Description:FLUID FLOW MONITORING AND DATA LOGGING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This invention generally relates to a field of fluid monitoring and management system and in particular, relates to a system and a method for real-time measurement, analysis, monitoring, and logging of fluid flow parameters in a commercial vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
[0003] In a commercial vehicle, reliable functioning of components of the commercial vehicle is critical for ensuring optimal performance, safety, and cost efficiency. A significant factor contributing to these outcomes is monitoring of fluid levels and flows, such as fuel consumption and coolant circulation in the commercial vehicle. The fluid plays essential roles in the commercial vehicle's operation. The fluid comprises fuel, coolant fluid, and other liquids. The fuel powers an engine of the commercial vehicle, while the coolant fluid prevents overheating and maintains temperature stability. Any undetected anomalies in the fluid levels and flows can lead to decreased performance, mechanical failures, or even severe accidents.
[0004] Traditional flow meters and monitoring systems commonly used in the commercial vehicle provide basic data but often fail to offer real-time insights or continuous logging. These limitations make it difficult to identify discrepancies, such as leaks, inefficiencies, or theft, as they occur. Instead, the discrepancies are typically discovered only after significant damage or operational downtime has already occurred. Additionally, lack of time-stamped logs prevents fleet managers from analysing trends of the fluid levels and flows, diagnosing issues promptly, or optimizing vehicle operations effectively.
[0005] According to a patent application “US6301958B1” titled as “Process for determining the fuel consumption or the operating status of combustion engines” disclosed as the invention relates to a process for determining the fuel consumption or operating status of combustion engines having a fuel injection pump, a supply line connecting a fuel supply container to the fuel injection pump, and a return line connecting the fuel injection pump to the fuel supply container. Measuring devices are provided in each of the supply and return lines for recording flowing fuel volumes in the supply and return lines. The measuring devices each having a signal emitter or sensor sensing signals that are allocated respectively to the measuring devices. The measuring device in the return line includes at least two signal emitters or sensors. Signals are emitted from the measuring device in the return line that are a function of respective forward and reverse flow directions, which signals are supplied to a signal selector. The signals from respective equivalent flow directions are added, and the signals obtained from one flow direction are subtracted from the signals obtained from another flow direction to form a signal difference, which may be used for fuel consumption counting or display.
[0006] According to another patent application “US7448260B2” titled as “Fuel consumption meter for internal combustion engines and method” disclosed as the invention relates to a device and method for measuring the consumption of fuel in an internal combustion engine system having fuel injectors, the device comprising a main body having two flow-measuring chambers with each chamber including a flow meter wherein one flow meter is located upstream the injectors and another flow meter is located downstream the injectors for calculating the difference between the flow upstream the injectors and downstream the injectors, and whereby the difference is fed to a data processing unit to calculate the real fuel consumption.
[0007] However, the traditional flow meters and monitoring systems result in increased maintenance costs, unplanned downtime, and compromised safety on road. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a robust system that ensures real-time monitoring, precise data logging, and immediate alerting of discrepancies in the fluid flow.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The objective of present invention is to develop a system capable of continuous real-time monitoring of fluid flow, allowing immediate detection of flow rate of the fluid and total volume of the fluid for enhanced operational oversight.
[0009] Further, the objective of present invention is to incorporate a system for automatically recording flow data, including precise timestamps, without requiring manual intervention, ensuring long-term storage and reliable data integrity.
[0010] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to utilize advanced pulse-counting techniques for accurate detection of the flow rate and the volume calculation, ensuring minimal errors in fluid monitoring.
[0011] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to introduce automated creation of separate CSV files for each trip or usage session, organizing data for easier access, analysis, and fleet management.
[0012] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to implement interrupt-based pulse handling to enhance system responsiveness and ensure that all data pulses are accurately recorded without loss.
[0013] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to include a user-friendly display that provides live visualization of key metrics such as the flow rate, the total volume of the fluid, and timestamps for immediate feedback to operators and fleet managers.
[0014] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to ensure low power consumption to facilitate use in portable and remote applications, making the system practical for off-grid and vehicle-based operations.
[0015] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to incorporate a Real-Time Clock (RTC) module with battery backup to maintain accurate timekeeping and ensure that data logging is continuous and unaffected by power disruptions or system resets.
