External Cap-Mounted Sensor Module for Fuel Level Time-of-Flight Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor modules, such as those described in Patent Literature 1, are limited to detecting a single predetermined amount of kerosene and require multiple photosensors, leading to a large size and incompatibility with fuel tanks lacking a float-type indicator, and cannot accurately detect multiple remaining amounts without modifying the container.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module placed outside the cap of a container, utilizing a transmission and reception system to compute remaining content levels based on the time interval of an electric wave reflected by the content, with a lens section to enhance efficiency and prevent reflections at the container cap interface, and a detachable housing to maintain water-tightness and compatibility with existing containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple photosensors are used to detect multiple remaining amounts, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single sensor module. The sensor module includes a single photosensor that detects light from multiple LED indicators (green, yellow, red) positioned at different heights in the fuel tank. By detecting which LED is illuminated, the system can determine multiple remaining amount levels (high, medium, low) without requiring multiple photosensors, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single photosensor performs multiple detection functions by detecting light from different LED indicators that represent different fuel levels. The sensor module is designed to universally detect various remaining amount levels (first predetermined amount, second predetermined amount, third predetermined amount) through one photosensor, making the system multi-functional without increasing the number of photosensors.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor module is placed outside the cap, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of detection may worsen due to potential gaps or misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the external sensor module and the internal components. The sensor module contains a magnet that magnetically couples with a ferromagnetic material in the cap or tank wall, enabling reliable signal transmission and positioning without physical contact or gaps. This magnetic intermediary ensures reliable detection while maintaining the ease of external attachment.
3Ease of operation
If the housing is made detachable for ease of installation, then ease of operation is improved, but water-tightness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sealing elements (such as O-rings or gaskets) into the housing structure before assembly. These sealing components are pre-installed in grooves or channels of the housing, ensuring that when the housing is detached and reattached, the water-tight seal is automatically restored without requiring additional sealing actions. This preliminary preparation of sealing structures maintains water-tightness while allowing detachable operation.
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 sensor module efficiently detects multiple remaining amounts of kerosene with high resolution, maintains water-tightness, and does not require modifications to the container, allowing remote monitoring of fuel levels.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter configured to transmit an electric wave; and a receiver configured to receive the electric wave; wherein the transmitter transmits an electric wave that passes through the cap into the container, and the receiver receives a reflected wave resulting from the electric wave being reflected by the content in the container
Implementation Method 2
the computation section is configured to compute a remaining amount of the content, based on a time interval from (i) the transmitter transmitting the electric wave to (ii) the receiver receiving the reflected wave
Implementation Method 3
the lens section faces the transmission and reception section and includes a bottom wall that allows passage of the electric wave that the transmitter transmits and the reflected wave
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor module (100) placeable outside a cap (3) attachable to an opening section (2) of a container (1) containing a content, the sensor module (100) being configured to be housed in a housing (10), includes: a sensor section (20); and a lens section (32). The sensor section (20) includes: a transmission and reception section (21): and a computation section. The transmission and reception section (21) includes: a transmitter (21a) configured to transmit an electric wave; and a receiver (21b) configured to receive the electric wave. The electric wave that the transmitter (21a) transmits passes through the cap (3) and enters the container (1). The electric wave that the receiver (21b) receives is a reflected wave resulting from the electric wave being reflected by the content (5) in the container (1). The lens section (32) faces the transmission and reception section (21). The computation section is configured to compute a remaining amount of the content (5), based on a time interval from (i) the transmitter (21a) transmitting the electric wave to (ii) the receiver (21b) receiving the reflected wave.