Fuel Detection Pipeline Using Laser-Induced Fluorescence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle systems lack a cost-effective and low-maintenance method to precisely detect the type of fuel and its characteristics in the tank, which is essential for efficient and environmentally friendly engine control.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline-based arrangement that uses laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy to detect fuel type and characteristics by emitting light into the fuel and analyzing the fluorescent light emitted, with multiple detection units distributed along the pipeline and an evaluation unit for precise fuel identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fuel detection is performed in the tank, then fuel mixture composition can be detected, but detection precision of individual fuel types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit detects fuel characteristics in the pipeline before the fuel enters the tank and mixes with other fuels. By performing detection preliminarily, the system captures information about individual fuel types before they become part of a mixed composition, thereby maintaining detection precision while avoiding the information loss that would occur from analyzing mixed fuel in the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the detection function from the tank environment and relocates it to the pipeline. This separation allows the detection system to analyze fuel samples in isolation before they mix with other fuels in the tank, preserving the ability to identify specific fuel types and their characteristics without the confounding effect of fuel mixture complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple detection units are distributed along the pipeline, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple detection units distributed along the pipeline at different positions. Each detection unit independently monitors fuel characteristics at its location, and the results are combined to provide comprehensive fuel identification. This segmentation improves reliability by providing multiple measurement points while managing complexity through modular deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple detection units provide redundant measurement data that can be cross-validated. The system uses feedback from multiple sources to confirm fuel type identification, improving reliability through consensus validation while the modular nature of distributed units keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
3Measurement precision
If laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy is used, then fuel characteristic detection precision improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel samples themselves serve as the detection medium - their natural fluorescence properties under laser excitation provide the detection signal without requiring additional reagents, markers, or complex sample preparation. This self-service approach enables high-precision spectroscopic detection while avoiding the added costs of external detection aids.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical or chemical detection methods with optical spectroscopy. By using laser-induced fluorescence, the system achieves high-precision fuel characteristic detection through non-contact optical measurement, eliminating the need for mechanical sampling mechanisms or chemical reagents that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost.
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
Enables precise detection of fuel type and composition in the tank, allowing for optimal engine control and reducing the risk of incorrect refueling, such as diesel vs. petrol, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and low maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The detection unit is designed to emit light into the fuel. In particular, laser light is emitted into the fuel. Furthermore, the detection unit is designed to detect a fluorescent light emitted by the fuel. According to the invention, the fuel within the pipeline is excited to emit fluorescent light.
Implementation Method 2
The evaluation unit is connected to the at least one detection unit and is used for the spectroscopic evaluation of the detected fluorescent light. The evaluation unit is designed to carry out laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy and/or time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an array for a motor vehicle for detecting a fuel type and/or a fuel characteristic, comprising a pipe line (2) to be arranged between a fuel tank cap and a tank of a motor vehicle, and at least one detection unit (4) integrated in the pipe line for detecting the fuel type and/or a fuel characteristic of a fuel flowing through the pipe line, wherein the detection unit is configured to emit light, preferably laser light, into the fuel for detecting a fluorescent light transmitted by the fuel.