[0016] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective solution that reduces operational expenses by minimizing fluid wastage, optimizing maintenance schedules, and preventing vehicle damage due to undetected issues.
[0017] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide immediate alerts on abnormal flow patterns, allowing early detection of issues and proactive maintenance, thereby reducing vehicle downtime.
[0018] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide built-in error tracking functionality that ensures accurate fluid flow readings within a 1% margin, enabling reliable data for effective maintenance, fuel management, and informed operational decision-making.
[0019] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to implement secure data backup on an SD card, ensuring continuous storage of flow data and providing a reliable backup solution in the event of power failure.

SUMMARY
[0020] According to an aspect, the present embodiments discloses a fluid flow monitoring and data logging system for a vehicle. The fluid flow monitoring and data logging system comprises a real-time clock (RTC) module, and a memory module. The fluid flow monitoring and data logging system comprises at least one sensor communicatively coupled to the RTC module and the memory module, and is configured to generate one or more signals corresponding to a flow of a fluid. Further, the fluid flow monitoring and data logging system comprises at least one microcontroller communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor. The at least one microcontroller is configured to count the one or more signals generated by the at least one sensor. Further, the at least one microcontroller is configured to calculate a flow rate and a volume of the fluid passing through the at least one sensor based at least on the counted one or more signals. Further, the at least one microcontroller is configured to determine a present time from the RTC module. Further, the at least one microcontroller is configured to prepare a data string comprising the calculated flow rate, the calculated volume of the fluid, and the determined present time. The at least one microcontroller is further configured to store the prepared data string in the memory module for data logging process. Further, the fluid flow monitoring and data logging system comprises a display unit communicatively coupled to the at least one microcontroller. The display unit is configured to display the prepared data string to a user.
[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller is further configured to initiate the RTC module to provide time and date for the data logging process. The at least one microcontroller is further configured to determine whether the RTC module is initialized. Further, the at least one microcontroller is configured to retrieve RTC time if the RTC module is initialized. Further, the at least one microcontroller is configured to display an error message “RTC initialization failed” if the RTC module is not initialized.
[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller is further configured to initialize the memory module. The at least one microcontroller is further configured to determine whether the memory module is initialized. The at least one microcontroller is further configured to search the memory module to identify a file with the highest file number in the memory module, if the memory module is initialized. The highest file number is identified to avoid overwriting the file. Further, the at least one microcontroller is configured to create a new file with an incremented numerical identifier in the memory module based at least on the identified highest file number. The new file is configured to store the flow rate, the volume of the fluid and a timestamp corresponding to the flow rate and the volume of the fluid. Further, the at least one microcontroller is configured to display an error message “SD card initialization failed” if the memory is not initialized.
[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller is further configured to perform real-time error tracking to monitor deviations in the calculated flow rate. Further, the at least one microcontroller is configured to implement corrective adjustments to ensure that the calculated flow rate readings remain within a margin of error not exceeding 1%.
[0024] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor corresponds to a flow sensor.
[0025] In some embodiments, the memory module is configured to create periodic automatic backups of the data string at a predefined interval. The memory module comprises at least a SD card, a USB drive, and an SSD.
[0026] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller is further configured to analyse the one or more signals generated by the at least one sensor to detect deviation in the flow rate pattern of the fluid from a predefined flow rate pattern. Further, the at least one microcontroller is configured to identify an abnormal flow pattern based at least on the detected deviation.
[0027] In some embodiments, the display unit comprises a light-emitting-diode (LED) or a liquid crystal display (LCD).
[0028] In some embodiments, fluid comprises at least one of fuel, coolant, oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and hydraulic fluid.
