Commercial vehicle fuel theft prevention system based on body controller

Abstract

The utility model discloses a commercial vehicle fuel theftproof system based on vehicle body controller, including fuel liquid level sensor, vehicle body controller and alarm execution unit. Vehicle body controller integrated main control unit, real time clock chip, state signal communication module, and main control unit integrated nonvolatile storage unit, the system still contains power management module and provides the standby power of power supply path switching, and the alarm execution unit includes local audible and visual alarm and vehicle remote communication unit, and vehicle remote communication unit pushes alarm information to mobile terminal through the cloud. After the vehicle is extinguished, real time clock chip timing wakes up main control unit and monitors fuel, and if it is abnormal to reduce, then alarms, and optimizes power consumption according to the battery state. The utility model discloses high integration, controllable cost, low power consumption, multiple intelligent alarm, can adapt to the complex working condition of commercial vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle security technology, and in particular to a commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller. Background Technology

[0002] Commercial vehicles, especially heavy-duty trucks undertaking long-distance transportation tasks, play a vital role in the national economy. However, these vehicles also face some operational risks, among which fuel safety issues are particularly prominent.

[0003] First, commercial vehicles typically have much larger fuel tank capacities than ordinary passenger cars; for example, heavy-duty trucks can have fuel tanks with capacities of hundreds or even thousands of liters. This means that filling up the tank is extremely expensive, making the fuel itself a high-value asset. Second, due to vehicle structural layout and refueling convenience requirements, commercial vehicle fuel tanks are usually installed on the external side of the chassis, making them relatively easy to access. This makes the fuel tank itself a direct target for theft.

[0004] Furthermore, the operational characteristics of commercial vehicles dictate that they may need to be parked for extended periods in service areas, parking lots, remote road sections, or even unattended locations, especially at night or during loading and unloading. These parking environments often lack effective security monitoring, providing opportunities for fuel theft. Fuel theft not only causes significant direct economic losses but can also delay transportation plans, affect operational efficiency, and even disrupt the normal use of the vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, in response to the problems of high fuel value, easy access, and complex parking environments of commercial vehicles, developing a reliable, intelligent fuel anti-theft system that can adapt to the operating characteristics of commercial vehicles is of great practical significance and market demand for protecting the interests of operators and improving transportation efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller, comprising:

[0007] A fuel level sensor is used to detect the fuel level in a vehicle's fuel tank and output a fuel level signal.

[0008] The body controller is electrically connected to the fuel level sensor and is used to receive the fuel level signal;

[0009] An alarm execution unit, electrically connected to the body controller, is used to issue an alarm signal according to the instructions of the body controller;

[0010] The vehicle body controller includes a main control unit, a real-time clock chip electrically connected to the main control unit, and a status signal communication module electrically connected to the main control unit for receiving vehicle status information.

[0011] The main control unit includes a non-volatile storage unit for storing fuel level reference values ​​and fuel abnormal event records.

[0012] Furthermore, the alarm execution unit includes a vehicle horn and / or vehicle lights, and the vehicle body controller includes a drive circuit for driving the vehicle horn and / or vehicle lights.

[0013] Furthermore, the alarm execution unit includes an in-vehicle remote communication unit, which is connected to the body controller via the vehicle CAN bus and to a cloud service unit, which pushes alarm signals to the mobile terminal.

[0014] Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted remote communication unit includes a cellular network module and a navigation and positioning module.

[0015] Furthermore, the body controller includes a power management module connected to the vehicle's main battery to monitor the voltage of the main battery. The power management module is connected to the main control unit and the real-time clock chip.

[0016] Furthermore, the vehicle body controller includes a backup power module, which includes a rechargeable backup battery and a charging management circuit for managing the charging of the rechargeable backup battery. The power management module is connected to the backup power module and is used to switch the power supply path between the vehicle's main battery and the backup power module.

[0017] Furthermore, the status signal communication module includes a signal filtering circuit connected between the fuel level sensor and the main control unit, which filters and conditions the fuel level signal.

