Toroid Tank Fluid Level Sensor Mechanical Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a fluid level sensor that can measure the level of fluid in a toroid-shaped tank without requiring complex and costly electronics to be mounted on or within the tank, particularly in gas turbine engine applications where space and weight are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A fluid level sensor comprising a float ring, a float structure, a gauge shaft, and a tiller arm, where the float ring rotates within the tank based on fluid level, transmitting a rotational drive force through the tiller arm to the gauge shaft, which indicates the fluid level externally without needing internal electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex electronics are mounted on or within the toroid-shaped tank to measure fluid level, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic components from the tank structure and relocates them to the engine inlet structure. The float ring and tiller arm remain mechanically coupled to the tank for level sensing, while the gauge shaft and electronics are positioned externally in the inlet structure, eliminating the need to mount complex electronics on or within the tank itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of the float ring, tiller arm, and gauge shaft that translates fluid level changes into rotational motion. This mechanical linkage serves as an intermediary between the fluid level (object to be measured) and the external gauge indicator, eliminating the need for direct electronic mounting on the tank.
2Measurement precision
If complex electronics are mounted on or within the toroid-shaped tank to measure fluid level, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic components from the tank assembly and relocates them to the engine inlet structure. Only the lightweight mechanical elements (float ring, tiller arm) remain attached to the tank, while the heavier electronic components and gauge shaft are positioned externally, thereby reducing the weight of the tank assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If the tank is mounted within the inlet structure to save space and weight, then volume efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the float ring serve multiple functions: it acts as both the buoyant element that responds to fluid level changes and as the rotational indicator that directly drives the gauge shaft through the tiller arm. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device despite the compact mounting arrangement.
4Volume of moving object
If a toroid-shaped tank is used within the inlet structure, then volume efficiency is improved, but measurement precision worsens due to shape complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the float ring at a specific location on the toroid-shaped tank where it can effectively sense fluid level changes. The float ring is mounted to rotate about an axis that is optimally positioned to reflect the fluid level regardless of the tank's complex toroidal geometry, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite the unusual tank shape.
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 accurate fluid level measurement in toroid-shaped tanks without the need for complex electronics, allowing for mechanical transmission of the lubricant level outside the engine through the inlet flow path, thus addressing the challenge of space and weight constraints in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
The float structure is coupled to the float ring and is configured to exhibit buoyancy in the fluid disposed within the toroid-shaped tank. The float structure supplies a force to the float ring based on the level of the fluid within the toroid-shaped tank, thereby causing the float ring to rotate.
Implementation Method 2
The tiller arm is configured to supply the rotational drive force to the gauge shaft when the float ring rotates.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid level sensor for sensing a level of a fluid within a toroid-shaped tank includes a float ring, a float structure, a gauge shaft, and a tiller arm. The float ring rotate s within the toroid-shaped tank about a first rotational axis. The float structure exhibits buoyancy in the fluid disposed within the toroid-shaped tank and supplies a force to the float ring based on the level of the fluid within the toroid-shaped tank. The gauge shaft is mounted for rotation about a second rotational axis and rotates about the second rotational axis to a position representative of the level of the fluid within the toroid-shaped tank. The tiller arm supplies the rotational drive force to the gauge shaft when the float ring rotates.