Fluid Testing System for Fuel Adulteration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing fuel purity, such as visual inspection, are subjective and unreliable, requiring skilled labor and time, and cannot accurately determine the adulteration level of all fluid types.
Innovation Solution
A fluid testing system comprising a source for generating electromagnetic waves, a detector for converting colors into analog signals, a receptacle with an optical inner tube for transmitting waves through fluid samples, an analog-to-digital converter for digital signal processing, and a comparator to determine adulteration levels, integrated with a fuel supply system that diverts adulterated fuel to an auxiliary tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visual inspection is used to determine fuel purity, then the method is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the reliability and accuracy of adulteration detection deteriorates due to subjective interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated optical detection system. The mechanical/visual process of human eyes observing fuel color is substituted with electronic sensors (photodetectors, CCD cameras) that objectively measure light absorption and transmission properties of the fuel sample, eliminating subjective human interpretation while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical measurement system between the fuel sample and the detection conclusion. Instead of direct visual inspection, light acts as an intermediary that interacts with the fuel sample, and the optical properties (absorption, transmission) are measured and converted into objective data for adulteration determination.
2Device complexity
If visual inspection by skilled personnel is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but the time required for testing increases due to manual analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system performs self-analysis through automated optical measurement and computer-based data processing. The system independently completes the entire testing workflow from sample illumination to adulteration determination without requiring skilled human operators for analysis, thereby reducing both equipment complexity and testing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual analysis process is replaced with automated electronic detection and computer processing. The mechanical action of human eyes and brain analyzing fuel color is substituted with electronic sensors and algorithms that rapidly process optical data, significantly increasing testing speed while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
3Reliability
If automated optical detection is implemented, then reliability and objectivity of adulteration determination is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal components that serve multiple functions to minimize system complexity. For example, the light source simultaneously provides illumination for color detection and acts as a reference for calibration. The detector system serves both measurement and characterization functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining high reliability and objectivity in adulteration detection.
4Device complexity
If manual visual inspection is used, then the system requires minimal components, but measurement precision and accuracy of color-based adulteration detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imprecise human visual assessment is replaced with precise electronic optical measurement systems. Photodetectors and imaging sensors provide quantitative measurement of light properties with high precision, eliminating the subjective and variable nature of human color perception. The system measures specific optical parameters (absorption coefficients, transmission ratios) rather than relying on human color judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light as an intermediary that provides precise, measurable interaction with the fuel sample. Instead of direct human observation, light transmission and absorption properties are measured with high precision instruments, and these optical measurements serve as accurate indicators of fuel adulteration levels.
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 reduces manual effort and skilled labor, provides objective adulteration level determination, and prevents adulterated fuel from entering vehicle engines, ensuring fuel quality and engine protection.
Implementation Method 1
a source configured to generate electromagnetic waves and a detector configured to receive electromagnetic waves transmitted by the source and generate analog signals corresponding to the colours represented in the electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
the detector is configured to receive electromagnetic waves transmitted by the source and generate analog signals corresponding to the colours represented in the electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 3
The receptacle has an optical inner tube having transparent walls, said receptacle is positioned between the source and the detector. The receptacle is configured to enable the electromagnetic waves to pass through its walls and through a fluid sample filled in the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid testing system comprises a source that generates electromagnetic waves, a detector that receives the transmitted electromagnetic waves and generates analog signals corresponding to the colours represented in the electromagnetic waves and, a receptacle, having a fluid inlet and an optical inner tube with transparent walls. The receptacle is positioned between the source and the detector to enable the electromagnetic waves to pass through its walls and through a fluid sample in the receptacle. A repository stores a pre-determined range of reference values corresponding to the values of digital signals for fluids of various colours. An analog to digital converter in the system cooperates with the detector to receive the analog signals, converting them into digital signals, wherein the values are compared with the reference values by a comparator. A fluid outlet provides tested fluid. Further, a fuel supply system is disclosed for supplying fuel to a vehicle.