[0029] According to an aspect, the present embodiments, discloses a method. The method comprising the steps of generating, via at least one sensor communicatively coupled to an RTC module and a memory module, one or more signals corresponding to a flow of a fluid. Further, the method comprising steps of counting, via at least one microcontroller communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, the one or more signals generated by the at least one sensor. Further, the method comprising steps of calculating, via the at least one microcontroller, a flow rate and a volume of the fluid passing through the at least one sensor based at least on the counted one or more signals. Further, the method comprising steps of determining, via the at least one microcontroller, a present time from the RTC module. Further, the method comprises steps of preparing, via the at least one microcontroller, a data string comprising the calculated flow rate, the calculated volume of the fluid, and the determined present time. Further, the method comprising steps of storing, via the at least one microcontroller, the prepared data string in the memory module for data logging process. Thereafter, the method comprising steps of displaying, via a display unit communicatively coupled to the at least one microcontroller, the prepared data string to a user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g. boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a fluid flow monitoring and data logging system for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart showing a process flow of the fluid flow monitoring and data logging system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart showing a workflow of the fluid flow monitoring and data logging system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method showing fluid flow monitoring and data logging, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0037] Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred, systems and methods are now described. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0038] The present invention discloses a system and a method for real-time measurement, analysis, monitoring, and logging of fluid flow parameters in a commercial vehicle.
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a fluid flow monitoring and data logging system (100) for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] In some embodiments, the fluid flow monitoring and data logging system (100) can be interchangeably termed as a fluid monitoring system. The fluid monitoring system (100) is used in a vehicle. The fluid monitoring system (100) is configured to measure and record a flow of a fluid within the vehicle. The fluid monitoring system (100) is configured to prevent issues related to insufficient fluid flow or excessive fluid flow.
[0041] In some embodiments, the fluid comprises at least one of fuel, coolant, oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and hydraulic fluid. The fluid monitoring system (100) is configured to track consumption of the fuel. The fluid monitoring system (100) is further configured to ensure that the oil is circulating properly within the vehicle, and prevents engine overheating or damage to the engine due to lack of lubrication. The fluid monitoring system (100) is further configured to monitor flow of the coolant to maintain operating temperature of the engine and prevent engine overheating. The fluid monitoring system (100) is further configured to ensure proper lubrication in a transmission system within the vehicle. Further, the fluid monitoring system (100) is configured to ensure that the brake fluid is in adequate supply to maintain proper braking performance to the vehicle.
[0042] In some embodiments, the fluid flow monitoring and data logging system (100) comprises an ignition switch (102), a voltage regulator (104), a real-time clock (RTC) module (106), a memory module (108), at least one senor (110), at least one microcontroller (112), and a display unit (114).
[0043] In some embodiments, the ignition switch (102) is configured to trigger activation of the fluid monitoring system (100). The ignition switch (102) corresponds to an electrical switch that connects or disconnects power supply to the fluid monitoring system (100). The ignition switch (102) is configured to provide power supply to start the fluid monitoring system (100). The ignition switch (102) activates the fluid monitoring system (100) when turned on. In some embodiments, when the ignition switch (100) is turned on, the ignition switch (102) activates one or more components of the fluid monitoring system (100). The one or more components comprises the voltage regulator (104), the RTC module (106), the memory module (108), the at least one senor (110), the at least one microcontroller (112), and the display unit (114).
[0044] In some embodiments, the voltage regulator (104) is configured to ensure stable power supply to the one or more components of the fluid monitoring system (100). The voltage regulator (104) is configured to protect the one or more components against power fluctuations or voltage instability. The voltage regulator (104) may comprise a voltage regulator IC. The voltage regulator (104) is configured to provide consistent voltage for the fluid monitoring system (100).
[0045] In some embodiments, the real-time clock (RTC) module (106) is configured to provide accurate time and date. The RTC module (106) may retain time data even if the fluid monitoring system (100) is reset. The RTC module (106) is configured to ensure precise time tracking, even during power outages. Further, the RTC module (106) is equipped with battery backup.
[0046] In some embodiments, the fluid monitoring system (100) further comprises the memory module (108). The memory module (108) is configured to store data. The memory module (108) is configured to store the data in comma separated value (CSV) format. The memory module (108) may be a removable storage unit. The memory module (108) may be used as a reliable backup unit in case of power failure.
[0047] In some embodiments, the fluid monitoring system (100) further comprises the at least one sensor (110). The at least one sensor (110) is communicatively coupled to the RTC module (106) and the memory module (108). The at least one sensor (110) is configured to detect a flow of the fluid passing through the at least one sensor (110). The at least one sensor (110) is configured to generate one or more signals corresponding to the flow of the fluid. The one or more signals corresponds to one or more pulses. The at least one sensor (110) corresponds to a flow sensor.
