Current Implementations of Fluid Level Sensors from an Automotive Safety Perspective

Abstract

In modern passenger and commercial vehicles, level sensing of various fluids used in the automotive industry is directly linked to different safety features of electric/electronic (E/E) systems. The most common liquids are engine and transmission oils, fuel, brake fluid, washer fluid (for windscreen and headlamps), engine coolant liquid. The main factors which influence the decision of using a specific fluid level sensing technique and sensor material are the different physical and chemical properties of the interacting components, the environmental factors, and the purpose of measurement. Our research is focused on measurement methods for automotive fluid level sensing according to some of the various liquid types used in a vehicle, and a comparative analyzis between selection criteria for fluid level sensing solution. Constraints between liquid type and level sensors are presented, as well