Electro-Optic Prism Sensor for Air Water Fuel Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optic liquid sensors struggle to accurately differentiate between different mediums, such as air, water, and fuel, within a fuel tank, leading to inefficiencies in monitoring fuel levels and water accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A system of optical sensors with prisms configured to reflect distinct non-zero portions of light based on immersion medium, utilizing prisms with a coefficient of refraction between 1.5 and 1.6, and a controller to analyze reflected signal power levels to identify the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single optical sensor with prism is used to detect liquid presence, then the sensor structure remains simple, but the sensor cannot differentiate between multiple mediums (air, water, fuel)
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank monitoring space is segmented into multiple vertical zones, with each zone containing a dedicated optical sensor. Each sensor independently monitors its specific zone and uses the same prism-based optical detection principle to identify mediums, enabling multi-medium differentiation without requiring a single complex sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
Each optical sensor is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can detect multiple mediums (air, water, fuel) using the same prism and optical detection mechanism. The sensor's versatility comes from its ability to differentiate mediums through reflected signal analysis rather than requiring multiple specialized sensors
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed at different levels to monitor fuel and water, then monitoring precision improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent sensor units, each positioned at different vertical levels within the fuel tank. Each sensor independently performs medium differentiation using the same optical principle, allowing precise spatial monitoring of fuel and water distribution without requiring a complex centralized system
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in optical signal parameters (reflected signal characteristics) to identify different mediums. By analyzing how the prism reflects light at different interfaces (air-prism, water-prism, fuel-prism), the sensors can precisely detect medium type and liquid level without complex processing
3Loss of information
If existing optical sensors are used that only detect liquid presence, then the sensor design remains simple, but the sensor cannot identify specific liquid types or water accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects medium differences through optical signal characteristics similar to color detection. The prism reflects different portions of light signals when immersed in different mediums (air, water, fuel), creating distinguishable reflected signal patterns that enable the sensor to identify specific liquid types and water accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical or electrical sensing mechanisms with a pure optical detection approach. By using the prism's optical reflection properties and analyzing reflected light signals, the system achieves medium identification without requiring complex mechanical structures or additional sensors
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
Enables precise monitoring of fuel levels and water accumulation in a fuel tank, optimizing refueling and draining schedules, and simplifying maintenance with cost-effective, common sensor design.
Implementation Method 1
The respective prism of each of the first, second, and third sensors is configured to: reflect a first non-zero portion of a signal from the input path towards the output path when the respective prism is immersed in air or inert gas
Implementation Method 2
The prism has a coefficient of refraction of between 1.5 and 1.6
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes one or more sensors managed by a controller. Each sensor within the sensor system includes a signal emitter configured to send a signal through a prism to an interface surface and a signal detector configured to receive a signal reflected through the prism from the interface surface. The controller analyzes the power level of the reflected signal to determine the medium (e.g., air, water, or fuel) that surrounds the interface surface. In certain examples, the presence of each of air, water, and fuel will result in a unique, respective power level of the reflected signal.