Vehicle Fluid-Level Sensor with Articulating Joint for Sloshing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Excessive fluid flow and sloshing in fuel tanks during vehicle maneuvering can affect the accuracy of diagnostic testing for evaporative emission systems, leading to nonideal conditions for fluid-level sensor readings.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-level sensor system comprising a housing with a first sensor for gauging fuel level and a second sensor for detecting excessive fluid flow, utilizing a float assembly with an articulating joint and a wiper assembly to sense fluid level and disturbances, and a mercury switch or accelerometer to determine suitable conditions for diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fluid-level sensor is used to measure fuel level in a fuel tank, then fuel level information can be obtained, but excessive fluid flow and sloshing during vehicle maneuvering affect the accuracy of diagnostic testing and sensor readings
Solution Approach 1:
The float assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it measures fuel level through the first sensor while simultaneously detecting excessive fluid flow through the second sensor. The articulating joint allows the float assembly to perform both level measurement and flow detection without requiring separate sensing mechanisms, thereby improving both measurement precision and diagnostic reliability under varying vehicle conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating joint acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates fluid disturbances into measurable movements. When excessive fluid flow occurs, the joint articulates in response to the float's movement, providing a mechanical mediation between the fluid dynamics and the second sensor, which then generates diagnostic information about flow conditions.
2Productivity
If diagnostic testing is performed during vehicle maneuvering, then emission system diagnostics can be conducted, but excessive fluid flow causes inaccurate data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of fluid flow conditions using the second sensor before conducting diagnostic testing. By continuously monitoring fluid disturbances through the articulating joint and second sensor, the system can determine whether conditions are suitable for accurate diagnostic testing, preventing inaccurate data collection from occurring in the first place.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sensor provides continuous feedback about fluid flow conditions to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor fluid disturbances in real-time and use this information to determine whether diagnostic testing should proceed, thereby ensuring that diagnostics are only performed when measurement precision requirements can be met.
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 differentiates between ideal and nonideal conditions for diagnostic testing, ensuring accurate fuel level readings and preventing inaccurate data collection during excessive fluid disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
The float assembly may include a float and an arm assembly. The arm assembly may have a first attachment portion connectable to a fluid-level sensor and a second attachment portion connected to the float.
Implementation Method 2
A second sensor is configured to sense relative movement between the float and the second component and output a signal indicative of fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A float assembly of a fluid-level sensor includes a float and an arm assembly. The arm assembly has a first attachment portion connectable to a fluid-level sensor and a second attachment portion connected to the float. The arm assembly further has an articulating joint that permits relative movement between the float and the first attachment portion. A sensor attached to the float.