[0048] In some embodiments, the fluid monitoring system (100) further comprises the at least one microcontroller (112). The at least one microcontroller (112) is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor (110). The at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to receive the one or more signals generated by the at least one sensor (110). The at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to count the one or more signals generated by the at least one sensor (110). The counting of the one or more signals is managed using interrupts. The interrupts ensure that each signal of the one or more signals is counted immediately and accurately without missing any signal, even during high-speed flow of the fluid. The fluid monitoring system (100) uses interrupt-based signal handling, and ensure that no signal from the one or more signals is missed.
[0049] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to calculate a flow rate and a volume of the fluid passing through the at least one sensor (110) based at least on the counted one or more signals. Flow rate is a measure of how much the fluid flows through the fluid monitoring system (100) in a given amount of time. The volume of the fluid corresponds to a cumulative amount of the fluid that has passed through the at least one sensor (110). The volume of the fluid is continuously updated as the one or more signals are counted.
[0050] In some embodiments, the flow rate is calculated by using the formula: “Flow rate= (Number of pulses/Time Interval) * Calibration Factor”. The number of pulses corresponds to a count of the one or more signals within a fixed time interval. The time interval corresponds to a predefined measurement period. The calibration factor corresponds to the at least one sensor’s (110) specification. The calibration factor indicates how much fluid corresponds to one signal (pulse).
[0051] In one example, the at least one sensor (110) generates 10 pulses per litre and the at least one microcontroller (112) counts 50 pulses in 5 seconds, then the flow rate of the fluid is 1 litre per second.
[0052] In some embodiments, the volume of the fluid is calculated by using the formula: “Volume of the fluid= Total Pulses Counted * Calibration Factor”. In one example, the at least one microcontroller (112) counted 200 pulses and the calibration factor indicates each pulse represents 0.1 litres, then the volume of the fluid is 20 litres.
[0053] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to determine a present time from the RTC module (106). The RTC module (106) is configured to keep track of the present time and date, including hours, minutes, seconds, days, months, and years. In one example, the present time and date determined by the RTC module (106) is in the format: “2025-07-01 5:30:45”. The at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to add a precise timestamp to the calculated flow rate and the volume of the fluid.
[0054] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to prepare a data string comprising the calculated flow rate, the calculated volume of the fluid, and the timestamp corresponding to the calculated flow rate, and the calculated volume of the fluid. The flow rate, the volume, and the timestamp is formatted into a data string by using predefined delimiters. The delimiters comprise at least one of a comma or a tab. In one example, the format of the data string is: “Flow Rate=15.5 litres per second, Volume=310L, Timestamp=2025-07-01 5:30:45”.
[0055] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to store the prepared data string in the memory module (108) for data logging process. The data string is saved to the memory module (108) as a CSV file. The at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to store the calculated flow rate, the calculated volume of the fluid, and the timestamp corresponding to the calculated flow rate, and the calculated volume of the fluid in the memory module (108). The memory module (108) corresponds to a non-volatile memory. The memory module (108) comprises at least a SD card, a USB drive, and an SSD. In some embodiments, the memory module (108) is configured to create periodic automatic backups of the data string at a predefined interval.
[0056] In some embodiments, the fluid monitoring system (100) further comprises the display unit (114). The display unit (114) is communicatively coupled to the at least one microcontroller (112). The display unit (114) is configured to display the prepared data string to a user. The display unit (114) comprises a light-emitting-diode (LED) or a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit (114) incorporates a thin film transistor (TFT) display for displaying the data string in real-time. The display unit (114) comprises a 2.4” TFT. The display unit (114) is further configured to provide real-time visual feedback to the user.
[0057] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to analyse the one or more signals generated by the at least one sensor to detect deviation in a flow rate pattern of the fluid from a predefined flow rate pattern. The at least one microcontroller (112) receives and counts the one or more signals generated by the at least one sensor (110). The at least one microcontroller (112) then process and analyse the one or more signals.
[0058] In some embodiments, the at least one microprocessor (112) is further configured to determine the flow rate pattern based on the analysis. The at least one microcontroller (112) then compare the determined flow rate pattern with the predefined flow rate pattern. The predefined flow rate is stored in the memory module (108). The at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to calculate a difference between the determined flow rate pattern and the predefined flow rate pattern. The at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to detect a deviation in the flow rate pattern. In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to identify an abnormal flow pattern based at least on the detected deviation.
