Optical Differential Pressure Sensor for Fuel Gauging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel system technologies face challenges in accurately gauging fuel stored in chambers, particularly in reducing electrical connections and arcing risks near the chamber, and maintaining accuracy in cryogenic environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical differential pressure sensor fluidically connected to the chamber, which outputs a signal indicative of pressure differences to processors, reducing electrical connections and susceptibility to magnetic fields, and allowing for accurate fuel gauging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical differential pressure sensor is used instead of a capacitive differential pressure sensor, then the likelihood of electrical arcing near the chamber is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensing mechanisms (capacitive differential pressure sensor) with an optical sensing mechanism (optical differential pressure sensor). The optical sensor uses light to detect diaphragm deflection caused by pressure differences, eliminating the need for electrical connections near the chamber and thereby reducing the risk of electrical arcing while maintaining measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical fiber as an intermediary element that transmits light from the optical interrogator to the diaphragm and carries the reflected light back. This optical intermediary allows the sensing function to be performed near the chamber without requiring electrical connections in that vicinity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
2Measurement precision
If an optical differential pressure sensor is used, then measurement accuracy and consistency are improved due to reduced susceptibility to magnetic fields, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical measurement systems that are susceptible to magnetic field interference with an optical measurement system. The optical differential pressure sensor uses light reflection and optical path length changes to measure diaphragm deflection, which is inherently immune to magnetic field effects, thereby improving measurement accuracy and consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical capacitance (which is affected by magnetic fields) to optical path length (which is not affected by magnetic fields). By measuring the change in optical path length caused by diaphragm deflection, the system achieves magnetic field immunity while maintaining measurement precision
3Reliability
If current carrying electronics are positioned away from the chamber, then the likelihood of electrical arcing is reduced, but the number of wiring connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical wiring connections with an optical fiber connection. The optical fiber transmits light signals between the optical interrogator and the sensing diaphragm without requiring electrical conductivity, allowing the electronics to be positioned remotely while eliminating the need for complex electrical wiring near the chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber serves as an intermediary that carries optical signals instead of electrical signals. This allows the optical interrogator to be positioned away from the chamber while maintaining communication with the sensing element, reducing electrical arcing risk without increasing wiring complexity
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 solution enhances the accuracy and consistency of fuel gauging, reduces the risk of electrical arcing, and maintains measurement precision in cryogenic conditions, thereby improving the reliability of fuel management systems.
Implementation Method 1
The optical differential pressure sensor may be configured to determine a pressure difference by measuring an optical path difference to determine deflection of the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel system includes a chamber for storing a fuel, an optical differential pressure sensor, and one or more processors in communication with the optical differential pressure sensor. The optical differential pressure sensor is fluidically connected to the chamber and is configured to, when the fuel is stored in the chamber, output a signal indicative of a pressure difference in the optical differential pressure sensor to the one or more processors.