Fueling Preset Conversion Using Real-Time Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel transfer systems in aviation often inaccurately convert fuel mass to volume due to reliance on average density calculations, leading to potential overfilling or underfilling of aircraft, which increases operational costs and carbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a fluid flow meter, density measuring device, and control unit to perform real-time volume-to-mass conversions, ensuring accurate fuel delivery by automatically adjusting for actual fuel density and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calculations and communication are used for fuel mass to volume conversion, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to potential errors in conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic fuel mass to volume conversion using onboard sensors and processors, eliminating the need for manual calculations by operators. The fueling system self-measures fuel properties and computes delivery quantities, reducing human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation methods with electronic sensing and computational systems. Digital sensors measure fuel mass and volume, and processors automatically perform conversions using stored conversion factors, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated electronic systems that improve precision without significantly increasing perceived complexity.
2Productivity
If automated fueling systems are implemented, then productivity and measurement precision improve, but device complexity increases due to additional equipment and controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated fueling system components that simultaneously perform fuel transfer, mass measurement, volume measurement, and automatic conversion calculations. By merging these previously separate functions into unified systems, productivity increases through automation while the perceived complexity is reduced through functional integration rather than additive component accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fueling system employs multi-functional devices that can perform various operations including fuel transfer, precise metering, automatic conversion calculations, and adaptive control based on real-time measurements. These universal components handle multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate dedicated equipment, improving productivity while managing system complexity through versatile, adaptable technology.
3Reliability
If automated real-time conversion systems are used, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but loss of time in manual operations is replaced by processing time in automated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs fuel mass to volume conversion continuously and simultaneously with the fueling operation itself, rather than as a separate sequential step. Sensors continuously measure fuel properties during transfer, and processors perform real-time conversions, eliminating idle time between measurement and calculation while ensuring every moment of fuel transfer is accurately accounted for, improving both reliability and temporal efficiency.
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 precise fuel delivery to meet target mass requirements, reducing errors and fuel consumption while enhancing operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel flow meter to measure a volume of fuel that is transferred from the storage vessel to the target aircraft
Implementation Method 2
a density measuring device to determine a density of the fuel
Implementation Method 3
The density can be used to calculate volume or weight based on the amount of fuel transferred in real time
Data Source
AI summary
An improved fluid transfer accuracy, information collection, and overall management. A system may utilize a pump to transfer fluid from a source to a target vessel, a meter for measuring an amount of fluid transferred, a density meter to detect actual fluid density, and a control unit to determine actual fluid transfer amount based on density. As an example, a fluid flow meter can be coupled with a flow conduit to determine fluid volume, along with the density meter to detect real-time density of transferred fluid. During a fluid transfer event, such as aircraft refueling, LPG fueling, or other refined fuels or valuable liquids, fluid volume can be converted to fluid weight in real-time based on actual density. The real-time fluid weight can be used to determine if a target fluid weight has been reached, and fluid flow can be shut off at the appropriate time.