[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart (200) showing a process flow of the fluid flow monitoring and data logging system (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] At operation (202), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to initiate the RTC module (106) to provide time and date for the data logging process. The RTC module (106) is configured to provide the time and the date to the at least one microcontroller (112). The RTC module (106) is further configured to provide precise timestamp to the at least one microcontroller (112).
[0061] At operation (204), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to determine whether the RTC module (106) is initialized. Once the RTC module (106) is initiated, the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to determine whether the RTC module (106) has successfully initialized or not. The at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to determine whether the RTC module (106) is operational or not.
[0062] At operation (206), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to retrieve RTC time if the RTC module (106) is initialized. If the RTC module (106) has been successfully initialized, the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to retrieve the present time and date from the RTC module (106).
[0063] At operation (208), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to display an error message “RTC initialization failed” if the RTC module (106) is not initialized. If the at least one microcontroller (112) detects that the RTC module (106) is not initialized correctly, the at least one microcontroller (112) alerts the user by displaying the error message “RTC initialization failed”. The error message informs the user that the RTC module (106) is not operational.
[0064] At operation (210), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to initialize the memory module (108). The memory module (108) comprises at least the SD card, the USB drive, and the SSD. After initializing the RTC module (106), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to initialize the memory module (108). The memory module (108) is configured to store the flow rate, the volume, and the timestamp corresponding to the flow rate and the volume of the fluid.
[0065] At operation (212), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to determine whether the memory module (108) is initialized. After initializing the memory module (108), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to determine whether the memory module (108) is initialized correctly or not.
[0066] At operation (214), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to display an error message “SD card initialization failed” if the memory module (108) is not initialized. If the at least one microcontroller (112) determines that the memory module (108) has failed to initialize, the at least one microcontroller (112) conveys to the display unit (114) to display the error message “SD card initialization failed” to alert the user that the memory module (108) is unable to store the flow rate, the volume, and the timestamp corresponding to the flow rate, and the volume of the fluid.
[0067] At operation (216), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to search the memory module (108) to identify a file with the highest file number in the memory module (108), if the memory module (108) is initialized. The highest file number is identified to avoid overwriting the file. The at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to search existing files on the memory module (108) and identify the file with the highest file number. By selecting the file with the highest file number, the at least one microcontroller (112) ensures that new data string is stored in a new file.
[0068] At operation (218), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to create a new file with an incremented numerical identifier in the memory module (108) based at least on the identified highest file number. The new file is configured to store the flow rate, the volume of the fluid and the timestamp corresponding to the flow rate and the volume of the fluid. Based on the identified highest file number, the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to create the new file with the incremented file number. The incremented file number ensures that each new session has a unique file.
[0069] At operation (220), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to attach an interrupt to a pin of the at least one sensor (110). The interrupt is configured to monitor the at least one sensor (110). The interrupt is triggered on a rising edge of the pulse generated by the at least one sensor (110).
[0070] At operation (222), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to initiate a program. After attaching the interrupt to the pin of the at least one sensor (110), the at least one microcontroller (112) enters to a main program running loop.
[0071] At operation (224), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to determine whether at least 1 second (1000 millisecond) has passed or not.
[0072] At operation (226), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to calculate the flow rate, and the volume of the fluid based at least on the counting of the one or more signals, if 1 second has passed. At operation (228), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to receive the determined time from the RTC module (106). The RTC module (106) is configured to determine the time corresponding to the calculated flow rate and the calculated volume of the fluid. The time determined by the RTC module (106) is stored in a string form within the memory module (108). The determined time is stored in the string named as time string. Similarly, the determined date is stored in a string known as a date string.
[0073] At operation (230), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to format the date string and the time string. The date string and the time string is formatted into a readable string. At operation (232), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to prepare the data string. The data string comprises the determined flow rate, the volume of the fluid, and the timestamp corresponding to the determined flow rate, and the volume of the fluid.
[0074] At operation (234), the display unit (114) is further configured to display the data string to the user. The data string is displayed to the user for real-time monitoring of the fluid flow. At operation (236), the memory module (108) is further configured to store the data string for the backup purpose. The data string is stored in the memory module (108) in the CSV format. The data string is stored in the new file within the memory module (108).
