Browse Topic: Fuel sensors

Items (56)

7.0.107 - Design and Development of Capacitance Type Level Sensor for Automotive Vehicle Application

SAE-PP-002832/4/2021

Fuel level sensor is a device to indicate the level of the fuel in fuel tank fitted in an automobile. This will have features to communicate the fuel level to the dashboard of the vehicle and is of significant attention to the driver during vehicle usage. The advanced instrumentation provides a lot of information on the dashboard display such as information about fuel level, computing mileage, miles to go or miles to empty, fuel economy, average mileage, etc. Presently, the float arm type with Thick Film Resistor(TFR) and Reed switch type fuel level sensors are being used. To have accurate information for computing, the present sensors are not supporting due to its limitations like nonlinearity, fluctuating output due to slosh, output variations in steps and not continuous. The measurement accuracy of the fuel level sensor needs to be focused to rely on the information available on the dashboard instrument. Hence, it is vital to have a sensor with better reliability, accuracy and adaptability. Capacitance technology based level sensor is identified for development as one of the solutions to meet the demands of the above requirements and this paper portrays the complete perspective and design methodology of capacitance based fuel level sensor. The basics of capacitance measurement, design concepts, design validations, proto-type results are elaborated in this paper.

Lname, Fname

Fuel Level Point Sensing

AIR6325 (Current)

11/30/2020

This report is intended to identify the various existing technologies used for a fuel level sensing system. In addition to sensing technologies, it describes the basic architecture of fuel level sensing systems and their association with fuel gauging system to increase integrity of fuel measurement and management. As the fuel level sensing system is generally based on electrical components within fuel tanks, a specific focus is made on fuel tank explosion safety protection. An overview of the capacitive fuel gauging operation can be found in AIR5691.

AE-5A Aerospace Fuel, Inerting and Lubrication Sys Committee

Fuel Systems and Components - Electrostatic Charge Mitigation

J1645_201909 (Current)9/13/2019

This SAE Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice deals with electrostatic charge phenomena that may occur in automotive fuel systems and applies to the following: Fuels that are in a liquid state at ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressures and are contained in vehicle fuel tanks that operate at or near atmospheric pressure. This includes gasoline and diesel fuels, as well as their blends with additives such as alcohols, esters, and ethers, whether the additives are petroleum based or bio-fuel based. The group of components that comprise the fuel system (in contact and not in contact with fuels). Other components in proximity to the fuel system that may be affected by electrostatic fields caused by the fuel system. Electrostatic phenomena that arise from, or are affected by, the following aspects of vehicle or fuel system operation: ○ Flowing fuel in the fuel delivery system. ○ Flowing fuel being dispensed to the vehicle while it is being fueled.

Fuel Systems Standards Committee

2018 Create the Future Design Contest: Automotive/Transportation Category Winner

TBMG-3331911/1/2018

Use of HIL Simulation Applied to Verification of Automotive Fuel Level Indicator During Refueling Process

2017-36-028611/7/2017

The amount of fuel present in the vehicle fuel tank is an extremely important information for car users. In the majority of modern cars, the fuel level is identified through a resistance value measured by a potentiometer inside the tank. This measurement is converted to a digital information that will be filtered by computational algorithms embedded on the responsible Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and shown to the user by Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Gauge. The reliability of this information is a critical factor due to fuel economy and safety issues. Some agents can affect the fuel level measurement during the refueling process, such as the fuel slosh (fluid disturbance on the tank), that could compromise the reliability of the information provided to the user. Perform this feature test could be very expensive, demanding car prototypes, several engineer work hours and fuel manipulation. This paper proposes the use of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) simulation to perform automated verification for fuel level indication during refueling process. As result, identify opportunities to improve ECU algorithm increasing software reliability.

