UV Fluorescence Fuel Sulfur Sensor with Additive Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective facilities for detecting high sulfur content in fuels for internal combustion engines, particularly in vehicles like highway trucks, which can lead to undue wear and failure of emission systems due to inadequate regulation compliance.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system utilizing an ultraviolet light source and photo-sensitive detector to measure fluorescent light emitted by sulfur in fuels, with a filtering mechanism to differentiate sulfur signals from additive effects, connected to an Electronic Control Module for output and event logging or alarming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no sulfur detection facility is installed, then the system remains simple and cost-effective, but high sulfur content in fuel cannot be detected leading to undue wear and failure of emission systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical analysis methods with an optical detection system that uses ultraviolet light excitation and fluorescent signal detection to measure sulfur content. This substitution of mechanical/chemical analysis with optical methods provides reliable sulfur detection while maintaining system simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (fluorescent indicator or optical sensor) that interacts with sulfur in the fuel to produce a detectable signal. This intermediary mechanism enables indirect but reliable sulfur detection without requiring direct complex analysis of the fuel composition.
2Reliability
If sulfur content is not monitored, then fuel system operation is simple, but engine components suffer from inadequate protection against sulfur damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-monitoring fuel system that automatically detects sulfur content and provides alerts or logs without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring fuel quality and protecting engine components through automated detection and notification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where sulfur content is continuously measured, compared against threshold values, and communicated back to the operator or control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time protection of engine components while maintaining ease of operation through automated monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If additive effects in fuel are not filtered out, then the detection system remains simple, but measurement precision is reduced due to false signals from additives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by using wavelength-specific optical filters or detectors that are tuned to detect only the specific fluorescent wavelength emitted by sulfur, while rejecting other wavelengths generated by fuel additives. This localized detection approach ensures measurement precision without requiring complex multi-stage filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the optical domain, specifically changing the wavelength parameter of the detected light signal to distinguish sulfur fluorescence from additive interference. By monitoring at specific wavelength parameters, the system achieves precise sulfur measurement while keeping the filtering mechanism relatively simple.
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
Accurately detects sulfur content in fuels, providing alerts or logs to prevent engine component deterioration, ensuring compliance with low-sulfur fuel standards and reducing maintenance costs through precise monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source fluoresces in the presence of sulfur
Data Source
AI summary
An ultraviolet sensor arrangement detects the amount of sulfur in a fuel of an internal combustion engine by emitting an ultraviolet light field in the presence of the fuel. A detector is disposed to detect a responsive amount of fluorescent light and provide a sensing signal indicative of the amount of sulfur in the fuel. A filter (or filters) receives the sensing signal and provides a filtered sensing signal to a sensing circuit.