[0018] Furthermore, the status signal communication module is connected to the vehicle's ignition switch, and the vehicle status signal is an ignition status signal indicating whether the vehicle's ignition is ON or OFF.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a tilt sensor connected to the body controller, the tilt sensor being used to detect the tilt angle of the vehicle in one or more axes and output a tilt angle signal to the body controller.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes an anti-theft filter cartridge installed at the oil inlet of the oil tank. An annular first flange is provided on the inner wall of the oil inlet of the oil tank. The anti-theft filter cartridge includes a cylinder and a second flange fixed on the outer wall of the cylinder. The first flange is fixedly connected to the second flange by multiple bolts. Multiple filter holes are evenly opened on the outer wall of the cylinder.

[0021] Beneficial effects:

[0022] The technical solution provided by this utility model is highly integrated and cost-controllable. It mainly uses the vehicle's existing body controller as the core controller and reuses its internal processing unit, storage and communication interface. It does not require a large amount of new dedicated hardware, which significantly reduces the hardware cost and installation complexity of the system.

[0023] By using a real-time clock chip to wake up the main control unit and a low-power sleep mode, as well as the power management module to manage the main battery in a refined manner, it is possible to effectively monitor fuel consumption while the vehicle is parked for an extended period of time with the engine off, while minimizing the consumption of the vehicle battery.

[0024] Combining local audible and visual alarms with TBOX remote alarms (including location information), it can promptly and effectively alert and notify vehicle owners or fleet managers, improving the response speed of anti-theft measures and the possibility of asset recovery.

[0025] Through signal filtering circuitry and tilt sensor compensation, the accuracy of fuel level monitoring is improved under complex conditions such as vehicle swaying or parking on a slope, reducing false alarms. The anti-theft filter cartridge provides additional physical protection. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The following figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an alarm execution unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an anti-theft filter cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Attached reference numerals: 1. Oil tank inlet; 2. First flange; 3. Second flange; 4. Cylinder; 5. Filter hole; 6. Anti-theft filter cartridge; 7. Bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this invention, specific embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. For the sake of simplicity, the parts related to the present invention are shown schematically in each drawing and do not represent their actual structure as a product. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity and ease of understanding, in some drawings, components with the same structure or function are only schematically depicted, or only one is labeled.

[0032] In this utility model, "connection" can include direct connection, indirect connection, communication connection, and electrical connection, unless otherwise specified.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. It will also be understood that, when used in the specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” mean the presence of the stated features, values, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items.

[0034] This utility model provides a commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller, such as... Figures 1-3 As shown, it mainly includes: a fuel level sensor, a body controller, an alarm execution unit, a tilt sensor, and an anti-theft filter cartridge installed at the fuel tank inlet.

[0035] See Figure 1 The fuel level sensor is installed inside the fuel tank of the commercial vehicle to detect the fuel level in real time. In this embodiment, a traditional float-type fuel level sensor or a tubular type (such as a capacitive or resistive) fuel level sensor can be used. Its output is an analog voltage signal or a variable resistance signal, which corresponds to the fuel level.

[0036] The body controller is the core control unit of this system. Internally, the body controller mainly includes a main control unit, a real-time clock chip (RTC), and a status signal communication module. The main control unit (MCU or SOC) is, for example, an automotive-grade 32-bit microcontroller. The main control unit integrates: a CPU core, Flash memory, RAM memory, non-volatile memory, a timer / counter module, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), general-purpose input / output pins (GPIO), and a communication interface module.

[0037] The CPU core is responsible for executing all anti-theft logic algorithms, data processing, and communication control tasks of the system. Flash memory stores the system's firmware code, including the operating system (if needed), anti-theft detection algorithms, real-time clock chip management program, CAN communication protocol stack, alarm processing logic, and various preset parameters (such as alarm thresholds and wake-up intervals). RAM memory serves as the working memory for program execution, storing temporary variables, stack data, and real-time sensor sampling values. The timer / counter module is used for various timing needs, such as determining whether a fuel level drop has lasted for "1 second" and controlling the frequency and duration of alarm sounds.

