Fuel Tank Imaging System for Wing Bending Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank monitoring systems face challenges in accurately determining fuel volume and mass due to complex environments and strict energy limitations, leading to high installation and maintenance costs from the use of multiple probes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of imagers to capture images of fuel tanks, which process image data to determine fuel levels, density, and other properties, reducing the need for capacitive probes and minimizing electronic components within the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple capacitive probes and electronic components are installed within the fuel tank to accurately determine fuel volume and mass, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation/maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive probes and electronic measurement components with an optical imaging system. An imager captures images of the fuel tank interior, and image processing algorithms determine fuel volume and mass from these visual data, eliminating the need for multiple electronic probes within the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the fuel tank interior to measure fuel properties. Instead of directly measuring with probes, the system captures visual information and processes it to derive fuel volume and mass, using the image as a substitute for physical measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If multiple probes are installed within the fuel tank to accurately determine fuel properties, then measurement precision is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electronic probes with an optical imaging system. The imager and image processing replace multiple capacitive probes, densitometers, and temperature probes, significantly reducing installation complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously. A single imager can determine fuel volume, mass, and other properties by analyzing images, replacing what would otherwise require multiple specialized probes and sensors.
3Measurement precision
If capacitive probes are used to determine fuel level, then fuel volume measurement is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to electromagnetic field requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic-based capacitive probes with an optical imaging system. The imager uses light to capture images of the fuel tank, eliminating the need for electromagnetic fields and associated energy consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 approach allows for accurate fuel measurement and reduced maintenance costs by eliminating or minimizing the number of probes and electronic components, while enabling non-invasive inspections and improved system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
generating image data of an interior of a fuel tank
Implementation Method 2
generating image data of an interior of a fuel tank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A method can include generating image data of an interior of a fuel tank (12) disposed within a wing of an aircraft, and determining (114), by a processing device, an amount of wing bending of the wing of the aircraft based on the generated image data of the interior of the fuel tank. The method can further include producing (116), by the processing device, a fuel measurement value representing an amount of fuel contained in the fuel tank based on the amount of wing bending of the wing of the aircraft, and outputting (118), by the processing device, an indication of the fuel measurement value.