Fluid Volume Detection Using Vehicle Inclination Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid volume detection systems in vehicle reservoirs are inaccurate due to fluid shifting during vehicle acceleration, non-flat terrain, or inclines, leading to erroneous sensor readings and incorrect refill notifications.
Innovation Solution
A method using a second sensor to detect the vehicle's operative state and determine the degree of inclination of the fluid's free surface, combined with a look-up table to correct fluid volume assessments, and a baffle to reduce sloshing, ensuring accurate fluid volume determination and refill alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is used to detect fluid level in the reservoir, then fluid volume detection is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates when the vehicle undergoes acceleration, traverses non-flat ground, or is stationary on an incline due to fluid shifting
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary sensor (second sensor) is introduced to detect vehicle operative state (acceleration, inclination, pitch) and provide correction data. This intermediary measurement allows the system to compensate for fluid shifting effects on the primary fluid level sensor, thereby maintaining measurement precision under dynamic conditions without requiring changes to the reservoir or fluid properties
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from simple fluid level to a corrected fluid volume calculation that incorporates vehicle operative state parameters. By integrating acceleration and inclination data with fluid level readings, the system transforms inaccurate raw measurements into accurate volume determinations through electronic processing and look-up tables
2Duration of action of moving object
If the reservoir is designed to hold sufficient fluid volume, then operational duration is extended, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and electronic controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller serves multiple functions: it processes fluid level sensor signals, integrates vehicle operative state data from the second sensor, performs volume calculations using look-up tables, generates refill notifications, and tracks fluid consumption patterns. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single controller rather than requiring separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors fluid volume, detects when refilling is needed through generated notifications, and tracks consumption patterns without manual intervention. The electronic controller self-manages the entire fluid monitoring process, reducing the need for manual checking and providing intelligent refill alerts based on actual consumption rather than fixed schedules
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a volume of a fluid in a reservoir arranged in a vehicle includes assessing, via a controller, whether a first sensor operatively connected to the reservoir and configured to detect a predetermined level of the fluid in the reservoir has been triggered. The method also includes detecting, via a second sensor, a vehicle operative state indicative of inclination of a free surface of the fluid in the reservoir. The method additionally includes communicating, via the second sensor, the detected vehicle operative state to the electronic controller and determining a degree of inclination of the free surface of the fluid in response to the detected vehicle operative state. Furthermore, the method includes determining, via the controller, the volume of the fluid in the reservoir when the first sensor has been triggered in response to the determined degree of inclination of the free surface of the fluid.