Serial Fluid Measurement Interface for Aircraft Fuel Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft fuel measurement systems require numerous cables for connecting fuel dielectric and density detectors to a processing system, leading to increased weight, cost, and maintenance complexity due to electromagnetic interference and the need for redundant sensing devices.
Innovation Solution
A fluid measurement system that uses a signal processor to generate a serial word representing fluid characteristics, transmitted via a two-conductor wire pair or wirelessly, with an intrinsically safe power source and current limiter, and a velocity of sound signal conditioner for decoding, reducing the need for multiple cables and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If numerous cables are used to connect each fuel dielectric and density detector to the processing system, then accurate fuel level measurements are achieved, but the weight of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate detector connections into a single integrated interface. The fuel dielectric detector and density detector are merged into one communication channel that transmits multiple parameters (fuel level, dielectric value, density) sequentially, eliminating the need for separate shielded cables for each detector and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed to handle multiple functions through a single cable connection. The same communication interface transmits fuel level data, dielectric value data, and density data, making the cable system multi-functional rather than requiring dedicated cables for each measurement parameter.
2Reliability
If multiple pairs of fuel dielectric and density detectors are installed for redundancy, then reliable fuel mass calculation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detectors are connected through a single integrated interface that consolidates their output signals. Instead of having separate processing paths for each detector pair, the interface merges all detector inputs into one unified data stream that feeds into the fuel mass calculation algorithm, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface serves multiple detectors simultaneously through a universal communication protocol. The same interface circuitry and communication channel handle data from multiple fuel dielectric detectors and density detectors, reducing the complexity of separate processing paths while maintaining redundant measurement capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If shielded cables are used to reduce electromagnetic interference, then signal accuracy is improved, but the cost of construction and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical shielding mechanism with an electronic solution. Instead of relying on expensive shielded cables to protect against electromagnetic interference, the system uses digital signal processing and error correction algorithms to detect and correct interference, eliminating the need for costly shielded cable infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the signal transmission parameters to be more resistant to electromagnetic interference. By using digital communication protocols with error detection and correction capabilities, the system maintains signal accuracy without requiring physical shielding, thereby reducing construction and maintenance costs.
4Measurement precision
If numerous cables are routed through fuel tanks, then accurate measurements are obtained, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cable routing paths into a single cable entry point. All detector signals are consolidated into one communication channel that passes through the fuel tank, eliminating the need to route multiple separate cables through the tank structure and significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is segmented into functional modules that can be configured and tested independently before final installation. This modular approach allows for pre-configuration of communication protocols and signal processing parameters, reducing on-site installation time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
A fluid measurement system includes a signal processor and a processing system. The signal processor is configured and adapted to produce a serial word that is indicative of a fluid characteristic that is configured to be communicated externally of the signal processor. The processing system is operatively connected to the signal processor to read the serial word and decode the serial word. A method for transmitting a fluid characteristic between a sensor system and a processing system includes producing a serial word that is indicative of a fluid characteristic value with a signal processor. The method includes transmitting the serial word externally of the signal processor. The method includes reading and decoding the serial word with a processing system to determine the fluid characteristic value.