Fuel Level Sensor Plateau Zone Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel level measurement technologies in vehicles are imprecise, especially when the tank is full, due to sensor saturation, leading to inaccurate detection of the amount of fuel added, which is a concern for fleet managers who need precise fuel level information to ensure vehicles are returned with a full tank.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that estimate the quantity of fuel added to a vehicle tank without additional sensors, by calculating the hidden tank capacity using fuel level data from plateau and consumption phases, and determining the completion of a full tank through sudden fuel level increases or engine cutoffs, allowing for accurate estimation of fuel added during refueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fuel level sensors are used to monitor fuel level in the tank, then the system is cost-effective and simple to implement, but the measurement precision deteriorates significantly when the tank is full due to sensor saturation in the plateau zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel level measurement into two distinct zones: the plateau zone (hidden capacity, 0-55km range) where the sensor is saturated, and the consumption zone (visible capacity) where the sensor provides accurate readings. By treating these zones separately and using different measurement approaches for each, the system achieves precise full tank detection without requiring complex sensors throughout the entire tank range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational method that uses fuel consumption data from the engine control unit and distance traveled information to calculate the hidden fuel capacity in the plateau zone. This intermediary calculation bridges the gap between the sensor's limited visible range and the actual total tank capacity, enabling accurate full tank detection without additional hardware.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors or intrusive measurement devices are installed in the tank to improve measurement precision, then the fuel level detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing fuel level sensor perform multiple functions: it accurately measures fuel level in the consumption zone while simultaneously serving as part of a computational system that estimates the hidden capacity in the plateau zone. By combining this sensor data with fuel consumption data from the engine control unit, the system achieves comprehensive tank monitoring without adding dedicated sensors for the plateau zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own existing data resources (fuel consumption data from the engine control unit and distance traveled data) to calculate the hidden fuel capacity. This self-service approach allows the vehicle to determine its own full tank status using data already being collected for other purposes, eliminating the need for additional measurement hardware.
3Loss of information
If the fuel level data is used to determine when the tank is full, then the system can detect refueling events, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the sensor cannot distinguish between partial fills and full fills in the plateau zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors fuel consumption rate and compares it against the distance traveled. By analyzing the relationship between fuel used and distance covered, the system can detect when the tank transitions from the consumption zone to the plateau zone, providing feedback about the actual fuel quantity state even when the sensor reading remains constant.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations to estimate the hidden capacity of the plateau zone before a refueling event occurs. By pre-calculating the expected fuel volume in the plateau zone based on historical consumption data, the system can accurately determine when a refueling event has occurred and how much fuel was added, even when the sensor reading shows no change.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for estimating the quantity of fuel actually added during refueling of a vehicle's tank. The method comprises at least one step for estimating (Evrmax) the volume of fuel that can be added to the tank, a step for determining (Dp) whether a full or partial refueling has been performed, and a step for estimating (Evr) the quantity of fuel actually added.