Fuel Tank Flow Rate Measurement Gradient Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate measuring devices for fuel tanks, such as those using floats or pressure gauges, suffer from significant measurement errors due to vessel movement, making it difficult to accurately determine the remaining flow rate, especially during severe rolling, pitching, or inclinations.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate measuring device and method that incorporates an ultrasonic sensor and a gradient sensor on the bottom surface of the fuel tank to accurately measure distance and gradient information, allowing for the calculation of a corrected flow rate with minimized measurement errors by compensating for the fuel tank's inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a float-based flow meter or pressure gauge is used to measure remaining fuel in a fuel tank, then the device structure is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates significantly when the vessel experiences rolling, pitching, or inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (ultrasonic distance sensing and gradient sensing) into a single integrated sensor unit mounted on the fuel tank bottom surface. This merging approach improves measurement precision by compensating for inclination effects while avoiding the complexity of separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gradient information as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the physical inclination of the fuel tank and the flow rate measurement. The calculating unit uses this intermediary gradient data to correct the raw flow rate measurement, thereby improving accuracy without directly modifying the basic measurement mechanism.
2Reliability
If traditional flow measurement methods are used without gradient compensation, then the device complexity is low, but reliability deteriorates under severe vessel movement conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of gradient information using the gradient sensor before the inclination affects the flow rate measurement accuracy. The calculating unit then applies correction based on this pre-acquired gradient data, ensuring reliable measurements even under severe vessel movement conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where gradient information is continuously measured and used to correct flow rate measurements in real-time. The calculating unit adjusts the flow rate calculation based on the measured gradient, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliability under varying vessel movement conditions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to the fuel tank bottom surface, then measurement precision improves through gradient compensation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is designed with multi-functionality, where the same mounting structure and data processing system handle both ultrasonic distance sensing and gradient sensing. This universal approach allows the system to perform multiple measurement functions without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The calculating unit automatically performs the correction calculation using the measured gradient information without requiring external intervention or complex manual calibration. The system self-adjusts the flow rate measurement based on the measured gradient, reducing the operational complexity despite adding sensing capabilities.
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
The device effectively reduces measurement errors by using gradient information to compensate for the fuel tank's inclination, providing a more accurate flow rate measurement even under conditions of significant vessel movement.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor 110 attached onto the bottom surface of the inner portion of the fuel tank 1 and sensing distance information indicating a distance value between the bottom surface of the inner portion of the fuel tank 1 and an oil surface of oil remaining in the fuel tank
Implementation Method 2
a gradient sensor 120 attached onto the bottom surface of the inner portion of the fuel tank 1 and sensing gradient information indicating a gradient value of the fuel tank 1
Data Source
AI summary
The following disclosure relates to a flow rate measuring device and method capable of correcting a gradient. More particularly, the following disclosure relates to a flow rate measuring device and method capable of correcting a gradient that may measure a flow rate having a minimized measurement error by including a sensor unit provided on a bottom surface of an inner portion of a fuel tank in order to accurately measure a flow rate value remaining in the fuel tank to obtain distance information between the bottom surface of the fuel tank and an oil surface and gradient information of the fuel tank itself.