[0075] A t operation (238), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to reset the count of the one or more signals. At operation (240), the at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to trigger the interrupt. The interrupt increases the count of the one or more signals. At operation (242), if the at least 1 second (1000 milliseconds) is not passed, then the at least one microcontroller (112) waits for 10 milliseconds, and loops back to initiate the program.
[0076] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart (300) showing a workflow of the fluid flow monitoring and data logging system (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] At operation (302), the ignition switch (102) is activated to power on the system (100). The ignition switch (102) is configured to provide power supply to the system (100). Further, the voltage regulator (104) is configured to ensure the stable voltage supply to the one or more components of the system (100). Further, the voltage regulator (104) is configured to protect the system (100) from the power fluctuations.
[0078] At operation (304), the at least one microcontroller (112) corresponds to a central processing unit for the system (100). The at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to initiate the RTC module (106). The at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to initiate the memory module (108).
[0079] At operation (306), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to trigger the interrupt. The interrupt increases the count of the one or more signals. The at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to use interrupt routines to count the one or more signals from the at least one sensor (110). The at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to ensure accurate calculation of the flow rate and the volume of the fluid without missing any signal of the one or more signals. In one example, when the at least one sensor (110) generates a signal indicating movement of the fluid, the interrupt ensures the generated signal is immediately captured and processed.
[0080] At operation (308), the at least one sensor (110) is configured to generate the one or more signals corresponding to the flow of the fluid. The at least one sensor (110) is further configured to send the one or more signals generated to the at least one microcontroller (112) for determining the flow rate and the volume of the fluid.
[0081] At operation (310), the RTC module (106) is configured to determine the present date and the present time corresponding to the one or more signals generated. The RTC module (106) is configured to provide a precise timestamp.
[0082] At operation (312), the memory module (108) corresponds to a primary storage unit of the system (100). The memory module (108) is configured to store the flow rate, the volume of the fluid, and the timestamp corresponding to the flow rate, and the volume of the fluid.
[0083] At operation (314), the generated one or more signals is gathered. Further, the count of the generated one or more signals is gathered. Further, the present time and the present date for the RTC module (106) is gathered.
[0084] At operation (316), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to identify the file with the highest file number on the memory module (108) to ensure new flow rate, volume and the corresponding timestamp does not overwrite existing files. A new file is created with an incremented number, and all gathered data is stored in the new file.
[0085] At operation (318), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to calculate the flow rate and the volume of the fluid passing through the at least one sensor (110) and determine the present time from the RTC module (106). The at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to prepare the data string comprising the calculated flow rate, the calculated volume of the fluid, and the determined present time. The at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to log the prepared data string to the memory module (108). Data logging is the continuous recording of the calculated flow rate, the volume of the fluid, and the timestamp into the memory module (108).
[0086] At operation (320), the display unit (114), comprising the LED or the LCD, is configured to display the prepared data string to the user. The display unit (114) is further configured to provide visual feedback to the user. Further, the display unit (114) is configured to display the error message. The error message corresponds to “RTC initialization failed” and/or “SD card initialization failed.”
[0087] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart (400) of a method showing fluid flow monitoring and data logging, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0088] At operation (402), the at least one sensor (110) is configured to detect the flow of the fluid through the at least one sensor (110). The at least one sensor (110) is further configured to generate the one or more signals corresponding to the flow of the fluid.
[0089] At operation (404), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to receive the generated one or more signals form the at least one sensor (110). The at least one microcontroller (112) is further configured to count the one or more signals generated by the at least one sensor (110).
[0090] At operation (406), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to calculate the flow rate and the volume of the fluid passing through the at least one sensor (110) based at least on the counted one or more signals. After counting the one or more signals, the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to calculate the flow rate and the volume of the fluid passing through the at least one sensor (110) based at least on the characteristics of the flow of the fluid.
[0091] At operation (408), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to determine the present time from the RTC module (106). The at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to generate the timestamp corresponding to the flow of the fluid.
[0092] At operation (410), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to prepare the data string comprising the calculated flow rate, the calculated volume of the fluid, and the determined present time. After generating the timestamp, the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to prepare the data string. The data string comprises the calculated flow rate, the calculated volume of the fluid, and the corresponding timestamp.
