embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the return signal bundle 116 includes a plurality of grounded protective wires 208 and a plurality of return signal lines 206. Each grounded protective wire 208 forms a twisted pair 304 with one of the plurality of return signal lines 206 to form the return signal bundle 116. The grounded protective wires 208 of the return signal bundle 116 and / or the grounded protective wires 204 of the feed bundle 108 are configured to shield the return signal lines 206 from electromagnetic interference. The return signal bundle 116 also includes a jacket 212 of installation material to protect the return signal lines 206 and the grounded protective wires 208. The feed bundle 108 and the return signal bundle 116 are also separated by a predetermined distance "D" to prevent electromagnetic interference between the feed bundle 108 and the return signal bundle 116. For example, the predetermined distance "D" is approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of the exemplary system 100 of Figure 1. As previously stated, system 100 includes a first sealed connector 109 extending through the wall 122 of the fuel tank 102. The first sealed connector 109 is configured to electrically connect a plurality of feed lines 202 to a power source. System 100 also includes a second sealed connector 120 extending through the wall 122 of the fuel tank 102. The second sealed connector 120 is configured to electrically connect a plurality of return signal lines 206 to a device 118 configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 102. A feed line bundle 108 extends between each fuel level sensing probe 106 and the first sealed connector 109. One of the feed lines 202 and a grounded protection line 204 branch off from the feed line bundle 108 and connect to each fuel level sensing probe 106. A return signal wire bundle 116 extends between each fuel level sensing probe 106 and a second sealed connector 120. One of the return signal wires 206 and a grounded protection wire 208 branch off from the return signal wire bundle 116 and connect to each fuel sensing probe 106. A power supply wire bundle 108 electrically connects each fuel level sensing probe 106 to a first sealed connector 109, and the return signal wire bundle electrically connects each fuel sensing probe to a second sealed connector 120. In some embodiments, at the first sealed connector 109, the power supply wire bundle 108 transitions to metal wiring outside the fuel tank 102, and at the second sealed connector 120, the return signal wire bundle 116 also transitions to metal wiring outside the fuel tank 102. A first sealed connector 109 is configured to connect the feed line bundle 108 to an external feed line bundle 402 outside the fuel tank 102, and a second sealed connector 120 is configured to connect the return signal bundle 116 to an external return signal bundle 404 outside the fuel tank 102. The external feed line bundle 402 includes a plurality of external feed lines 406 and includes one or more external grounded protection lines 408, depending on whether the feed line bundle 108 inside the fuel tank 102 includes a single grounded protection line 204 as shown in the embodiment of Figure 2, or a plurality of grounded protection lines 204 as shown in the embodiment of Figure 3A.In some embodiments, the external power supply lines 406 and one or more external grounded protection lines 408 are made of a metallic conductor material such as copper. In other embodiments, the external power supply lines 406 and one or more external grounded protection lines 408 are resistive non-metallic lines. The external return signal wire bundle 404 includes a plurality of external return signal lines 410 and one or more external grounded protection lines 412. In some embodiments, the external return signal lines 410 and one or more external grounded protection lines 412 are made of a metallic conductive material such as copper. In other embodiments, the external return signal lines 410 and one or more external grounded protection lines 412 are resistive non-metallic lines.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a block schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system 500 for determining the amount of fuel in a fuel tank, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. System 500 is similar to the exemplary system 100 of FIGS. 1 and 4, except that system 500 includes a single sealed connector 502 that extends through the wall 122 of fuel tank 102. The sealed connector 502 is configured to electrically connect the plurality of power supply lines 202 to the power source 110 and the plurality of return signal lines 206 to a device 118 configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. In some embodiments, the external wiring outside the fuel tank 102 is made of a metallic conductive material such as copper.

