Fuel Filler Assembly With Integrated Level Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate measurement of fuel volume in fuel tanks is challenging due to inadequate tank measurement accuracy, which hinders the detection of fuel loss through pilferage, leakage, or discrepancies in fuel dispensation, and affects fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A fuel measurement device with a fuel level sensor that can be inserted through an existing fuel tank passage without modifying the tank, allowing for accurate fuel level measurement and integration with a computing system to track fuel consumption, providing detailed usage data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fuel level sensor is installed in a fuel tank, then fuel level measurement capability is achieved, but the fuel tank structure must be modified by creating additional openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel level sensor installation with the existing fuel filler opening. The sensor is mounted within the fuel filler assembly, utilizing the same opening that is already present in the fuel tank for fuel refilling. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate modifications to the tank structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel filler opening serves multiple functions: it allows for fuel refilling and simultaneously provides access for installing and maintaining the fuel level sensor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate openings for different purposes.
2Measurement precision
If the fuel tank structure is modified to install measurement devices, then measurement capability is improved, but the structural integrity and sealing of the tank may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mounting is integrated into the fuel filler assembly, which is already a sealed component that interfaces with the tank through the filler opening. This integration avoids creating additional sealing interfaces that could compromise tank integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel filler assembly is designed beforehand to incorporate the sensor mounting features, allowing the sensor to be installed through the pre-existing sealed opening without requiring additional modifications that could affect tank sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate openings are provided for fuel passage and sensor installation, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fuel passage function and sensor installation function into a single integrated fuel filler assembly. The sensor is mounted within this assembly, allowing both fuel refilling and sensor access through one opening in the fuel tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel filler opening is designed to serve multiple purposes: it allows fuel to be added to the tank and provides access for the fuel level sensor. This universal opening eliminates the need for separate dedicated openings for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a fuel measurement device is described. The fuel measurement device includes a collar to clamp against a neck of a fuel tank. A fuel port is coupled to the collar. The fuel port includes 1) a passage through which fuel is passed into the fuel tank and 2) a fuel level sensor that includes an elongated probe inserted into the fuel tank.