Turbine Engine Oil Tank Level Sensing Through Wall Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level measurement systems in turbomachine tanks, such as those in aircraft turbojet engines, face challenges in accuracy and reliability, requiring improvements for simplicity, resistance, lightweight design, economic production, maintenance, and inspection convenience.
Innovation Solution
A liquid tank with a submersible portion and a clearance system that includes a detector capable of emitting and modifying signals in the presence of liquid, utilizing acoustic or capacitive methods to enhance measurement accuracy and reliability, with features like bumps and recesses on the submersible portion and an air-gap clearance for improved signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electrical devices are used for automatic reading of oil level, then measurement automation is achieved, but measurement accuracy remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical capacitive sensing with an optical measurement system. A light source emits light through the tank wall, and a detector measures light transmission or reflection properties. When oil contacts the submersible portion, it changes the optical characteristics (refraction, absorption, or reflection), enabling accurate level detection while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) that interacts with the oil-submersible portion interface. The light serves as a mediator between the detector and the oil level, allowing indirect but precise measurement of the liquid level through optical property changes at the contact interface.
2Measurement precision
If a submersible portion with clearance is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into distinct functional components: the submersible portion (separated from the wall by clearance), the light source, and the detector. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall assembly and maintenance of the complex structure.
3Reliability
If acoustic or capacitive detection methods are used, then reliability is enhanced, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system operates with rapid periodic measurement cycles. The light source emits light in periodic pulses, and the detector captures reflections or transmissions at each cycle. This periodic operation enables continuous monitoring with high reliability while maintaining fast response times, avoiding the delays associated with slower acoustic or capacitive methods.
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 system provides enhanced reliability and accuracy in liquid level detection, reduces measurement time, and simplifies signal processing, minimizing false detection errors, while allowing for finer measurements and quick response to changes in acceleration.
Implementation Method 1
The detector of liquid includes an acoustic source and a microphone. The signal is a sound signal emitted by the acoustic source through the external wall towards the submersible portion, and the microphone is able to perceive through the external wall the sound signal after reflection against the submersible portion.
Implementation Method 2
The detector of liquid comprises a source of electrical voltage capable of applying a difference in electrical potential between the external wall and the submersible portion, the signal being said difference in electrical potential. The detector of liquid is of the capacitive type, and configured to measure the electrical capacity of the clearance.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tank (32) for liquid, in particular of a turbine engine such as an aircraft turbojet engine, the tank comprising an external wall (36) with an inner surface (48); an inner chamber intended for containing the liquid of the tank (32) and defined by the inner surface of the external wall; and a system (42) for measuring the level of liquid. The system comprises: a submersible portion matching the inner surface of the wall (36); a clearance (52) separating the submersible portion from the inner surface; and a liquid detector (54) configured to emit a signal towards the submersible portion through the clearance, said signal being configured to be modified in the event that liquid is present in the clearance (52). The invention likewise relates to a method for measuring a level of liquid, and an associated computer program.