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a system 600 for determining the amount of fuel in a fuel tank, according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. System 600 is similar to the exemplary system 100 in Figures 1 and 4, except that system 600 includes a number of sealed connectors 602a-602n that extend through the wall 122 of the fuel tank 102. One sealed connector 602 is associated with each fuel level sensing probe 106. Each sealed connector 602a-602n extends through the wall 122 of the fuel tank 102 and is configured to electrically connect a power supply line 202 connected to the associated fuel level sensing probe 106 to a power supply 110, and a return signal line 206 connected to the associated fuel level sensing probe 106 to a device 118 configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 102. In some embodiments, the external wiring outside the fuel tank 102 is made of a metallic conductive material such as copper.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram of one embodiment of a clamp assembly 700 configured to secure a power supply wire bundle 108 and a return signal wire bundle 116 to a grounded structure 702 of a fuel tank 102 within the fuel tank 102. The clamp assembly 700 is also configured to space the bundle 108 and the bundle 116 a predetermined distance “D” from each other to prevent electromagnetic interference between the power supply wire bundle 108 and the return signal wire bundle 116. The clamp assembly 700 includes a pair of P-shaped clamps 704a and 704b. Each P-shaped clamp pair 704a and 704b includes a pair of adjacent linear legs 708 and 710 at one end and a loop portion 712 integrally formed and extending from the legs 708 and 710 at the other end. The loop portion 712 is configured to receive one of the bundle 108 or the bundle 116. Holes (not shown in FIG. 7) are formed through the adjacent linear legs 708 and 710 to receive fasteners 714. The P-shaped clamps �04a and 704b are attached to the grounded fuel tank structure 702 with the P-shaped loop portions 712 of the P-shaped clamps 704a and 704b facing each other to provide a predetermined distance “D” between the power supply wire bundle 108 and the return signal wire bundle 116.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 800 for monitoring the amount of fuel within a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In block 802, the method includes providing one or more fuel level sensing probes inside the fuel tank. According to one embodiment, the fuel level sensing probe is similar to the fuel level sensing probe 106 of FIG. 1.

[0024] In block 804, the method 800 includes providing a power supply wire bundle configured to electrically connect one or more fuel level sensing probes to a power source outside the fuel tank. In some embodiments, the power supply wire bundle is similar to the power supply wire bundle 108 described with reference to FIG. 1. The power supply wire bundle includes one or more power supply wires and one or more grounded shield wires configured to prevent electromagnetic interference from the one or more power supply wires. Each power supply wire and grounded shield wire includes a resistive non-metallic wire.

[0025] Block 806 includes providing a return signal bundle configured to electrically connect one or more fuel level sensing probes to a device configured to determine or measure the amount of fuel in a fuel tank using return signals from each fuel level sensing probe. In some embodiments, the return signal bundle is the same as or similar to the return signal bundle 116 described with reference to Figure 1. The return signal bundle includes one or more return signal lines and one or more grounded protective lines configured to shield one or more return signal lines from electromagnetic interference. Each return signal line and grounded protective line includes a resistive nonmetallic wire.

[0026] Block 808 includes the method 800 transmitting fuel level data from each fuel level sensing probe to a device configured to measure or determine the amount of fuel in a fuel tank.

[0027] Block 810 includes the method 800 generating a fuel quantity display by a fuel management system based on the height or fuel level of the fuel in the tank.

[0028] In block 812, method 800 includes presenting a fuel level indicator to the operator of a vehicle or system. In one embodiment, where the vehicle is an aircraft, the fuel level indicator is presented to the pilot on a display in the aircraft's cockpit.

