Microcontroller Fuel Pump Controller for Model Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for filling or extracting fuel from remote-controlled model vehicles are inefficient, leading to fuel spillage, manual monitoring requirements, and lack of precision in determining the amount of fuel left in the tank, posing risks of fuel wastage and potential damage to the vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller-based apparatus that controls a brushed electric motor-driven fuel pump, allowing for automatic and precise filling or extraction of fuel, with features like calibration storage, user-friendly interface, and audible feedback, enabling precise fuel management without manual monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual hand operated pump is used to fill the tank, then the user can control the fuel transfer, but the user must manually monitor and count revolutions to estimate fuel amount, leading to imprecise measurement and potential overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pump system with an automated electric pump system. The electric pump is controlled by a microcontroller that automatically manages fuel transfer from the fuel source to the tank, eliminating the need for manual operation while providing precise control through electronic means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using a fuel level sensor that continuously monitors the fuel level in the tank. The sensor provides real-time feedback to the microcontroller, which automatically adjusts or stops the pump operation when the predetermined fuel level is reached, ensuring precise measurement and preventing overflow.
2Extent of automation
If an electrically driven pump with Forward/Stop/Reverse switch is used, then automated fuel transfer is achieved, but the user must still monitor the operation by listening to pump sound or observing overflow, resulting in fuel spillage and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fuel level sensor that provides continuous feedback to the microcontroller during fuel transfer operations. When the sensor detects that the fuel level has reached the predetermined level, it automatically signals the microcontroller to stop the pump, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and preventing fuel overflow and spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own operation through the fuel level sensor and autonomously controlling the pump shutdown. This eliminates the need for external human intervention and prevents fuel waste through automated precision control.
3Productivity
If conventional fuel pump systems are used, then fuel transfer can be performed, but no information is provided to the user about the amount of fuel left in the tank, creating safety risks when the model runs out of fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a fuel level sensor that continuously provides feedback information about the fuel level in the tank to the microcontroller. This information can be displayed to the user through LEDs or other indicators, ensuring that the user always knows the fuel status and can take appropriate action before the model runs out of fuel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information system (display indicators) that translates the raw sensor data about fuel levels into user-comprehensible information. This intermediary layer bridges the gap between the physical fuel level and the user's knowledge, preventing information loss.
4Ease of operation
If manual monitoring of fuel filling is required, then the user can control the process, but the user must be close to the model and stoop or bend for the duration of filling, causing physical discomfort and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring the fuel level and controlling the pump operation without requiring human presence or intervention during the fuel transfer process. The microcontroller and sensor work together to manage the entire operation autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual monitoring and control system with an automated electronic control system. The microcontroller and sensor substitute for human senses and manual operations, eliminating the need for the user to physically monitor the process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is described for controlling an electrically driven fuel pump used in the filling of a hobbyist model craft's fuel tank, (airplane, car, boat etc). The system includes a microcontroller to control the direction and run time of a brushed electric motor-driven fuel pump. A calibration feature allows operating parameters for different sized pumps and tanks to be measured and recorded in memory, then later recalled and used in the filling of pre-selected models' tank to a predetermined level simply by pressing a button to initiate the operation.