[0038] Non-volatile memory units (such as EEPROM integrated within the MCU or a dedicated Data Flash area) are used to permanently store critical data, such as the fuel level reference value and fuel abnormality event records in this solution.

[0039] The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) has multiple analog input channels. One channel is connected to the output of the fuel level sensor via a status signal communication module, converting the analog fuel level signal into a digital value. Another channel (or multiple channels) can be used to monitor the vehicle's main battery voltage and backup battery voltage (sampled via the power management module). If the tilt sensor outputs an analog signal, that signal is also input to the ADC.

[0040] Some of the general purpose input / output (GPIO) pins are configured as inputs to receive digital status signals (such as ignition switch signals) from the status signal communication module. Other GPIO pins are configured as outputs to control the drive circuitry, which in turn controls the horn or lights in the alarm execution unit.

[0041] The communication interface module includes a CAN controller for communicating with the vehicle's CAN bus via a CAN transceiver, and subsequently interacting with other ECUs such as the Onboard Remote Control Unit (TBOX). It may also include an SPI or I2C interface for communicating with a real-time clock chip.

[0042] The Real-Time Clock (RTC) chip connects to the main control unit via an I2C / SPI interface. The RTC chip uses an independent crystal oscillator or a frequency division of the body controller's main clock, allowing it to continue operating independently even when the main control unit enters deep sleep mode for extremely low power consumption. An internal alarm can be set within the RTC chip; when a preset wake-up time is reached (e.g., every 3 minutes after engine shutdown), the RTC chip generates an interrupt signal, waking the main control unit via a dedicated wake-up pin.

[0043] The status signal communication module includes an analog signal conditioning section and a digital signal input section. The analog signal conditioning section includes a signal filtering circuit connected between the fuel level sensor output and the ADC input channel of the main control unit. This signal filtering circuit is preferably an RC low-pass filter, used to filter out high-frequency noise in the fuel level signal and to initially smooth rapid signal fluctuations caused by fuel sloshing. This section may also include necessary input protection circuitry (such as current-limiting resistors and TVS diodes) and a voltage divider circuit (if the sensor output voltage range does not match the ADC input range).

[0044] The digital signal input unit is connected to the vehicle's ignition switch and is used to receive digital level signals indicating whether the vehicle's ignition key is in the ON or OFF position (or other ACC positions, etc.). This unit also includes input protection circuitry and possible level conversion circuitry.

[0045] The body controller also includes a power management module, which manages the power supply to the body controller. Its input is connected to the vehicle's main battery. Internally, it contains an LDO (low dropout linear regulator) and / or a DC-DC converter to convert the main battery voltage to the operating voltage required by the main control unit, real-time clock chip, and other internal circuitry of the body controller.

[0046] When the main control unit enters sleep mode, the power management module can provide a stable power supply with ultra-low static current consumption for the real-time clock chip and the necessary maintenance parts of the main control unit (such as RAM data retention and wake-up logic) to minimize the consumption of the main battery.

[0047] This module also integrates or works with the main control unit's ADC to achieve real-time monitoring of the vehicle's main battery voltage. It includes power protection functions such as input reverse connection protection, overvoltage protection (e.g., to handle vehicle load dumping), and undervoltage lockout.

[0048] The vehicle body controller includes a backup power module, which works closely with the power management module. It comprises: a rechargeable backup battery, such as a small lithium-ion battery; and a charging management circuit, which, when the main battery is supplying power normally, safely charges the rechargeable backup battery using a constant current / constant voltage charging mode, and provides protection against overcharge, overheating, and charging timeout.

[0049] The power management module also features power path management. This function continuously monitors the voltage status of the main battery. When the main battery voltage is detected to be lower than a preset switching threshold (indicating main power failure or severe deficiency), the power path management function automatically and seamlessly switches the power supply to the body controller from the main battery to the backup battery. When the main battery voltage returns to normal, it automatically switches back to main power supply.