Lopes, Juliana, Vieira, Rafael, Marques, Cleber, Vasconcelos, Genildo, Ferreira, Fabrício, Silva, Tainã

Materials Selection for Biodiesel Application Wiring Harness Insulation Materials Testing

2017-36-015911/7/2017

The development of fuel systems components are becoming challenging with the increasing use of Biofuels like Biodiesels and Ethanol around the world. Biodiesels are one of the most challenging fuels, once they can have multiple sources, which influences its characteristics, mainly the oxidization stability and peroxide levels. As the fuel characteristics changes along the time, the correct materials selection during the development phase is very important for the fuel system performance during the vehicle lifetime. One of the components most affected by the Biodiesel is the in tank fuel pump system. During the vehicle lifetime, it is exposed to all sorts of fuel and its contaminants and exposed to system stress factors like temperature and voltage variation. The wires insulation in the fuel pump systems are one of the most affected components. Typical materials used on the insulation such as fluorinated compounds may not be resistant to Biodiesel, mainly after a certain ageing and use of bad fuel present in the market. The objective of this paper is to show the importance of proper material selection for Biodiesel application and tests performed which demonstrate weakness of materials typically recommended for this kind of application.

Watanabe, Alberto K., Carriao, Alexandre, Pascon, Carlos H., Kikuchi, Marisa

Use of V-Cycle Methodology to Develop Mechatronic Fuel System Functions

2017-01-16143/28/2017

As electronics make their way into the fuel system, a shift in problem solving can be seen. Previously high risk items were tackled mainly through proving component durability and decreasing the statistical odds of the problem occurring. With an electronically controlled system however it is possible and necessary to define degraded modes, in the event that certain components fail, in order to provide at least a limited functionality for the customer. This paper will discuss some different use cases, and how embedded software can be used to improve functionality over a passive system.

Hill, David, Op de Beeck, Joel, Baja, Mihai, Djemili, Issam, Reuther, Paul, Sutra, Iris

High Frequency Sloshing - Energy Dissipation and Viscous Damping through CFD

2017-01-13173/28/2017

Liquid sloshing is an important issue in ground transportation, aerospace and automotive applications. Effects of sloshing in a moving liquid container can cause various issues related to vehicle stability, safety, component fatigue, audible noise and, liquid level measurement. The sloshing phenomenon is a highly nonlinear oscillatory movement of the free-surface of liquid inside a container under the effect of continuous or momentarily excitation forces. These excitation forces can result from sudden acceleration, braking, sharp turning or pitching motions. The sloshing waves generated by the excitation forces can impact on the tank surface and cause additional vibrations. For the loads with the frequencies between 2 to 200 Hz, the structural fatigue failure is a major concern for automotive applications. Also, for the dimensions associated with automotive, the fundamental frequency of the sloshing waves is usually a fraction of a Hertz, so frequencies above 2 Hz constitutes “high frequencies” for sloshing. Sloshing within liquid tanks causes rapid energy dissipation at the fluid resonant modes. Due to viscous effects (friction) the amplitude of the waves decreases over time when external excitation is stopped (liquid damping). The present work evaluates the liquid viscous damping through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) at “high frequency” excitation conditions in automotive fuel tanks. These damping coefficients are important parameters for the accurate evaluation of the structural durability of fuel tank and its components. In this study, different liquid levels and liquid types were evaluated at numerous excitation frequencies in the range of 2-20 Hz. It was found that the excitation frequency of 10 Hz matches with the natural frequency of the systems with similar liquids (gasoline and water) in the particular container under study at 25% fill level. This can be observed by analyzing the Kinetic Energy (KE) after stopping the excitation. The dimensional damping constant tends to be proportional to the dynamic viscosity of the liquid.

