Aircraft Fuel Theft Detection via Level Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic monitoring systems for fuel consumption in vehicles lack the ability to accurately detect fuel theft, distinguish it from other events, provide location and time of theft, and identify the perpetrator, as they only access average consumption data and do not have real-time access to actual fuel levels within the tank.
Innovation Solution
An electronic surveillance system that uses a calibrated fuel level sensor to provide real-time quantitative measurements of fuel levels, combined with geolocation and timestamp data, allowing for continuous monitoring and detection of fuel drops at constant geographical positions, and includes a data processing module to differentiate between normal consumption and theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow meters are used to measure fuel consumption, then fuel consumption can be monitored, but the system cannot detect fuel theft or distinguish it from normal consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring function into two independent parts: a flow meter for measuring fuel consumption and a fuel level sensor for detecting fuel theft. By separating these functions, the system can distinguish between normal consumption (detected by flow meter) and theft (detected by unexplained level drops), resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and theft detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel level sensor acts as an intermediary element that provides independent verification of fuel quantity. It mediates between the flow meter's consumption data and the actual fuel status, enabling the system to detect discrepancies that indicate theft while maintaining accurate consumption measurement
2Device complexity
If average consumption data is used, then fuel monitoring is simplified, but precise location and time of theft cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing expected fuel level (based on flow meter data and distance traveled) with actual fuel level (from fuel level sensor). When discrepancies are detected, the system provides feedback about the anomaly, including location and time information from GPS and timestamp, enabling precise theft identification without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously recording fuel level, GPS position, and timestamp data at predetermined intervals. This pre-captured information is readily available when theft is detected, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis while providing complete theft identification data
3Reliability
If real-time fuel level monitoring is implemented, then theft can be detected, but the system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel level sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors fuel level continuously, detects theft events, provides data for consumption calculation, and triggers alerts. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating monitoring tasks into a single sensor rather than requiring multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically comparing fuel level data with consumption data and GPS information to detect theft. The microcontroller unit autonomously analyzes the data, identifies discrepancies, and generates alerts without requiring manual intervention, simplifying the system structure while maintaining high detection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic monitoring system enabling the calculation of actual fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for a moving, stopped or operational aircraft, with or without fuel theft exclusion, which includes a housing mounted on an aircraft including at least one engine, a tank and an electric supply circuit, as well as a sedentary checking tool to which the on-board housing is capable of being connected, optionally by wireless means.