On-Vehicle Water in Fuel Sensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contaminated fuel, particularly water, leads to vehicle downtime and costly repairs by causing corrosion, affecting combustion, and damaging system components.
Innovation Solution
A water in fuel sensing system mounted on-vehicle, comprising a light source, a light detector, and a sensor controller that evaluates signals to identify water droplets, estimate their amount, and send information to a vehicular data network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water in fuel is not detected, then vehicle operation continues normally, but corrosion and component damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor detects water droplets in fuel before they cause corrosion or component damage. By performing preliminary detection and providing advance warning, the system allows operators to take corrective action (drain water, change filters) before harmful effects occur, thus protecting the fuel system while maintaining normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical water detection methods (such as manual sampling or mechanical separators) with an optical detection system. The optical sensor uses light scattering properties to detect water droplets, providing automated, continuous monitoring without mechanical contact, thereby improving reliability and eliminating the need for manual intervention
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then water detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function needed for water detection - using a simple optical sensor to detect light scattering from water droplets. By focusing on this single extraction function rather than implementing a complex multi-parameter monitoring system, the patent achieves accurate water detection while minimizing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in optical parameters (light scattering intensity) to detect water droplets. By tracking parameter changes over time rather than requiring absolute precision measurements, the system achieves practical detection accuracy with simpler instrumentation and processing requirements
3Loss of time
If early detection is implemented, then maintenance timing is optimized, but additional monitoring equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system provides self-service monitoring by automatically detecting water contamination and providing feedback to the operator. This automated detection eliminates the need for manual fuel inspection, enabling timely maintenance decisions without requiring complex manual monitoring procedures or additional labor-intensive equipment
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
The system effectively detects and estimates water contamination in fuel, preventing damage to vehicle components, reducing downtime, and enabling timely maintenance or refueling decisions.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, a light detector, and a sensor controller, wherein the sensor controller is in signal communication with the light detector and the sensor controller is configured to evaluate signals received from the light detector, identify water droplets based on the signals received from the light detector
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to water in fuel sensing systems that can be mounted on-vehicle. In an embodiment, a water in fuel sensing system is included having a light source, a light detector, and a sensor controller, wherein the sensor controller is in signal communication with the light detector and the sensor controller is configured to evaluate signals received from the light detector, identify water droplets based on the signals received from the light detector, record information regarding the classified water droplets, and generate an estimate of an amount of water in a fuel. Other embodiments are also included herein.