Wireless Fuel Sensor Electrical Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel sensor systems are inadequate for flammable environments and do not provide sufficient electrical isolation, leading to potential faults and maintenance challenges, especially in applications requiring accurate fuel level and quantity measurements.
Innovation Solution
A wireless RF-based sensor system with an optical cable and antenna configuration that transmits data and power wirelessly, eliminating the need for traditional wire harnesses and allowing sensors to operate within a liquid storage vessel while maintaining electrical isolation and facilitating remote processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wire harnesses are used to connect sensors to processing units, then electrical power and data can be transmitted, but electrical isolation is insufficient leading to potential faults in flammable environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wire harnesses with a wireless RF communication system. The sensor system uses an antenna to transmit data and receive power wirelessly via RF signals, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections between the sensor inside the liquid storage vessel and the remote processing unit outside, thereby providing inherent electrical isolation in flammable environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical cable as an intermediary medium to transmit power and data signals between the electronics unit and sensor while maintaining electrical isolation. The optical cable uses light transmission instead of electrical conductors, providing galvanic isolation between the sensor environment and the electronics unit
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed inside the liquid storage vessel for direct measurement, then accurate fuel level and quantity data can be obtained, but installation and maintenance become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into separate functional modules: a sensor module that can be installed inside the liquid storage vessel for measurement, an electronics unit module that processes signals, and a remote processing unit module that provides user interface and control. These modular segments can be installed and maintained independently, simplifying the overall system deployment and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical cable as an intermediary connection that passes through the vessel wall or is routed externally, allowing the sensor to be positioned inside the liquid storage vessel for accurate measurements while enabling easy access for installation and maintenance without requiring complex wiring operations inside the vessel
3Ease of operation
If wireless RF communication is used for data transmission, then electrical isolation is improved and installation is simplified, but power transmission requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the antenna component: it serves as both a data transmission antenna for RF communication and as a power receiving element for wireless power transfer. The antenna receives RF signals containing both data and power, eliminating the need for separate power and data connections and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical cable as an intermediary for power transmission from the electronics unit to the sensor, providing galvanic isolation while enabling efficient power delivery. The optical cable converts electrical signals to optical signals for transmission and back to electrical signals at the sensor end, maintaining electrical isolation while satisfying power requirements
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 solution provides improved electrical isolation, reduced power requirements, and easier installation, enabling accurate fuel level and quantity measurements in flammable environments while minimizing the risk of electrical faults and maintenance complexities.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna is wirelessly connected to a remote processing unit outside of the liquid storage vessel to transmit data thereto and to receive power there from via RF signals outside of the liquid storage vessel
Implementation Method 2
An optical cable within the interior of the liquid storage vessel connects the electronics unit to the sensor to transmit power to the sensor and data from the sensor to the electronics unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor system (100) includes a sensor (102) operatively connected to a liquid storage vessel (104). An electronics unit (106) is operatively connected to the sensor (102). The electronics unit (106) includes a power source for providing electrical excitation to the sensor (102). An antenna (110) is operatively connected to the electronics unit (106) to receive data there from and to provide power to the power source. The antenna (110) is wirelessly connected to a remote processing unit to transmit data thereto and to receive power there from.