[0029] Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments as provided for in the following clauses. Article 1. Fuel level detection probe inside the fuel tank, A power supply wire bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level detection probe to a power source outside the fuel tank, comprising a power supply wire and a grounded protective wire, wherein the power supply wire and the grounded protective wire each comprise a resistive nonmetallic wire, and A system comprising a return signal bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probe to a device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank using a return signal from the fuel level sensing probe, the bundle including a return signal line and a grounded protective line, wherein the grounded protective line of the return signal bundle and the grounded protective line of the power supply bundle are configured to shield the return signal line from electromagnetic interference, and the return signal line and the grounded protective line each include a resistive nonmetallic wire. Article 2. To accurately measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank, the system further includes a plurality of fuel level sensing probes positioned at predetermined different locations within the fuel tank, The power supply bundle includes a plurality of power supply lines and one or more grounded protective lines, each power supply line being electrically connected to each of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes. The system according to Clause 1, wherein the return signal wire bundle includes a plurality of return signal wires and one or more grounded protective wires, each return signal wire being electrically connected to each of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes. Article 3. The power supply bundle includes a single grounded protective wire, as described in Clause 1 or 2. Article 4. The system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 3, wherein the single grounded protective wire and the plurality of feed lines are twisted together to form the feed line bundle, and the return signal line is shielded from electromagnetic interference. Article 5. The return signaling wire bundle includes a single grounded protective wire, as described in any one of the clauses 1 to 4. Article 6. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the single grounded protective wire and the plurality of return signal wires are twisted together to form the return signal wire bundle, which shields the return signal wires from electromagnetic interference. Article 7. The aforementioned power supply line bundle is a system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 6, including a plurality of grounded protective wires. Article 8. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein each grounded protective wire forms a twisted pair with one of the plurality of feed lines to form the feed line bundle, and the return signal line is shielded from electromagnetic interference. Article 9. The return signaling wire bundle includes a plurality of grounded protective wires, as described in any one of the clauses 1 to 8. Article 10. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein each grounded protective wire forms a twisted pair with one of the plurality of return signal wires to form the return signal wire bundle, and shields the return signal wire from electromagnetic interference. Article 11. The system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 10, further comprising a sealed connector extending through the wall of the fuel tank, wherein the sealed connector is configured to electrically connect the plurality of power lines to the power source and the plurality of return signal lines to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. Article 12. A first sealed connector extending through the wall of the fuel tank, configured to electrically connect the plurality of power lines to the power source, and The system according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, further comprising a second sealed connector extending through the wall of the fuel tank, the second sealed connector configured to electrically connect the plurality of return signal lines to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. Article 13. The system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 10, further comprising a plurality of sealed connectors, one sealed connector associated with each fuel level sensing probe, each sealed connector being configured to extend through the wall of the fuel tank and electrically connect the power supply line connected to the associated fuel level sensing probe to the power supply, and the return signal line connected to the associated fuel level sensing probe to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the tank. Article 14. The system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 13, wherein the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle are separated by a predetermined distance to prevent electromagnetic interference between the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle. Article 15. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, further comprising a clamp assembly configured to fix the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle to a grounded structure of the fuel tank, thereby separating the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle by a predetermined distance, in order to prevent electromagnetic interference between the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle. Article 16. Fuel tank, and A vehicle including a system for measuring the amount of fuel in the fuel tank, wherein the system is Fuel level detection probe inside the fuel tank, A power supply wire bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level detection probe to a power source outside the fuel tank, comprising a power supply wire and a grounded protective wire, wherein the power supply wire and the grounded protective wire include resistive nonmetallic wires, and A vehicle comprising a return signal bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probe to a device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank using a return signal from the fuel level sensing probe, the bundle comprising a return signal line and a grounded protective line, wherein the grounded protective line of the return signal bundle and the grounded protective line of the power supply bundle are configured to shield the return signal line from electromagnetic interference, and the return signal line and the grounded protective line comprise a resistive nonmetallic wire. Article 17. The aforementioned system, To accurately measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank, the system further includes a plurality of fuel level sensing probes positioned at predetermined different locations within the fuel tank, The power supply bundle includes a plurality of power supply lines and one or more grounded protective lines, each power supply line being electrically connected to each of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes. The vehicle according to Clause 16, wherein the return signal wire bundle includes a plurality of return signal wires and one or more grounded protective wires, each return signal wire being electrically connected to each of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes. Article 18. The vehicle according to Clause 16 or 17, wherein the power supply wire bundle includes a single grounded protective wire. Article 19. The vehicle according to any one of clauses 16 to 18, wherein the single grounded protective wire and the plurality of feed lines are twisted together to form the feed line bundle, which shields the return signal line from electromagnetic interference. Article 20. The vehicle described in any one of the clauses 16 to 19, wherein the return signal wire bundle includes a single grounded protective wire. Article 21. The single grounded protective wire and the plurality of return signal wires are twisted together to form the return signal wire bundle, which shields the return signal wires from electromagnetic interference, as described in any one of Clauses 16 to 20. Article 22. The vehicle according to clauses 16 to 21, wherein the aforementioned power supply line bundle includes a plurality of grounded protective wires. Article 23. Each grounded protective wire forms a twisted pair with one of the plurality of feed lines to form the feed line bundle, shielding the return signal line from electromagnetic interference, as described in any one of Clauses 16 to 22. Article 24. The return signal wire bundle includes a plurality of grounded protective wires, as described in any one of the clauses 16 to 23. Article 25. Each grounded protective wire forms a twisted pair with one of the plurality of return signal wires to form the return signal wire bundle, shielding the return signal wire from electromagnetic interference, as described in any one of Clauses 16 to 24. Article 26. The vehicle according to any one of the clauses 16 to 25, further comprising a sealed connector extending through the wall of the fuel tank, wherein the sealed connector is configured to electrically connect the plurality of power lines to the power source and the plurality of return signal lines to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. Article 