Blas Martinez, Luis Felipe, Palma, Rodolfo, Gomez, Francisco, Vaishnav, Dhaval, Canales, Francisco

Systematic Evaluation of 20% Ethanol Gasoline Blend (E20) as a Potential Alternate Fuel

2017-26-00721/10/2017

Utilization of higher ethanol blends, 20% ethanol in gasoline (E20), as an alternate fuel can provide apparent benefits like higher octane number leading to improved anti-knocking properties, higher oxygen content resulting in complete combustion. Apart from technical benefits, use of ethanol blends offer certain widespread socioeconomic benefits including option of renewable source of energy, value addition to agriculture feedstock resulting in increase in farm income, creation of more jobs in rural sector and creating job at local levels. Use of higher blends of ethanol can reduce dependence on foreign crude leading to substantial savings in cost of petroleum import. The impact of higher Gasoline-Ethanol blend (E20), on the fuel system components of gasoline vehicles must be known for assessment of whether the fuel system will be able to perform as intended for the complete design life of the system. Similarly, emission characteristics with use of such alternate fuels must also be evaluated to confirm its suitability before using it. A comprehensive exercise was conducted for evaluation E20 fuel for its potential as an alternate transportation fuel. Laboratory immersion study on typical metals & non-metals used in the fuel system components of 4-wheelers & 2-wheelers was conducted for evaluation of change in properties, before and after immersion, like weight, volume, tensile strength, elongation, hardness and impact strengths of six elastomers and 4 plastics, and corrosion rate of eight metals. Statistical evaluation of the test results of properties, for elastomers and plastics, was conducted and majority of the results were found to be statistically significant. Field trials were conducted on six 4-wheelers (old and new) through running-in, with both E20 and commercial gasoline, on roads representing various conditions and driving patterns including city, highway, expressway, hills/ghats, etc. Vehicle performance was evaluated through periodic mass emissions before, after and during vehicle running-in, evaporative emissions and component rating before & after mileage accumulation. This paper presents the outcome of systematic evaluation of E20 fuel, in comparison with commercial gasoline, conducted through laboratory evaluation as well as field trails on 4-wheeler (old and new) vehicles. A robust methodology was developed and followed for evaluation of alternate fuels in a holistic manner. The study revealed vital information on the performance of E20 fuel, in comparison to commercial gasoline, in terms of emissions, operating performance and material compatibility.

Bawase, Moqtik, Saraf, M R

Development of Fluid-Structure Interaction CAE Method to Assess Effect of Fuel Slosh on Fuel Level Sensor

2016-01-13794/5/2016

Fuel level sensors are used to indicate the amount of fuel in the tank of an automobile. The most common type of fuel level sensor is the float-arm sensor in which a float is connected to a resistance band via an arm. The fuel volume inside the tank sets the height of the float which in turn is converted to a resistance value. This resistance value is converted into gauge reading that is displayed on the dashboard. Whereas this method is widely popular due to its low cost and durability, fuel slosh phenomenon imposes a major challenge. The fuel slosh waves under numerous driving maneuvers impose dynamic drag/lift forces on the float which result into fluctuations in its position (i.e. float height). Under severe acceleration or braking maneuvers, the float can actually submerge inside the liquid and fail to predict location of the free surface. These fluctuations can cause erroneous fuel indication. This is especially critical at low fuel levels where such errors may have significant impact on Distance-to-Empty (DTE) estimations. Therefore, it is important to establish a CAE methodology to accurately predict effect of fuel slosh on motion of the float. This paper summarizes activities carried out by the fuel system team at Ford Motor Company to develop and validate such CAE methodology. The CAE method has been developed using commercial software: Star-CCM+. Fuel slosh is modeled using Eulerian multiphase VOF approach. Dynamic forces on the float and its resulting motion are modeled using a fluid-structure interaction method known as ‘Dynamic Fluid Body Interaction (DFBI)’. Motion of the float is captured using the moving mesh approach called ‘Overset Mesh’. Predictions of float height [h(t)] from simulation are compared with a vehicle test results and detailed discussion on CAE-test correlation is provided. Further discussion on best practices for such method is also included in this paper. In conclusion, the Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) method accurately predicts effect of fuel slosh and can be integrated in the product development process for evaluating effect of various tank features, baffles and float shapes to ensure a reliable fuel indication system.

