Integrated Fuel Flow Verification Module for Automated Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fuel flow measuring devices require complex and hazardous calibration processes that interrupt engine testing operations and necessitate specialized personnel, lacking traceability and accuracy in calibrating individual parameters, especially for small flow values.

Innovation Solution

A device with a permanently integrated verification module that allows for automated calibration and measurement accuracy checking, enabling unskilled workers to perform calibration without interrupting operations, by routing fuel from the measuring module to the verification module through a branching system with valves, using sensors to account for influencing variables and ensure traceability to national standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional calibration methods using mobile calibration carriages are used, then calibration can be performed, but the fuel line must be opened which endangers people and requires interruption of test bench operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration safetyVSAvoidtest bench availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The verification module is permanently integrated into the fuel flow measuring device, combining the measurement function and calibration function into a single unified system. This eliminates the need for separate mobile calibration carriages and allows calibration without opening the fuel line or interrupting test bench operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The verification module is pre-installed and permanently connected to the fuel line upstream of the flow measuring device. This preliminary installation ensures that calibration can be performed at any time without requiring future installation steps that would interrupt operation or endanger personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If conventional calibration with mobile reference devices is used, then calibration can be performed, but specialized personnel are required and calibration scheduling is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated verification module enables the fuel flow measuring device to perform its own calibration automatically. The control unit executes calibration routines using the verification module's measurements, eliminating the need for external specialists and complex scheduling arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The verification module provides continuous feedback on measurement accuracy by comparing reference measurements with actual measurements. This feedback loop enables automatic detection and correction of calibration deviations, maintaining precision without requiring external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If all measurement inaccuracies are recorded in entirety using calibration carriages, then comprehensive calibration data is obtained, but individual parameters cannot be checked separately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data completenessVSAvoidindividual parameter verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The verification module measures individual parameters (volume flow, pressure, temperature) separately before they enter the flow measuring device. This segmentation allows the control unit to analyze and verify each parameter independently, identifying specific sources of measurement inaccuracy rather than treating all errors collectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2702373B1Device for measuring a fuel flow and calibrating device therefor
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 HORIBA EUROPE GMBH
  • EP2702373B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2702373B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2702373B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for measuring a fuel flow in a testing unit, wherein said device comprises a measuring module (10) for measuring the fuel flow guided through the measuring module (10) and a conditioning module (11) disposed downstream of the measuring module for conditioning the fuel. Moreover a verification module (19) for checking the accuracy of measurement of the measuring module (10) is provided downstream of the measuring module (10). The fuel can be guided as required to the conditioning module (11) or to the verification module (19). The verification module (19) is an integral component of the device and may have an injector (26) as a metering device for removing a precisely defined reference amount of fuel.