LCC-based fluid-level detection sensor
AssigneeVisteon Global Technologies, Inc.
InventorsZhong-You Shi, C. Allen Marlow
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A non-mechanical fluid level sensor based on light communication channel (LCC) technology. In a preferred embodiment, one end of the LCC is connected to a signal source while another end is connected to a sensor. The LCC is dipped in a fluid container and a signal propagates and undergoes internal reflection through the LCC towards one of its ends which is connected to the sensor. The fluid level is detected preferably by measuring the intensity of the signal reflected with the LCC that reaches a sensor. Different fluid levels preferably correspond to linearly varying detected signal intensities. A main LCC bus may communicate remotely with the sensor without wiring or other electrical connectors.
Claims13
A fluid level detection system comprising:
- a signal source,
- an LCC structure that extends into a fluid container with a first end of the LCC structure being connected to the signal source,
- wherein the LCC structure is polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene or polycarbonate, and the LCC structure is formed as a thin sheet, and
- at least one sensor that receives a signal from the signal source and is connected to a second end of the LCC structure, wherein a signal from the signal source propagates through the LCC structure.
A fluid level detection system comprising:
- a signal source,
- an LCC structure that extends into a fluid container with a first end of the LCC structure being connected to the signal source, and through which a signal from the signal source propagate,
- wherein the LCC structure is polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene or polycarbonate, and the LCC structure is formed as a thin sheet,
- at least one sensor that is connected to a second end of the LCC structure and that receives a signal from the signal source, and
- an LCC bus to which the at least one sensor is connected, and
- wherein the at least one sensor transmits a signal via the LCC bus to an electronic system or a display panel of a vehicle.
A fluid level detection system comprising:
- a signal source,
- an LCC structure that extends into a fluid container, with a first end of the LCC structure being connected to the signal source, and through which a signal from the signal source propagates,
- wherein the LCC structure is polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene or polycarbonate, and the LCC structure is formed as a thin sheet,
- at least one sensor connected to a second end of the LCC, wherein the at least one sensor receives a signal that propagates through the LCC, and
- an LCC bus connected to the at least one sensor to which the at least one sensor transmits a signal relating to a fluid level,
- wherein the at least one sensor transmits a signal via an LCC bus to an to an electronic system, and the electronic system processes the signal relating to the fluid level or transmits the signal relating to the fluid level to another electronic system or a display panel of a vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.