Optical Fuel Level Sensing System for Aerospace Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining fuel levels in aerospace vehicles are inadequate, as they fail to detect malfunctions like fuel leaks and are often bulky, heavy, and pose a risk of explosion due to electrical components being in contact with fuel.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sensing system that uses a receptacle with a passageway for containing fluid, equipped with radiation sources and sensors to emit and receive electromagnetic radiation, focusing it to determine fluid levels and characteristics, thereby providing accurate and safe fuel level monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are installed in fuel tanks to measure column pressure, then fuel level measurement capability is improved, but system weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors with an optical sensing system that uses a light source and photodetector to measure fuel level. The optical system detects changes in light transmission or reflection as the fuel level changes, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical pressure sensing components while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light beam) to indirectly measure fuel level. Instead of directly measuring pressure with heavy sensors, the system uses light transmission through or reflection from the fuel column as an intermediary indicator of fuel level, which is then correlated to pressure-based measurements.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors with electrical components are installed in fuel tanks, then fuel level measurement capability is improved, but explosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical pressure sensors with an optical sensing system that uses light sources and photodetectors. This eliminates electrical components that could spark or overheat in the presence of fuel vapors, removing the source of potential ignition while maintaining the ability to measure fuel level through optical properties of the fuel column.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensing system creates an inherently safe measurement environment by using non-sparking light-based detection instead of electrical components. The system operates in a manner that is intrinsically safe for flammable atmospheres, as optical energy cannot ignite fuel vapors under normal operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If fuel flow indicators are used to monitor fuel consumption, then fuel level estimation is improved, but detection of fuel leaks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensing system performs preliminary direct measurement of fuel level at the source (in the tank) rather than relying on downstream flow measurements. By continuously monitoring the actual fuel level position, the system can detect unexpected level changes that indicate leaks, while still providing accurate fuel level estimation for consumption tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by continuously monitoring fuel level and comparing it against expected consumption rates. When the actual level deviates from the predicted level based on flow indicators, the system can alert operators to potential leaks, combining the benefits of both flow-based estimation and direct level monitoring.
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 effectively detects fluid levels and characteristics, reducing the risk of fuel leaks and explosions, while being smaller and lighter than existing systems, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation source positioned to emit electromagnetic radiation through the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
The receptacle can be configured so that electromagnetic radiation that passes through portions of the receptacle containing fluid is focused to impinge on the radiation sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid sensing systems and methods, including sensors used to sense various fluid levels in vehicles, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a method for sensing a fluid that includes passing electromagnetic radiation through a receptacle positioned to hold a fluid. The receptacle can be configured so that electromagnetic radiation that passes through portions of the receptacle containing fluid is focused. The method can further include determining (a) whether fluid is located in a selected portion of the receptacle based on an amount of electromagnetic radiation that impinges on at least one radiation sensor, (b) a characteristic of fluid located in the passageway of the selected portion based on a pattern of the electromagnetic radiation that is created on the at least one radiation sensor, or (c) both (a) and (b).