[0050] Combination Figure 2The body controller also includes a drive circuit, which is controlled by the GPIO of the main control unit. Since the driving capability of GPIO is limited, the drive circuit (e.g., composed of transistors, MOSFETs, or dedicated relay driver ICs) is used to amplify the control signal to drive the relay of the vehicle horn in the alarm execution unit or directly drive the vehicle lights (e.g., to make them flash).

[0051] The alarm execution unit includes a vehicle horn and / or vehicle lights (such as vehicle hazard warning lights or specific indicator lights). When the body controller determines that an abnormality has occurred, it controls the vehicle horn to emit a horn sound at a set frequency and duration through the drive circuit, and controls the vehicle lights to flash according to a preset pattern to alert personnel on site.

[0052] The alarm execution unit also includes an onboard remote communication unit (TBOX), which is an independent ECU connected to the body controller via the vehicle's CAN bus.

[0053] The vehicle-mounted remote communication unit integrates:

[0054] Cellular network modules: such as 4G LTE or 5G NR modules, with a SIM card (physical or eSIM) for accessing mobile operator networks.

[0055] Navigation and positioning module: such as GPS / BeiDou dual-mode positioning module, used to obtain real-time latitude, longitude, speed, direction and other information of the vehicle.

[0056] In addition, TBOX itself includes its main processor, memory, power management, antenna, and CAN interface.

[0057] When the body controller detects a fuel malfunction event (or main power failure event), it constructs a CAN message containing information such as event type, timestamp, current fuel level, and vehicle VIN code, and sends it to the TBOX via the CAN bus.

[0058] After receiving the CAN message, TBOX will combine the current vehicle location information obtained by the navigation and positioning module and upload this data to the cloud service unit through the cellular network module.

[0059] The cloud service unit is deployed on a remote server and is responsible for receiving, storing, and analyzing data from each TBOX, and processing it according to preset rules.

[0060] Once the cloud service unit receives an alarm message, it will push the message to a pre-defined user mobile terminal (such as the vehicle owner's or fleet manager's mobile app) via push notification service or SMS. Users can then open the app to view more detailed information and historical records.

[0061] Because commercial vehicles operate on complex road conditions, factors such as vehicle tilting and fuel sloshing can easily interfere with the fuel level sensor readings, leading to false alarms or missed alarms. Therefore, fuel immobilizer systems also include tilt sensors. The tilt sensor can be an independent MEMS sensor module, outputting analog voltage signals or digital signals (such as SPI or I2C). If it outputs an analog signal, it connects to the analog input conditioning circuit in the body controller's status signal communication module, and then to the ADC of the main control unit. If it outputs a digital signal, it connects directly to the corresponding digital communication interface of the main control unit.

[0062] The main control unit periodically reads the data from the tilt sensor, and based on the preset fuel tank geometry model and calibration data (stored in Flash or non-volatile storage), combined with the current tilt angle, corrects the original reading from the fuel level sensor to obtain an estimated value that is closer to the actual volume or an equivalent liquid level value in a horizontal state.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, an anti-theft filter cartridge 6 is installed at the fuel tank inlet 1. A first annular flange 2 is welded or otherwise fixed to the inner wall of the fuel tank inlet 1. The anti-theft filter cartridge 6 mainly consists of a cylinder 4 and a second flange 3 fixed to the upper part of the outer wall of the cylinder 4. During installation, the cylinder 4 of the anti-theft filter cartridge 6 is inserted into the fuel tank inlet 1, and then the second flange 3 is fastened to the first flange 2 with multiple bolts 7. A sealing ring is placed between the two to ensure a seal. Multiple filter holes 5 are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the cylinder 4. The diameter of these filter holes 5 is designed to be smaller than the outer diameter of a conventional fuel theft hose, but still ensures the fuel flow rate during normal refueling, thus playing a physical anti-theft role.

