Fluid Release Detection via Reflectivity and Flow Rate Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack effective detection systems for unplanned fluid releases from reservoirs, such as fuel tanks, which can lead to environmental discharge and reduced vehicle reliability, as current sensors are not positioned or configured to detect perforations or un-seated fluid connectors effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a combination of vision and pressure sensors to detect fluid releases by comparing the rate of fluid consumption to the rate of discharge and analyzing reflectivity profiles, with processors determining a confidence level for fluid releases and triggering appropriate actions, such as shutting off the engine or exiting the roadway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current sensors (cameras, time of flight sensors) are used in autonomous vehicles, then the vehicle can detect road hazards and obstacles, but these sensors are not positioned or configured to detect fluid releases or perforations effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple specialized sensors positioned at different locations: interior sensors within the fluid reservoir, exterior sensors on the vehicle body, and sensors mounted on fluid lines. Each sensor type is optimized for detecting specific aspects of fluid releases, collectively providing comprehensive coverage that neither generic cameras nor single sensors could achieve alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specialized detection mechanisms as intermediaries between the fluid reservoir and the detection system. These include reflectivity profile analysis that acts as an intermediary measurement method, and flow rate sensors that serve as intermediaries to detect unauthorized fluid movement before actual release occurs
2Reliability
If the vehicle exits the roadway or shuts off the engine upon detecting fluid release, then environmental discharge is reduced and vehicle reliability increases, but vehicle productivity and availability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and assessment of fluid releases before taking corrective actions. By using multiple sensors to detect early signs of leakage, measure flow rates, and assess the severity of the situation, the system can determine whether immediate shutdown is necessary or if the vehicle can continue operating with monitoring, thereby avoiding unnecessary productivity loss while still protecting against environmental discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on detection results. Instead of a fixed response, the vehicle adjusts its operation mode, shutdown timing, and routing decisions based on the measured flow rate, fluid type, and environmental conditions, optimizing the balance between reliability and productivity
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor systems (vision, pressure, flow rate) are integrated to determine confidence level for fluid release, then detection accuracy increases, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor systems (vision sensors, pressure sensors, flow rate sensors) into an integrated detection network that shares common processing infrastructure and data fusion algorithms. This consolidation reduces the overall system complexity compared to operating separate independent systems, while maintaining the enhanced measurement precision that comes from multi-sensor validation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sensor measurements continuously inform and adjust the detection algorithm's confidence levels. The feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from sensor data patterns, refine its detection thresholds, and reduce false positives over time, thereby managing processing complexity through adaptive rather than purely deterministic algorithms
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
This approach enables early detection and response to fluid releases, reducing environmental impact and increasing vehicle availability and reliability by accurately identifying fluid types and quantities, and initiating corrective actions.
Implementation Method 1
a vision system disposed exterior to a fluid reservoir to detect a reflectivity profile of a released fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid release detection is provided. A vehicle can determine, via a first sensor, a flow rate of a first fluid, such as a headspace gas, between an environment and a reservoir of the vehicle. The vehicle can receive a fluid consumption rate for a second fluid, such as a hydrocarbon fuel associated with the reservoir. The vehicle can detect, based on the flow rate and the fluid consumption rate, a fluid release of the reservoir. The vehicle can execute an action responsive to the detection of the fluid release.