Fuel Filter Installation Detection via Sensor Resistance Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems lack an effective method to ensure the proper installation of qualified filter elements, which is crucial for maintaining filtration integrity and preventing issues like water contamination in fuel filters.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a water-in-fuel sensor with a unique electrical circuit configuration, where a first portion is located in the filter housing and a second portion on the qualified filter element, changing electrical resistance when properly installed, and a control circuit to monitor this resistance and indicate the presence of a qualified filter element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water-in-fuel sensor with electrical circuit is integrated into the filter housing and filter element, then the ability to identify qualified filter element installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical circuit is segmented into two separate portions: a first portion integrated into the filter housing and a second portion integrated into the filter element. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability in identifying qualified filter element installation while reducing overall device complexity by distributing the electrical components across separate modules rather than integrating them into a single complex unit.
2Measurement precision
If the electrical resistance of the water-in-fuel sensor changes based on filter element installation, then the measurement precision of installation status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water-in-fuel sensor utilizes changes in electrical resistance as a parameter to detect the installation status of the filter element. When the filter element is properly installed, the electrical resistance of the sensor changes in a predictable manner, providing a simple yet precise measurement of installation status without requiring complex sensing mechanisms or additional components.
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 solution allows for reliable identification of a qualified filter element's installation, preventing water contamination and ensuring filtration integrity by altering the electrical resistance of the sensor, thereby alerting operators to any issues.
Implementation Method 1
a water-in-fuel sensor that senses presence of water in the filter housing. The assemblies are configured such that an electrical resistance of the water-in-fuel sensor changes based upon whether the qualified filter element is installed in the housing.
Implementation Method 2
The integration of a water-in-fuel sensor with a unique electrical circuit configuration, where a first portion is located in the filter housing and a second portion on the qualified filter element, changing electrical resistance when properly installed
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly has a qualified filter element that filters fuel, a filter housing for the qualified filter element and a water-in-fuel sensor that senses presence of water in the filter housing. An electrical resistance of the water-in-fuel sensor changes based upon whether the qualified filter element is installed in the housing. A filter assembly can also have a plurality of magnetic elements disposed on at least one of the filter housing and the qualified filter element. A plurality of wires are disposed on at least the other of the filter housing and the qualified filter element. The control circuit determines that the qualified filter element is installed in the filter housing based on a change in the electrical current in the plurality of wires.