Optical Fuel Tank Imaging System for Volume Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank monitoring systems face challenges in accurately determining fuel volume and mass due to limitations in energy usage and high installation and maintenance costs, particularly in complex environments like aircraft fuel tanks where factors like tilt and wing bending affect fuel orientation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an imaging-based system using multiple imagers to capture and process images of the fuel tank, allowing for the determination of fuel properties such as volume, mass, tilt, and wing bending without the need for capacitive probes, thereby reducing electromagnetic fields and installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive probes are used to determine fuel volume, then measurement capability is provided, but electromagnetic fields are generated and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic capacitive probes with an optical imaging system using cameras and image processing algorithms. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic field generation and associated energy consumption while maintaining measurement capability through optical detection of fuel level and tank geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of the fuel tank interior to measure fuel volume indirectly. By capturing images of the tank geometry and fuel interface, the system processes these visual copies to determine volume without physical contact with the fuel, avoiding electromagnetic interference
2Measurement precision
If multiple capacitive and other probes are installed for accurate fuel determination, then measurement accuracy improves, but installation and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging system performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously - determining fuel volume, detecting fuel interface position, and characterizing tank geometry - all through a single integrated camera system. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized probes (capacitive, densitometers, temperature probes), reducing installation complexity and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple measurement capabilities into a single optical imaging platform. By combining volume measurement, level detection, and geometric analysis functions into one system, the patent eliminates the need for separate probe installations and reduces overall system maintenance burden
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft is tilted or the wing bends, then the fuel orientation changes, but accurate fuel volume determination becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to changing fuel orientations by using image processing algorithms that can detect and compensate for tank tilting and wing bending. The algorithms process images to determine the actual fuel interface position relative to the tank geometry, adjusting calculations based on observed orientation changes rather than relying on fixed assumptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image data to provide feedback on actual fuel position and tank orientation, then adjusts volume calculations accordingly. By continuously analyzing the visual field and comparing it with the known tank geometry model, the system compensates for orientation changes and maintains measurement accuracy in dynamic flight conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
A method can include illuminating an interior of a fuel tank (12) with one or more light pulses, and receiving reflected returns of the one or more light pulses at a light sensor array. The method can further include producing, by a processing device, three-dimensional image data of the interior of the fuel tank based on the received reflected returns (124), producing, by the processing device, a fuel measurement value representing an amount of fuel contained in the fuel tank based on the three-dimensional image data (126), and outputting, by the processing device, an indication of the fuel measurement value (128).