27. A first sealed connector extending through the wall of the fuel tank, configured to electrically connect the plurality of power lines to the power source, and The vehicle according to any one of the claims 16 to 25, further comprising a second sealed connector extending through the wall of the fuel tank, the second sealed connector configured to electrically connect the plurality of return signal lines to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. Article 28. The vehicle according to any one of Clauses 16 to 25, further comprising a plurality of sealed connectors, one sealed connector associated with each fuel level sensing probe, each sealed connector being configured to extend through the wall of the fuel tank and electrically connect the power supply line connected to the associated fuel level sensing probe to the power supply, and the return signal line connected to the associated fuel level sensing probe to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the tank. Article 29. The vehicle according to any one of clauses 16 to 28, wherein the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle are separated by a predetermined distance to prevent electromagnetic interference between the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle. Article 30. The vehicle according to any one of Clauses 16 to 29, further comprising a clamp assembly configured to fix the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle to a grounded structure of the fuel tank, thereby preventing electromagnetic interference between the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle, and to separate the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle by a predetermined distance. Article 31. The vehicle according to Clause 16 or 17, wherein the feed line bundle and the return signal line bundle each include a single grounded protective wire, the single grounded protective wire of the feed line bundle and the plurality of feed lines are twisted together to form the feed line bundle and shield the return signal line from the electromagnetic interference, and the single grounded protective wire of the return signal line and the plurality of return signal lines are twisted together to form the return signal line bundle and shield the return signal line from the electromagnetic interference. Article 32. The vehicle according to Clause 16 or 17, wherein the feed line bundle includes a plurality of grounded protective wires, the return signal line bundle includes a plurality of grounded protective wires, each grounded protective wire of the feed line bundle forms a twisted pair with one of the plurality of feed lines to form the feed line bundle and shield the return signal line from the electromagnetic interference, and each grounded protective wire of the return signal line bundle forms a twisted pair with one of the plurality of return signal lines to form the return signal line bundle and shield the return signal line from the electromagnetic interference. Article 33. A method for monitoring the amount of fuel in a fuel tank, To provide one or more fuel level sensing probes inside the fuel tank, To provide a power supply wire bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level detection probe to a power source outside the fuel tank, the power supply wire bundle including a power supply wire and a grounded protective wire, wherein the power supply wire and the grounded protective wire include resistive nonmetallic wires, and A method comprising providing a return signal bundle configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probe to a device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank using a return signal from the fuel level sensing probe, the bundle comprising a return signal line and a grounded protective line, wherein the grounded protective line of the return signal bundle and the grounded protective line of the power supply bundle are configured to shield the return signal line from electromagnetic interference, and the return signal line and the grounded protective line comprise a resistive nonmetallic wire. Article 34. The method according to clause 33, further comprising transmitting fuel level data from each fuel level sensing probe to a device configured to measure or identify the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. Article 35. The method according to clause 33 or 34, further comprising generating a fuel quantity display by a fuel management system based on the height or fuel level of the fuel in the tank. Article 36. The method described in any one of the clauses 33 to 35, further comprising presenting the fuel level indicator to the operator of the vehicle or system. In one embodiment, where the vehicle is an aircraft, the fuel level indicator is presented to the pilot on a display in the aircraft's cockpit. Article 37. To accurately measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank, the system further includes a plurality of fuel level sensing probes positioned at predetermined different locations within the fuel tank, The power supply bundle includes a plurality of power supply lines and one or more grounded protective lines, each power supply line being electrically connected to each of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes. The method according to any one of the claims 33 to 36, wherein the return signal wire bundle includes a plurality of return signal wires and one or more grounded protective wires, and each return signal wire is electrically connected to each of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes. Article 38. The method according to any one of the clauses 33 to 37, wherein the power supply line bundle includes a single grounded protective wire. Article 39. The method according to any one of the claims 33 to 38, wherein the single grounded protective wire and the plurality of feed lines are twisted together to form the feed line bundle, and the return signal line is shielded from electromagnetic interference. Article 40. The return signaling wire bundle includes a single grounded protective wire, as described in any one of the clauses 33 to 39. Article 41. The method according to any one of the claims 33 to 40, wherein the single grounded protective wire and the plurality of return signal wires are twisted together to form the return signal wire bundle, and the return signal wires are shielded from electromagnetic interference. Article 42. The method according to any one of the clauses 33 to 41, wherein the power supply bundle includes a plurality of grounded protective wires. Article 43. The method according to any one of the claims 33 to 42, wherein each grounded protective wire forms a twisted pair with one of the plurality of feed lines to form the feed line bundle and shield the return signal line from electromagnetic interference. Article 44. The return signaling wire bundle includes a plurality of grounded protective wires, as described in any one of the clauses 33 to 43. Article 45. The method according to any one of the claims 33 to 44, wherein each grounded protective wire forms a twisted pair with one of the plurality of return signal wires to form the return signal wire bundle and shield the return signal wire from electromagnetic interference. Article 46. The method according to any one of the claims 33 to 45, further comprising a sealed connector extending through the wall of the fuel tank, wherein the sealed connector is configured to electrically connect the plurality of power lines to the power source and the plurality of return signal lines to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. Article 47. A first sealed connector extending through the wall of the fuel tank, configured to electrically connect the plurality of power lines to the power source, and The method according to any one of claims 33 to 45, further comprising a second sealed connector extending through the wall of the fuel tank, the second sealed connector configured to electrically connect the plurality of return signal lines to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. Article 48. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 45, further comprising a plurality of sealed connectors, one sealed connector associated with each fuel level sensing probe, each sealed connector being configured to extend through the wall of the fuel tank and electrically connect the power supply line connected to the associated fuel level sensing probe to the power supply, and the return signal line connected to the associated fuel level sensing probe to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the tank. Article 49. The method according to any one of the claims 33 to 48, wherein the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle are separated by a predetermined distance to prevent electromagnetic interference between the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle. Article 50. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 49, further comprising a clamp assembly configured to fix the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle to a grounded structure of the fuel tank, thereby preventing electromagnetic interference between the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle, and to separate the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle by a predetermined distance.

