Interleaved Fluid Level Sensor with Isolated Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid level sensors in vehicles, particularly aircraft, require redundancy to avoid single-point failures, leading to increased weight and complexity due to the need for two separate sensors, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A fluid level sensor system with multiple isolated sensing-element-and-electrical-circuit arrangements, where sensing elements are interleaved and coupled to separate electric circuits, allowing for redundant measurements without duplicating all sensor elements, thereby reducing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate and distinct fluid level sensors are provided for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing elements and their associated electrical circuits into a single integrated sensor assembly. The first and second sensing elements are positioned to detect fluid level at different heights, and their electrical circuits are integrated within the same sensor housing, allowing redundant measurement capabilities without requiring completely separate sensor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly performs multiple functions: it provides primary fluid level detection, redundant backup detection, and differential measurement capabilities all within a single device. The interconnected electrical circuits can operate independently or in combination, enabling the system to serve as both a primary sensor and a backup sensor simultaneously.
2Reliability
If two separate and distinct fluid level sensors are provided for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing elements and electrical circuits are merged into a single sensor assembly, eliminating the need for separate sensor housings, mounting structures, and associated components that would be required if two independent sensors were used. This integration dramatically reduces the overall weight while maintaining redundant measurement capabilities.
3Reliability
If sensing elements are interleaved with separate electrical circuits, then redundancy is achieved without duplicating all sensor components, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is segmented into distinct sensing elements (first sensing element, second sensing element) with their own dedicated electrical circuits. Each sensing element can be independently positioned and calibrated, allowing for modular redundancy where failure of one sensing element does not affect the others, while the segmented architecture simplifies the overall integration compared to a monolithic design.
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 design provides reliable redundant fluid level measurements without the need for duplicate sensor components, enhancing system reliability while minimizing weight and complexity, thus addressing the inefficiencies of traditional redundant systems.
Implementation Method 1
a floater movable along a floater path in response to changes in a fluid level
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for measuring a level of a fluid. A first output is obtained from first sensing elements at a first electrical circuit, the first sensing elements configured to produce the first output based on a position of a floater movable along a floater path. The position of the floater is determined at the first electrical circuit based on the first output. A second output is obtained from second sensing elements at a second electrical circuit, the second electrical circuit being isolated from the first electrical circuit, at least one of the first sensing elements being interleaved with at least one of the second sensing elements, the second sensing elements configured to produce the second output based on the position of the floater. The position of the floater is determined at the second electrical circuit based on the second output.