Vaishnav, Dhaval, Buerkle, Ilja, Ali, Syed, Dong, Mike, Simpson, Alexander

Fuel Supply Module Decoupling System Design Optimization

2015-36-03509/22/2015

When new vehicles are being developed and will later be made available to the market, one of the most important characteristics that may influence the buying decision is the comfort available to the driver and passenger inside the vehicle. This comfort is partially limited by NVH issues inside the car for example. With the new technologies development, vehicles have become noiseless and, that’s why some vibrations from fuel supply module that weren't identifiable then now might show themselves a huge impact of noise inside the vehicles. So it is important to analyze the NVH behavior of fuel supply modules. To perform this study in a short time and with low cost, CAE simulations were done focusing on geometry optimization of the pump holder that keeps the electric fuel pump inside the fuel tank. The objective of this paper is to develop a stiffness calculation tool of complex structures to reduce the radial / tangential vibrations of the fuel pump using mechanical tests, CAD, CAE and design of experiments.

Da Fonseca, Márcio Ghiraldelli, da Silva, Danilo Fanton Ribeiro, Rossetti, Thiago Aparecido Rehder

Design and Development of Capacitance Type Level Sensor for Automotive Vehicle Application

2015-26-00151/14/2015

Anandaraj, N

Fuel Tank - Level Sensor Technology Selection Based on Engineering Criteria and Application Environment

2014-36-01289/30/2014

The proper technology selection, depending on the application environment, will be discussed and exemplified in this paper through the analysis of the fuel level sensor technology selection applied to the Latin America environment. Commercial vehicles have a very particular requirement when it comes to fuel tanks configuration, depending on usage (autonomy), road conditions, weight distribution and application. The most common layout is the dual tank configuration where two tanks are connected to each other by means of communication vessels. After the selection of the fuel tank layout, the challenge is to correctly select the level sensor system, which provides useful information to the vehicle driver. If this measurement is not correctly performed, a significant logistic issue is raised, as usually, a commercial vehicle with full load carries up to 1200 liters of diesel (it will depend on the desired range). Even though the selection of the sensor technology is sometimes neglected during the product development, in this particular case its wrong choice can lead to errors and, as mentioned before, logistics issues. This paper will describe the system characteristics, simulation / experimental test results and available solutions in order to propose the best combination selection based on engineering criteria.

Mazzorana, Rafael Hilario Fonseca, da Silva Junior, Olício, de Oliveira, Roberson Assis

Influence of Filtering Area and Flow Rate in Fuel Filter Dimensioning

2014-36-02759/30/2014

Research shows that Brazil is among countries of Latin America, Africa and Asia which are considered as bad fuel market [1]. Fuel with poor quality reduces considerably the lifetime of fuel filter installed in vehicles. For this reason, the correct dimensioning of this component is extremely important. In order to improve this development, it is necessary to enlarge the knowledge of the fuel filter. This paper correlates the fuel filter bench test with field results improving the feasibility to use the laboratory data to estimate the fuel filter area and consequently the product lifetime.

da Silva, Danilo Fanton Ribeiro, dos Santos Tavares, Paulo Gabriel, Rossetti, Thiago Aparecido Rehder

Color-Changing Sensors for Detecting the Presence of Hypergolic Fuels

TBMG-154561/1/2013

Hypergolic fuel sensors were designed to incorporate novel chemo chromic pigments into substrates for use in various methods of leak detection. There are several embodiments to this invention that would provide specific visual indication of hypergols used during and after transfer. The ability to incorporate these pigments into various polymer matrices provides a unique opportunity to manufacture nearly any type of sensor shape that is required. The vibrant color change from yellow to black instantaneously shows the worker the presence of hypergols in the area, providing the worker the ability to immediately evacuate the area.