[0030] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible embodiments of the systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions described within a block may manifest in a different order than that shown in the diagram. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or sometimes in reverse order, depending on the related functions. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a special-purpose hardware-based system that performs a particular function or operation, or by a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0031] The terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the examples provided herein. In this specification, the singular forms “a, an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well (unless the context clearly indicates otherwise). Furthermore, the terms “include, includes” and “comprises and / or comprising,” as used in this specification, identify the presence of the features, entities, steps, actions, elements, and / or components described, but are not intended to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, entities, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0032] All means or steps, corresponding structures, materials, actions, and equivalents, as well as functional elements in the following claims, are intended to include any structures, materials, or actions that, in combination with any other claimed elements, perform a function. The description of this embodiment is presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the embodiments disclosed. Those skilled in the art will understand that numerous modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiment.

[0033] While specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the specific embodiments shown may be substituted with any configuration intended to achieve the same objective, and that these embodiments may have different uses in other environments. This application is intended to cover any modifications or variations of the present disclosure. The following claims are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the examples in the present disclosure to the specific embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A fuel level sensing probe (106) inside the fuel tank (102); a power supply bundle (108) configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probe (106) to a power source (110) outside the fuel tank (102), the power supply bundle (108) including a power supply line (202) and a grounded guard line (204), the power supply line (202) and the grounded guard line (204) each including a resistive non-metallic wire; and 1. A system comprising: a return signal wire bundle (116) configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probe (106) to a device (118) configured to measure an amount of fuel in the fuel tank (102) using a return signal from the fuel level sensing probe (106), the return signal wire bundle (116) including a return signal line (206) and a grounded guard wire (208), the grounded guard wire (208) of the return signal wire bundle (116) and the grounded guard wire (204) of the power supply wire bundle (108) configured to shield the return signal wire (206) from electromagnetic interference, the return signal wire (206) and the grounded guard wire (208) each comprising a resistive non-metallic wire.

