Fuel Volume Measurement Using Hydrostatic Pressure Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for measuring fuel volume in tanks, particularly in commercial vehicles, are inaccurate, unreliable, difficult to retrofit, and expensive, making it challenging to identify and confirm fuel losses due to leakage, theft, or inappropriate engine conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that measures the pressure of fluid near the bottom of a tank, calculates the fluid depth based on pressure and density, and determines the volume mathematically or using charts, with the option to take multiple pressure readings and adjust for atmospheric pressure, flagging volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing fuel volume measurement sensors (mechanical float, air bubbler, capacitive, radar, etc.) are used, then fuel volume can be measured, but the measurements are inaccurate, unreliable, difficult to retrofit, and prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electronic fuel level sensors with a simple pressure-based measurement system. By measuring pressure at the bottom of the tank and using hydrostatic pressure principles, the system calculates fuel volume without requiring mechanical floats, capacitive sensors, or radar systems. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive pressure sensors that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than expensive, complex fuel level sensors. The simple pressure measurement approach uses readily available, low-cost components that are easier to procure and install than specialized fuel measurement devices.
2Reliability
If existing fuel measurement systems are installed, then fuel volume can be monitored, but the systems are prohibitively expensive to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive specialized fuel measurement systems with simple pressure sensors and basic calculations. By using hydrostatic pressure principles and standard pressure transducers, the system achieves reliable fuel loss detection at a fraction of the cost of commercial fuel level sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the tank's own structure and the fuel's properties (density, hydrostatic pressure) to perform measurements, eliminating the need for expensive external measurement systems. The pressure sensor leverages the natural physical properties of the fuel to generate measurement data.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure readings are taken to improve accuracy, then measurement reliability increases, but measurement time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes multiple pressure readings at different locations or times, but processes only the necessary minimum number needed to achieve sufficient accuracy. The system can use a single reading if conditions permit, or take multiple readings when higher precision is needed, optimizing the balance between accuracy and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs pressure measurements periodically rather than continuously, taking readings at scheduled intervals sufficient to detect fuel loss events. This periodic approach maintains measurement reliability while minimizing processing time and computational overhead.
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 solution provides an accurate, reliable, and cost-effective method for determining fuel volume, enabling effective identification and prevention of fuel losses, and optimizing fuel consumption cycles for both individual vehicles and fleets.
Implementation Method 1
measuring with a pressure sensor the pressure of the fluid in the tank near the bottom of the tank
Implementation Method 2
determining a volume of the fluid in the tank based on the depth of the fluid, the dimensions of the tank, and a shape of the tank
Data Source
AI summary
Volume of a fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor positioned proximate the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid in the tank is then calculated by dividing the pressure by the density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of the tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along or near the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate measured volume. To maintain accuracy at different altitudes, pressure readings are preferably adjusted for atmospheric pressure using differential pressure sensors or a processor using data indicative of both pressures. Volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold, or which are not comparable to dispensed fuel, may be flagged and alerts generated.