Rated (Advertised) Fuel Capacity - Passenger Car, Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicles, and Light Duty Trucks

J398_201211 (Current)11/1/2012

Fuel Systems Standards Committee

New Developments regarding Truck Diesel Monitoring System

2009-36-029310/6/2009

The cargo transportation in Brazil is predominantly done by road, instead of any other means of transportation. It represented more than 35% of the total amount of money spent on goods transportation on that South American country during 2005. Several factors should be taken in consideration in the final cost of this service. We can highlight, for example: poor road quality, cargo robbery, theft of tires, fuel stealing, road accidents, etc. These costs are always reassigned to the final customers. Among that list, one of main factors for increasing transport costs in Brazil is the illicit fuel deviation. In order to reduce this problem, entrepreneurs have adopted several strategies; so far, none of them could come up with an efficient proposal. This paper presents a new tool to assist preventing the fuel stealing issue. It can detect the tank violation, notifying the company when it happened and how much fuel was diverted. The proposed system is also capable of fuel tank level monitoring as a function of time, storing data and preparing it for post analysis as well. The system goes beyond a theft detection and alarm system; it also provides the telemetry of fuel consumption at each trip moment. This tool can help in reducing costs, not only in cargo carriage business, but also in passengers transport business.

Lukacs, Luciano P., Batisti, João Vitor, Júnior, Luiz Carlos Simões Soares, Pepe, Iuri Muniz

Development of a new concept of product: fuel level sender unit integrated to the fuel valve for motorcycle's fuel tanks

2007-01-268111/28/2007

Optimize a product that exists for years, is not always an easy task. These products, of simple concept, are created and maintained without significant changes along its life. This is the case, for example, of the fuel level senders and valves of motorcycle's fuel tanks. This work presents an example of a new product that add value to the fuel tank system with a reduced global cost. Usually, the concern relies on the improvement of individual parts. The concept developed looked for an integration of both parts in just one product. The advantages of this integration are: reduction of fuel tank system components by 40% in average, reduction of fuel leak potential, increase of the value add, cost reduction and improvement at the motorcycle assembly line, etc. This work start with a study of the motorcycle market, analyzing current products and then concluding with showing the advantages and differences of the new product concept.

Nishimura, Nelson Shoji, Moscato, Lucas Antonio

Novel Fuel Sensor - Innovation for Cold Start Improvement and for the Prevention of Misfuelling

2007-01-03944/16/2007

The fuel sensor determines quickly and reproducibly the evaporation characteristics of the fuels based on the heat flow of a heating element. Thus the micro sensor can classify the cold start characteristics of the different Gasoline fuels and can distinguish different diesel derivatives. For diesel vehicles, an electronic false refueling protection was realized based on a sensor installation into the fuel receptacle. It combines the advantages of an analysis of the diesel derivatives with that of a fast warning in the case of misfuelling.

Müller, Hagen, Krome, ürgen, Kühnau, Uwe

Fuel Tank Safety on Airplanes

2005-01-342810/3/2005

There have been 17 fuel tank ignition events on commercial airplanes since 1959 that have resulted in 542 fatalities and 11 airplane losses. On the military side there have been 12 airplane losses on military version of the B-707 and the B-52 airplanes. The Most notable accident was the TWA 800 in July 1996 on the Boeing 747 which caused loss of 230 lives. This paper looks at the potential root causes of fuel tank explosions and the corrective actions that industry can undertake to minimize the hazard of fuel tank explosions. Fuel tank flammability and ignition sources are considered. The areas looked at are design, installation, and maintenance. Compliance to Federal Airworthiness Regulation are reviewed.