2. a plurality of fuel level sensing probes (106) positioned at different predetermined locations within the fuel tank (102) for accurately measuring the amount of fuel within the fuel tank (102); the power supply bundle (108) includes a plurality of power supplies (202) and one or more grounded guard wires (204), each power supply (202) electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes (106); 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the return signal wire bundle includes a plurality of return signal wires and one or more grounded protection wires, each return signal wire electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of fuel level sensing probes.

3. The system (100, 500, 600) of claim 2, wherein the power supply bundle (108) includes a single grounded protection line (204).

4. The system (100, 500, 600) of claim 3, wherein the single grounded protective line (204) and the multiple power supply lines (202) are twisted together to form the power supply line bundle (108) and shield the return signal line (206) from the electromagnetic interference.

5. The system (100, 500, 600) of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the return signal wire bundle (116) includes a single grounded protection wire (208).

6. The system (100, 500, 600) of claim 5, wherein the single grounded protective wire (208) and the multiple return signal wires (206) are twisted together to form the return signal wire bundle (116) and shield the return signal wires (206) from the electromagnetic interference.

7. The system (100, 500, 600) of claim 2, wherein the power supply bundle (108) includes a plurality of grounded protection lines (204).

8. The system (100, 500, 600) of claim 7, wherein each grounded guard line (204) forms a twisted pair (302) with one of the plurality of power feed lines (202) to form the power feed line bundle (108) and shield the return signal line (206) from the electromagnetic interference.

9. The system (100, 500, 600) of claim 2, wherein the return signal wire bundle (116) includes a plurality of grounded guard wires (208).

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein each grounded guard wire forms a twisted pair with one of the plurality of return signal wires to form the return signal wire bundle and shield the return signal wires from the electromagnetic interference.

11. 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a sealed connector extending through a wall of the fuel tank, the sealed connector configured to electrically connect the plurality of power supply lines to the power source and to electrically connect the plurality of return signal lines to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank.

12. a first sealed connector (109) extending through a wall (122) of the fuel tank (102), the first sealed connector (109) configured to electrically connect the plurality of power feed lines (202) to the power source (110); and 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a second sealed connector extending through a wall of the fuel tank, the second sealed connector configured to electrically connect the plurality of return signal lines to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank.

13. 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of sealed connectors, one sealed connector associated with each fuel level sensing probe, each sealed connector configured to extend through a wall of the fuel tank and electrically connect the power supply line connected to an associated fuel level sensing probe to the power source and electrically connect the return signal line connected to the associated fuel level sensing probe to the device configured to measure the amount of fuel in the tank.

14. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle are spaced apart by a predetermined distance to prevent electromagnetic interference between the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle.

15. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a clamp assembly configured to secure the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle to a grounded structure of the fuel tank and space the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle a predetermined distance apart to prevent electromagnetic interference between the power supply line bundle and the return signal line bundle.

16. A vehicle (104) comprising the fuel tank (102) and system (100, 500, 600) of claim 1.

17. 1. A method (800), comprising: Providing (802) one or more fuel level sensing probes (106) inside the fuel tank (102); providing (804) a power supply bundle (108) configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probe (106) to a power source (110) outside the fuel tank (102), the power supply bundle (108) including a power supply line (202) and a grounded guard line (204), the power supply line (202) and the grounded guard line (204) including resistive non-metallic wires; and 1. A method comprising: providing (806) a return signal wire bundle (116) configured to electrically connect the fuel level sensing probe (106) to a device (118) configured to measure an amount of fuel in the fuel tank (102) using a return signal from the fuel level sensing probe (106), the return signal wire bundle (116) including a return signal conductor (206) and a grounded guard conductor (208), the grounded guard conductor (208) of the return signal wire bundle (116) and the grounded guard conductor (204) of the power supply wire bundle (108) configured to shield the return signal wire (206) from electromagnetic interference, the return signal wire (206) and the grounded guard conductor (208) comprising resistive non-metallic wires.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising transmitting fuel level data from each fuel level sensing probe to a device configured to measure or determine an amount of fuel in the fuel tank (102).

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