[0093] At operation (412), the at least one microcontroller (112) is configured to store the prepared data string in the memory module (108) for data logging process. The prepared data string is stored in the memory module (108) for backup purpose and display purpose.
[0094] At operation (414), the display unit (114) is configured to display the prepared data string to the user. The prepared data string is displayed to the user in a human-readable format.
[0095] It should be noted that the system and the method for monitoring fluid flow in vehicles in any case could undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the same innovative concept; moreover, all of the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the components used, as well as the numbers, shapes, and sizes of the components can be of any kind according to the technical requirements. The scope of protection of the invention is therefore defined by the attached claims.

Dated this 19th Day of February, 2025
Ishita Rustagi (IN-PA/4097)
Agent for Applicant
, Claims:CLAIMS
WE CLAIM:
1. A fluid flow monitoring and data logging system, comprising a real-time clock (RTC) module, a memory module, characterized in that:
at least one sensor communicatively coupled to the RTC module and the memory module, and is configured to generate one or more signals corresponding to a flow of a fluid;
at least one microcontroller communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, and is configured to:
count the one or more signals generated by the at least one sensor,
calculate a flow rate and a volume of the fluid passing through the at least one sensor based at least on the counted one or more signals,
determine a present time from the RTC module,
prepare a data string comprising the calculated flow rate, the calculated volume of the fluid, and the determined present time, and
store the prepared data string in the memory module for data logging process, and
a display unit communicatively coupled to the at least one microcontroller, and is configured to display the prepared data string to a user.
2. The fluid flow monitoring and data logging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one microcontroller is further configured to:
initiate the RTC module to provide time and date for the data logging process;
determine whether the RTC module is initialized;
retrieve RTC time if the RTC module is initialized; and
display an error message “RTC initialization failed” if the RTC module is not initialized.
3. The fluid flow monitoring and data logging system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one microcontroller is further configured to:
initialize the memory module;
determine whether the memory module is initialized;
search the memory module to identify a file with the highest file number in the memory module, if the memory module is initialized, wherein the highest file number is identified to avoid overwriting the file;
create a new file with an incremented numerical identifier in the memory module based at least on the identified highest file number, wherein the new file is configured to store the flow rate, the volume of the fluid and a timestamp corresponding to the flow rate and the volume of the fluid; and
display an error message “SD card initialization failed” if the memory is not initialized.
4. The fluid flow monitoring and data logging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one microcontroller is further configured to:
perform real-time error tracking to monitor deviations in the calculated flow rate; and
implement corrective adjustments to ensure that the calculated flow rate readings remain within a margin of error not exceeding 1%.
5. The fluid flow monitoring and data logging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor corresponds to a flow sensor.
6. The fluid flow monitoring and data logging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory module is configured to create periodic automatic backups of the data string at a predefined interval, and wherein the memory module comprises at least a SD card, a USB drive, and an SSD.
7. The fluid flow monitoring and data logging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one microcontroller is further configured to:
analyse the one or more signals generated by the at least one sensor to detect deviation in the flow rate pattern of the fluid from a predefined flow rate pattern; and
identify an abnormal flow pattern based at least on the detected deviation.
8. The fluid flow monitoring and data logging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit comprises a light-emitting-diode (LED) or a liquid crystal display (LCD).
9. The fluid flow monitoring and data logging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises at least one of fuel, coolant, oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and hydraulic fluid.
10. A method comprising:
generating, via at least one sensor communicatively coupled to an RTC module and a memory module, one or more signals corresponding to a flow of a fluid;
counting, via at least one microcontroller communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, the one or more signals generated by the at least one sensor;
calculating, via the at least one microcontroller, a flow rate and a volume of the fluid passing through the at least one sensor based at least on the counted one or more signals;
determining, via the at least one microcontroller, a present time from the RTC module;
preparing, via the at least one microcontroller, a data string comprising the calculated flow rate, the calculated volume of the fluid, and the determined present time;
storing, via the at least one microcontroller, the prepared data string in the memory module for data logging process; and
displaying, via a display unit communicatively coupled to the at least one microcontroller, the prepared data string to a user.
Dated this 19th Day of February, 2025
Ishita Rustagi (IN-PA/4097)
Agent for Applicant