Sikand, Sharanpal (Paul) S., Hariram, Sham S., Aggarwal, Darsh

LPG Refueling Technology

2002-01-273910/21/2002

A study was performed by Southwest Research Institute™ for the Propane Education and Research Council, under the cooperation and management of the Texas Railroad Commission to study and evaluate current LPG vehicle refueling technology. This study focused on connection systems, over-fill protection, and pumping/dispensing systems. Information was also compiled on the new standard for LPG refueling systems created and adopted by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The standard was created to reduce refueling emissions, increase operator safety, and improve the general operation and consumer acceptance level for LPG vehicles. This standard involves the LPG fill nozzle, nozzle receptacle, leakage rates, and pumping systems. This project was conducted in order to establish a firm starting point for the beginning of a standardization process for LPG vehicle refueling in the United States. To accomplish this, a study was first performed to find and evaluate the various types of refueling technologies available both inside and outside of the U.S.

Birch, Brian J., Jaeger, Steve

MEMS Design Optimization With FEA

TBMG-64356/1/2002

This report examines design considerations in one of the most promising new areas of engineering – Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Designing and optimizing MEMS devices involves unique challenges, including analyzing the inter- dependent physical phenomena to which MEMS devices are sensitive and working with small-scale geometry. A discussion of the necessary steps to model a MEMS micro-heater for an automotive gas sensor array that can withstand high temperatures is presented in this article.

Design Guidelines for Automotive Fuel Level Sensors

2002-01-10743/4/2002

Most current automotive and light truck fuel level sensors are essentially rotary potentiometers that have been designed to survive the chemically harsh environments found in the fuel tank. This paper will chronicle the design improvements made from the early wire wound versions to today's more robust thick film ink systems. The paper will highlight potential failure modes and discuss techniques to reduce noise and increase wear life. Data will be provided regarding changes in the circuit layout, ink compositions, and contact materials. Special consideration will be given to the adverse effects associated with the reactive sulfur prevalent in today's fuels.

Smith, E. F., Ireland, Hugh W.

Systems Engineering in the Off-Highway Market

2000-01-25689/11/2000

The intent of this paper is to describe the discipline of systems engineering and how it applies to the off-highway market. It will define generic systems engineering terms and describe the various roles that are included beneath the “umbrella” of systems engineering. In addition, the paper will outline case studies of specific off-highway original equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and describe how systems engineering is both defined and performed within those organizations.

Tolstedt, Jonathan L.

Advances in Plastic Gasoline Barrier Research For Automotive Applications

2000-01-11013/6/2000

Extensive research has been carried out worldwide to find better plastic fuel barrier materials to meet increasingly stringent requirements due both to more restrictive emissions legislation and to the fact that widely different gasoline compositions are being used. This review accounts for the most recent progress in the field. Starting from a discussion of the fundamental aspects on permeation through polymer media, it also highlights current advancement in the areas of chemical surface treatment, multi-layered assembling and blending.

Xue, Lixin, Rohrbach, Ronald, Unger, Peter, Bause, Daniel, Jones, Gordon

GUIDANCE FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF FUEL QUANTITY SYSTEMS

ARINC611-1 (Current)1/25/1999

This standard defines accuracy and reliability targets for fuel quantity measuring systems installed on commercial aircraft. It describes fuel quantity system components and design techniques that will contribute to safe and reliable operation. System design goals and installation practices are described. A report of a worldwide fuel survey is included.

Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee

A Fluid/Fuel Level Sensor Using Micropower Impulse Radar Technology

97323911/17/1997

A new sensing technology has been developed by the U.S. Department of Energy that makes possible non-mechanical means of position sensing, fluid level measurement, occupant sensing, distance measurement, and materials analysis. This technology is called Micropowered Impulse Radar or MIR. MIR technology can be used for direct measurements using a probe, or remote measurements with an antenna. Although many new and unique sensor applications are possible using MIR, this paper covers the description, design and characteristics of a time domain reflectometer (TDR) fuel/fluid level sensor using MIR technology. A comparison with other non-mechanical fuel level measurement technologies will be made.

Champion, James R.

