Fuel Tank Liquid State Detection Sensor Using Multi-Function Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid state detection sensors in fuel tanks require a large number of terminals to detect multiple states, which is inefficient and impractical.
Innovation Solution
The use of n terminals with at least n capacitance measurement portions between different terminal combinations allows for the detection of multiple objects with a smaller number of terminals, including configurations for measuring liquid level, temperature, and pressure, using capacitors disposed within and outside the liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each detection electrode is constituted by a combination of a first terminal and another terminal, then the detection function is achieved, but the number of terminals required increases to (number of detection electrodes+1)
Solution Approach 1:
Each terminal is designed to serve multiple functions by being combined with different capacitance measurement portions to detect various liquid states. Terminal 1 can work with capacitance measurement portions 11, 12, 13 to detect different parameters, and Terminal 2 can work with capacitance measurement portions 14, 15, 16 for the same purpose. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of terminals needed while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection functions of multiple electrodes into a shared terminal structure. Instead of having separate terminals for each detection electrode, the invention combines them into two shared terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) that can be paired with different capacitance measurement portions to achieve the same detection objectives, thereby reducing terminal count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection electrodes are used to detect various liquid states, then detection versatility is improved, but the number of terminals required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two terminals are designed as universal components that can be combined with different capacitance measurement portions to detect multiple liquid states including liquid level, temperature, and pressure. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high detection versatility while using only two terminals instead of multiple dedicated terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into separate functional components: the capacitance measurement portions (11-16) that are physically distributed to detect different parameters, and the terminal structure that provides electrical connection. This segmentation allows the terminals to be minimized while the measurement portions handle the specific detection functions.
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 configuration enables the detection of a large number of liquid state objects with a minimal number of terminals, improving efficiency and accuracy in fuel tank monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitance measurement portion 11 that is permanently disposed within a measured liquid in a fuel tank; a second capacitance measurement portion 12 that is for measuring a liquid level of the measured liquid
Implementation Method 2
a fifth capacitance measurement portion 18 that detects a temperature of fuel in the fuel tank
Implementation Method 3
a sixth capacitance measurement portion 19 that detects a pressure from a change in capacitance due to a change in separation between a pair of terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid state detection sensor capable of detecting a large number of objects with a small number of terminals. The liquid state detection sensor is provided with three terminals A to C, a capacitor C1 between terminals A and B, a capacitor C2 between terminals B and C, and a capacitor C3 between terminals A and C. The capacitor C1 and the capacitor C2 are connected in series, and the capacitor C3 is connected in parallel with this series connection. The capacitor C1 is disposed outside liquid fuel in a fuel tank, the capacitor C2 is partially or wholly immersed in the fuel in the fuel tank, and the capacitor C3 is disposed close to a floor of the fuel tank.