Dynamic Fuel Level Filtering for Vehicle Refuelling Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting fuel volume in a vehicle tank during refuelling with the engine running are slow and inaccurate, leading to delayed and misleading fuel gauge readings, as existing algorithms struggle to distinguish refuelling movements from natural fuel level changes, and proposed solutions like new algorithms or additional sensors are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a CUSUM algorithm in conjunction with a vehicle speed sensor to deactivate and reactivate filtering functions based on speed, allowing for more accurate and immediate fuel volume detection by displaying raw data during refuelling and filtered data when the vehicle is in motion, utilizing existing hardware and software for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a filtering function is used to reduce signal unevenness from fuel level sensor, then the fuel level indication becomes more stable during vehicle operation, but the response time to detect actual fuel volume changes during refuelling increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is made dynamically controllable through a filter control unit that adjusts the filtering intensity based on detected refuelling conditions. When refuelling is detected, the filter control unit reduces or disables the filtering function, allowing rapid response to fuel volume changes. During normal operation, the filtering function remains active to provide stable readings, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of filtering intensity based on operational conditions. By detecting refuelling states through fuel level movement analysis, the system switches between different filtering parameters - high filtering during normal operation for stability, and low or no filtering during refuelling for rapid response. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for different operational phases.
2Loss of time
If the filtering intensity is reduced to improve refuelling detection speed, then the response time during refuelling improves, but the fuel level indication becomes unstable during normal vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The filter control unit dynamically adjusts filtering intensity based on detected operational conditions. When refuelling is not detected, the filtering function operates at full intensity to ensure stable readings. When refuelling is detected through analysis of fuel level movements exceeding normal consumption rates, the filter control unit automatically reduces filtering intensity, allowing rapid response without compromising stability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the fuel level sensor and the algorithm's own output to detect refuelling conditions. By monitoring whether fuel level changes exceed what would be expected from normal consumption over time, the system generates feedback signals that trigger appropriate filtering adjustments. This feedback mechanism ensures filtering is optimized for current operational conditions rather than using a fixed setting.
3Measurement precision
If more sophisticated or additional fuel level sensors are installed to improve measurement accuracy during refuelling, then the fuel volume detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing fuel level sensor serves multiple functions by combining it with an algorithm that analyzes temporal patterns in the sensor signals. The system uses the single sensor's output in conjunction with vehicle speed data and consumption rate calculations to detect refuelling conditions and adjust filtering accordingly. This self-service approach allows the existing sensor to provide accurate refuelling detection without requiring additional specialized sensors, thus avoiding increased complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel level sensor is made multi-functional by using its signals for both normal fuel level indication and refuelling detection. The algorithm processes the sensor signals to identify refuelling patterns, and the filter control unit uses this information to adjust filtering behavior. This universal use of the existing sensor system allows accurate fuel volume detection during refuelling without adding specialized equipment, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving precision.
4Loss of time
If a new algorithm with less intensive filtering is developed to improve refuelling response, then the response time during refuelling improves, but the development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of developing a completely new algorithm, the system applies partial action by selectively adjusting the filtering intensity based on detected conditions. The existing algorithm is modified to include a filter control unit that dynamically adjusts filtering parameters rather than replacing the entire algorithm. This partial modification approach achieves improved refuelling response while minimizing development costs by building upon the existing proven algorithm rather than creating a new one from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The algorithm is segmented into separate functional components: the core fuel level calculation algorithm, the refuelling detection logic, and the filter control unit. This segmentation allows the existing core algorithm to remain unchanged and proven, while only the control components need to be added or modified. By separating the filtering control from the core algorithm, the system achieves improved refuelling response with minimal development effort, as the segmentation allows independent optimization of each component.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detection and viewing of fuel volume in a tank (280) of a motor vehicle (100; 110). The method comprises the steps of: - generating information concerning fuel volumes in said tank, - providing a filtering function (Filter1) to equalise variations of said information generated, and responding to a predetermined amount of deviation (x) between the information generated and corresponding filtered information deactivating said filtering function (Filter1) The invention relates also to a computer programme product comprising programme code (P) for a computer (200; 210) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention relates also to a device and a motor vehicle equipped with the device.