Fuel Tank Geodetic Orientation Sensor for Reliable Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank systems for motor vehicles face challenges in reliably pumping fuel after the tank is nearly empty, as the accumulation tank may not be effectively filled with a small quantity of fuel, hindering the operation of internal combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the geodetic orientation of the fuel tank using sensors and reads fueling parameters from a characteristic curve field to ensure a minimum proportion of fuel reaches the accumulation tank, either by providing an inlet conduit or adjusting the vehicle's orientation to optimize fueling, and displays this information to the driver through a signaling device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fuel tank is filled with a small quantity of fuel after being completely emptied, then the fuel pump may not be able to reliably pump fuel, but adding an inlet conduit increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the geodetic orientation of the fuel tank before fueling occurs and provides advance information to the driver about the expected fueling outcome. This allows the driver to take preliminary actions (such as adjusting vehicle orientation or seeking alternative fueling locations) to ensure successful fueling, rather than attempting fueling and discovering failure afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
A control unit acts as an intermediary between the sensor system and the driver. The control unit receives orientation data from sensors, evaluates it against stored characteristic curve fields, and communicates the evaluation results through a signaling device. This intermediary processing layer enables intelligent decision-making without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the fuel tank system.
2Loss of time
If the geodetic orientation is determined and fueling parameters are displayed, then unnecessary fueling attempts are prevented, but this requires additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor the geodetic orientation of the fuel tank, the control unit compares the current orientation against characteristic curve fields stored in memory, and the signaling device provides real-time feedback to the driver about the expected fueling outcome. This feedback mechanism enables informed decision-making to prevent unsuccessful fueling attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical solutions (such as complex inlet conduit systems or active fuel redistribution mechanisms) with an information-based system using sensors, control units, and signaling devices. This substitution of mechanical complexity with electronic information processing achieves the same goal of preventing failed fueling attempts with greater ease of implementation.
3Reliability
If an inlet conduit is provided to guide fuel to the accumulation tank, then fuel reaches the accumulation tank more reliably, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that evaluates orientation data and communicates expected fueling outcomes to the driver. This information-mediated approach allows the system to achieve reliable fuel delivery predictions without requiring physical intermediaries like inlet conduits, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliability through intelligent monitoring and information provision.
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
Enables reliable fuel pumping and engine operation even when the fuel tank is almost empty by ensuring a sufficient quantity of fuel reaches the accumulation tank, preventing unnecessary fueling attempts when insufficient fuel is expected and allowing alternative power sources for continued vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
determining with at least one sensor a geodetic orientation of the fuel tank
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for operating a fuel tank system for a motor vehicle, with the fuel tank system having a fuel tank and an accumulation tank to which a suction side of a fuel pump is connected, at least one sensor determines a geodetic orientation of the fuel tank when a fill level of the fuel tank is below a predetermined minimum fill level. A fueling parameter is read out from a characteristic curve field based on the geodetic orientation, and the fueling parameter is displayed by a signaling device.