Electronic Liquid Level Gauge With Temperature-Compensated Remote Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel gauges for pressurized liquids in delivery vehicles suffer from parallax errors due to the gauge's rearward mounting, making it difficult to accurately read the liquid level, especially when the vehicle is not on a level surface, and require manual calculations considering specific gravity and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic gauge assembly with a liquid level sensor and temperature sensor, connected to a processor that calculates and displays a temperature-compensated liquid level condition, allowing for accurate readings without the need for real-time manual calculations and reducing parallax errors, and enabling wireless communication for remote display on a smart device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the gauge head is mounted at the rear center of the tank to minimize reading errors, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the gauge is above the operator's field of view and requires exiting the cab to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical analog gauge with an electronic display system. The electronic display can be positioned at the rear center of the tank for accurate measurement while simultaneously providing a remote display in the operator's cab, eliminating the need for the operator to exit the vehicle. This substitution of mechanical reading mechanisms with electronic display and communication systems resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic display system that acts as a mediator between the liquid level sensor at the rear of the tank and the operator in the cab. The electronic display unit processes and transmits the liquid level information to both the rear gauge location and the operator's cab, allowing accurate measurement to be maintained while improving operator accessibility and convenience.
2Measurement precision
If manual calculations are performed to compensate for specific gravity and temperature variations, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of manual calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual calculation processes with an electronic processing system. The processor automatically receives temperature sensor data and liquid level sensor data, applies the appropriate compensation calculations using stored specific gravity values and temperature coefficients, and displays the corrected liquid level information. This automation eliminates the time-consuming manual calculation process while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically compensating for temperature and specific gravity variations without requiring operator intervention. The processor continuously monitors temperature sensor input and automatically adjusts the liquid level reading based on the liquid type and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for operators to perform manual calculations and reducing time loss.
3Measurement precision
If the gauge is mounted above eye level to minimize parallax errors, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as the gauge becomes difficult to read accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional analog gauge mechanism with an electronic display system that can provide multiple viewing locations. The electronic display at the rear center provides accurate measurement with minimal parallax error, while a second display in the operator's cab provides easy readability at eye level. This substitution eliminates the need to choose between precision and readability at a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the display system by providing displays at multiple locations - both at the rear center of the tank and in the operator's cab. This multi-location display approach allows the system to maintain measurement precision at the optimal gauge location while simultaneously providing ease of operation at the operator's working position, effectively resolving the contradiction through dimensional expansion.
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
The electronic gauge assembly provides accurate, temperature-compensated liquid level readings, reducing operator effort and eliminating parallax errors, while allowing for convenient monitoring of tank contents from a safe distance, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The first electronic sensor is couplable to the liquid level sensor probe such that a change in the liquid level sensor probe due to a change in liquid level causes a change in electronic state of the first electronic sensor
Implementation Method 2
A second electronic sensor for detecting a temperature of the liquid within the tank
Implementation Method 3
The processor includes means for calculating a second temperature-compensated liquid level condition based on the first liquid level condition and the temperature of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic liquid level gauge assembly includes an electronic display located in a housing connected to a tank. The display has first and second display portions for indicating liquid level condition. A first electronic sensor senses a change in magnetic field of a magnet associated with a liquid level transducer, with magnet rotation being proportional liquid level change. A processor determines a temperature-compensated liquid level condition by correlating the liquid level signal with temperature measurement of the liquid. A temperature-compensated vapor space can also be calculated based on tank information and properties of the liquid. Signals related to the temperature-compensated liquid level and vapor space are sent to the display and wirelessly transmitted to a smart phone or the like for remotely viewing the tank information. The smart phone also includes a special app for sending information, firmware updates, and display configuration data to the electronic gauge assembly.