Generator Fuel Level Monitoring via Run Time Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine-driven generators lack an accurate and convenient method to communicate the fuel level remaining in the fuel tank to operators, providing only approximate metrics such as ¼, ½, or ¾ full, which does not help in managing fuel usage effectively.

Innovation Solution

A fuel level monitoring system that measures the remaining fuel level, determines the rate of fuel usage, and calculates the remaining run time of the engine-driven generator based on the fuel level and usage rate, displaying this information to the operator through a user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple sight gauge or electronic gauge is used to indicate fuel level, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision and usefulness of fuel level information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of fuel level monitoringVSAvoidprecision of fuel level information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms the fuel level information from simple volume indicators (1/4, 1/2, 3/4 full) into a meaningful operational parameter (remaining run time in hours/minutes) by incorporating engine fuel consumption rate data into the calculation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary that processes raw fuel level data from the gauge and combines it with engine operating parameters to calculate and display remaining run time, bridging the gap between simple measurement and useful information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If only approximate fuel level indicators are provided, then the device complexity is minimized, but the loss of useful operational information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of fuel monitoring systemVSAvoidusefulness of fuel level data

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs multiple functions: it monitors fuel level, determines engine fuel consumption rate, calculates remaining run time, and displays the information in a user-friendly format, making a single system serve multiple purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10596652B2Systems and methods for fuel level monitoring in an engine-driven generator

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

An engine-driven welding generator that monitors fuel level is provided. The engine-driven welding generator comprises a fuel level monitoring system configured to measure a remaining fuel level in a fuel tank of the engine-driven welding generator, determine a rate of fuel usage of an engine of the engine-driven welding generator, and calculate a remaining run time of the engine based on the remaining fuel level and the rate of fuel usage of the engine.