Remote Fuel Tank Monitoring via Hall-Effect Valve Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank monitoring systems are inaccurate, expensive, or prone to failure due to the need for retrofitting and mechanical sensors that malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A fuel monitoring system using a Hall-effect sensor positioned near a solenoid valve to monitor fuel consumption, calculating fuel levels based on valve actuation time, and transmitting data through a communication network for remote analysis and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If internal tank monitoring systems with float sensors are used, then fuel level monitoring capability is provided, but the system requires specialized fuel tank retrofitting and becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is extracted from the fuel tank itself and placed in an external device. The Hall-effect sensor and solenoid valve assembly are positioned outside the tank, eliminating the need to modify the tank structure while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the external sensor and the internal valve. The magnetic field transmits actuation signals through the tank wall without physical penetration, simplifying installation while maintaining control precision.
2Measurement precision
If flow sensors are positioned in-line with output pipe, then fuel consumption can be measured, but the system requires retrofitting and mechanical sensors are prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical flow sensor is replaced with a magnetic-based solenoid valve actuation sensor. The Hall-effect sensor detects valve position electronically without mechanical contact, eliminating mechanical failure modes while maintaining measurement capability through valve actuation timing.
3Loss of information
If float sensors are positioned within fuel tank, then fuel level data can be collected, but the system requires specialized tank or retrofitting with float sensor and communication means
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing functionality is extracted from inside the tank to an external device. The Hall-effect sensor mounted externally detects valve actuation events, inferring fuel level from consumption data without requiring internal tank modification or direct fuel contact.
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
Provides accurate fuel level monitoring without system retrofitting, reduces maintenance, and enables efficient delivery scheduling and leak detection.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor can be a Hall-effect sensor, positioned proximate the valve, that senses a magnetic field generated by the solenoid valve when it is actuated
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for remotely monitoring the amount of fuel in one or more fuel tanks are disclosed. A fuel monitoring device includes a sensor configured to monitor the operation of a valve coupled to an output of a fuel tank and a network and communication system configured to receive data from the sensor related to the operation of the valve and establish communication with one or more remote systems via a communications network. The fuel monitoring device communicates the data related to the operation of the sensor to a remote server system via the communications network. Based on the data received from the fuel monitoring device and one or more remote systems, the remote server system can determine the amount of fuel remaining in the tank, and can predict when the tank will require additional fuel.