Image-Based Fluid Volume Sensing for Enclosed Containers in Microgravity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing volume gauging systems for enclosed containers are inadequate in extreme fluid morphologies, particularly in reduced gravity environments where fluids coalesce and float in large droplets, violating the operating principles of existing technologies, and require complex modifications that increase weight, power requirements, and decrease mechanical stability.

Innovation Solution

An image-based fluid characterization system using illumination sources, multi-pixel sensors, and optical relays to generate images of the fluid within an enclosed container, enabling volume gauging through image processing and analysis, which is adaptable to dynamic fluid morphologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing volume gauging systems are used in reduced gravity environments, then they can provide volume measurements, but they fail when fluids coalesce and float in large droplets that have no or minimal contact with container walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to extreme fluid morphologiesVSAvoidmeasurement reliability in reduced gravity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing with optical sensing. The system uses optical sensors to detect fluid characteristics through light interaction, eliminating the need for mechanical contact between the sensor and fluid. This allows accurate measurement regardless of fluid morphology or contact with container walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the sensor and the fluid. By using optical sensors that detect light reflected or transmitted through the fluid, the system can measure fluid volume and characteristics without direct mechanical contact, enabling reliable operation in reduced gravity environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex modifications are made to existing volume gauging systems to handle extreme fluid morphologies, then measurement capability is improved, but weight increases, power requirements increase, and mechanical stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to extreme fluid morphologiesVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with a simpler optical sensing system. The optical sensors can detect fluid characteristics through non-contact means, eliminating the need for complex mechanical modifications while reducing overall system complexity, weight, and power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensing system is designed to be universal and adaptable to various fluid morphologies and environmental conditions without requiring complex modifications. The same basic optical sensor configuration can measure different fluid types and states, providing multi-functionality and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 continuous and dynamic monitoring of fluid volume in various conditions, including reduced gravity and unstable environments, without the need for complex modifications to the container, providing accurate volume measurements regardless of fluid distribution and contact with container walls.

Implementation Method 1

one or more illumination sources to illuminate an interior portion of a container with illumination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

one or more imaging systems, each of the one or more imaging systems including a multi-pixel sensor and an optical relay, where the multi-pixel sensor is configured to generate one or more images of the fluid in response to the illumination via the optical relay

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical relay: Lens

Implementation Method 3

the multi-pixel sensor is configured to generate one or more images of the fluid in response to the illumination via the optical relay

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12518414B2Systems and methods for image-based characterization of fluid in an enclosed container

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC

AI summary

An image-based fluid characterization system may include a container configured to fully enclose a fluid, one or more illumination sources configured illuminate an interior portion of the container with illumination and one or more imaging systems. Each of the one or more imaging systems may include a multi-pixel sensor and an optical relay, where the multi-pixel sensor generates one or more images of the fluid in response to the illumination via the optical relay. The system may further include a controller to generate one or more measurements of the fluid based on the one or more images.