Method and Arrangement For Calibration of a System For Determining the Amount of Liquid in a Reservoir

• US 20080295569A1
• Filed: 01/02/2006
• Published: 12/04/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: CPAC Systems AB (Volvo AB)
• Original Assignee: CPAC Systems AB (Volvo AB)
• Inventors: Lundstrom, Dag
• Application Number:
  US12/097,308
• Publication Number:
  US 20080295569A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/1.73
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/32 using rotatable arms or other pivotable transmission elements
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/36 using electrically actuated indicating means G01F23/38 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 25/20 of apparatus for measuring liquid level

Abstract

A method for calibration of a system for determining the amount of fuel in a fuel tank includes a first step of initiating a start of the calibration, a second step which includes detection of a level of a fuel-level sensor and detection of a point in time at which the level was detected, and further steps corresponding to a periodical repetition of the second step. The calibration is carried out during addition of fuel to the fuel tank at a generally constant flow velocity. An arrangement for such a calibration is also provided.

Claims

1. A method for calibration of a system for determining the amount of fuel in a fuel tank, comprising:

a first step (of initiating a start of the calibration;

a second step which comprises detection of a level of a fuel-level sensor and detection of a point in time at which the level was detected; and

further steps corresponding to a periodical repetition of the second step;

wherein the calibration is carried out during addition of fuel to the fuel tank at a generally constant flow velocity.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the start of the calibration is initiated by detecting a manual activation of an input device.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the start of the calibration is initiated in an automatic manner by detecting whether a rate of change of the fuel level during filling of the fuel tank exceeds a predetermined limit value.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the start of the calibration is initiated as a result of the two following conditions being fulfilled:

detecting a manual activation of an input device; and

subsequently detecting whether a rate of change of the fuel level during filling of the fuel tank exceeds a predetermined limit value.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the repetition of the second step and further steps are carried out at a generally constant periodicity defined by a predetermined time period.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein a time period between the second step and further steps is variable and is adapted depending on the rate of change of the fuel level during the calibration.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein a start of the calibration is carried out at a fuel level in the fuel tank which corresponds to a generally empty tank or at a fuel level which is higher than an empty tank.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the calibration is terminated at a fuel level in the fuel tank which corresponds to a generally full tank or at a fuel level which is less than a full tank.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein a fuel level at which it is a calibration initiated is less than the fuel level at which a previous calibration was terminated.

10. An arrangement for calibration of a system for determining the amount of fuel in a fuel tank, comprising a fuel-level sensor which is connected to a control unit and adapted for detecting the level of fuel in the fuel tank and outputting a signal representing the level to the control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted for detecting an activation of the calibration which comprises steps wherein a fuel level is detected as well as a point in time at which the level was detected, and wherein the control unit is adapted for periodically repeating the steps, wherein the control unit is adapted for carrying out the process while fuel is added to the fuel tank at a generally constant flow velocity.

11. An arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the fuel-level sensor comprises a float-type gauge arranged in the fuel tank.

12. An arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the fuel tank is arranged for mounting in a watercraft.