Fuel Level Sensor Design from a System Perspective

9710722/24/1997

Many of the current issues surrounding the achievement of accurate fuel level indication and fuel sensor design strategy revolve around systems issues, but are most often treated as component deficiencies. This paper takes a “systems” look at liquid fuel level indication as opposed to the traditional “component” view. The intent of the author is to present a framework of system considerations relative to the task of designing a robust fuel level indication system in the automobile.

Nagy, George

Conductive Thermoplastic Fuel Level Sensor Element

9609702/1/1996

A new fuel gauge has been developed using an electrical resistance element made from a partially conductive thermoplastic material. This new thermoplastic material offers excellent resistance to most chemicals and fuels now used in the transportation industry and can easily be made into resistance elements in a variety of shapes and sizes. In this gauge, it is used to make a potentiometer type fuel level sensor with a high level voltage output to interface with a microcomputer.

Williamson, Cecil M., Taylor, Carl A.

Simulation Techniques in the Analysis of Variation

9511194/1/1995

The use of computer simulation in analyzing the effect of variation needs to be timely and accurate in its analysis. It must be capable of analyzing all definable processes during all phases of a product life cycle. This paper describes the process of Variation Simulation Modeling (VSM) used at General Motors - Truck Platforms that has significantly increased the effectiveness and usage of this technology.

Pettypiece, Cheryl L.

Design Evolution of the Fuel Sender Requiring No Electrical Calibration

9304593/1/1993

Design and manufacture of fuel senders include adjustments to establish accuracy of measurement of the amount of fuel in the tank and that show on the gage in the passenger compartment. The essential techniques are: 1) Electronic calibration; design and manufacturing of the resistor and matching parts to assure the response resistance matches both mechanical and electronic gage characteristics. 2) Mechanical calibration; design and manufacturing of the float arm and related geometric and trigonometric points, distances and angles that assure the position of the float at all fuel levels respective to fuel gage indication. Vehicle manufacturing firms have used angular sweep liquid level sensors for measuring fuels for several decades. These designs incorporate the capability of linearizing (via angle relationships) height and volumetric fuel tank characteristics very accurately. While vertical linear type fuel sensors can provide better gage resolution, unless the design contains a form of linear resistance, the increased cost outweighs the improved resolution realized. Angular sweep resistor liquid level sensors are accurate, reliable, durable and inexpensive.

Gaston, Robert D.

High Accuracy Capacitance Type Fuel Sensing System

9303593/1/1993

A highly accurate fuel sensing system has been developed which provides a digital indication of the remaining fuel on a l/P cluster. This system uses capacitance type sensors placed in the fuel tank to detect fuel level changes. This system uses three capacitance type sensors which enables it to determine highly accurate fuel level even in sloped surfaces. This fuel level sensor has been in production since 1991 and today is used on the TOYOTA SOARER in Japan.

lmaizumi, Motomu, Naito, Masaki

Capacitive Fuel Level Sensor: Performance and System Approach

910492

2/1/1991

Recent advances in materials have made it possible to develop a capacitive measurement fuel level sensor compatible with the new oxygenated fuels and competitive with present products. Not only does this design bring higher levels in both the reliability and the quality of the fuel level measurement, but it also presents several characteristics that allow to offer extra functions at a low marginal cost. A presentation will be made of the product and the results of its evaluation in various environment conditions. Several different cases of use will be discussed.

Geslot, Francis

Fluid Level Sensors Designed for 0.3 to 3 Meter Tanks

910491

2/1/1991

Fluid level sensors for fuel and other liquids have been designed using two resistor technologies. One method provides a sensor with a variable resistance 2 wire signal in the 0 to 500 ohm range for use with most conventional magnetic gauges. Another method provides a Potentiometric 3 wire signal for use with electronic gauges. Both resistor technologies are suitable for fuel level sensors in trucks, off-road vehicles, and storage tanks. Descriptions of several recent applications are discussed.

Riley, Richard E., Lawson, Philip