[0064] The system workflow is as follows:

[0065] (Step 1) Determine vehicle status: The body controller determines whether the vehicle is in the ON position via the ignition switch signal. If yes, the system is in normal operation monitoring mode; if no (the engine is off), it enters arming preparation mode.

[0066] (Step Two) Arming and Baseline Storage: After the vehicle is turned off, the body controller will stabilize for a period of time before the main control unit enters sleep mode, repeatedly collecting and filtering signals from the fuel level sensor to obtain a stable current fuel level value. Simultaneously, the tilt sensor will also record the current vehicle tilt angle. This stable fuel level value and tilt angle value are stored as the "fuel level baseline value" in the non-volatile storage unit.

[0067] (Step 3) Main control unit enters sleep mode, real-time clock chip starts timing: After storing the reference, the main control unit enters deep sleep mode. The power management module ensures that the real-time clock chip and necessary parts of the main control unit are maintained at extremely low power. The real-time clock chip starts timing at preset intervals.

[0068] (Step 4) Real-time clock chip wake-up: Upon reaching the preset time, the real-time clock chip generates an interrupt to wake up the main control unit. The power management module restores normal power supply to the main control unit.

[0069] (Step 5) Acquire current status: The awakened main control unit immediately acquires the current fuel level sensor signal (conditioned by a filter circuit) and the current tilt angle through the status signal communication module.

[0070] (Step Six) Tilt Angle Compensation and Judgment Condition Adjustment: The main control unit compares the current tilt angle with the tilt angle stored at the reference. If the change is significant, a compensation algorithm is used to correct the current fuel level reading, or the threshold for judging abnormal fuel reduction is adjusted.

[0071] (Step 7) Compare fuel level: The main control unit compares the current fuel level with the "fuel level reference value" stored in the non-volatile storage unit.

[0072] (Step 8) Determine if there is an abnormal decrease: If the current fuel level is significantly lower than the baseline value, and this state persists for a short period of time (e.g., several consecutive samples are below the threshold, with a total duration exceeding 1 second, determined by a timer), then it is determined that the fuel level has decreased abnormally. If the conditions for abnormal decrease are not met, it is considered normal. The main control unit may update the baseline value in the non-volatile storage unit with the current stable fuel level value (and tilt angle value), and then return to step 3 to continue sleeping.

[0073] (Step Nine) Trigger Alarm: If an abnormal fuel reduction is detected: The main control unit drives the vehicle horn to sound and the vehicle lights to flash via the drive circuit. The main control unit sends an alarm command to the TBOX via the CAN bus. The TBOX obtains the current GPS location, packages the alarm information, uploads it to the cloud service unit, and finally pushes it to the user's mobile terminal. The main control unit records this abnormal fuel event in the non-volatile storage unit.

[0074] (Step 10) Continuous Monitoring and Power Management: The system will continuously and periodically execute the monitoring cycle from Steps 3 to 9. The power management module continuously monitors the main battery voltage. If the voltage is lower than the first threshold, the main control unit may instruct the real-time clock chip to extend the next wake-up interval in Step 3. If the voltage is lower than the second extremely low threshold, the main control unit may send a low battery alarm (via TBOX) after recording the status, and then enter a deeper sleep state or completely stop monitoring to protect the main battery. If a backup power module is equipped and the main battery power supply fails, the power management module will automatically switch to backup battery power. After the main control unit is woken up and detects this status, it will first send an emergency alarm of "main power disconnected" via TBOX, and then decide whether to continue fuel monitoring or enter energy-saving emergency mode based on the backup battery power status.

[0075] (Step 11) Vehicle Restart: When the vehicle ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the body control unit resumes normal operation. The main control unit checks the non-volatile memory for any unprocessed fuel anomaly events. If any are found, the body control unit sends a warning message to the vehicle's instrument panel ECU via the CAN bus, displaying it on the instrument panel screen to alert the driver. The driver can clear the warning upon confirmation.

[0076] This embodiment integrates the fuel anti-theft function into the existing body controller of the commercial vehicle, and combines it with technologies such as low-power wake-up of the real-time clock chip, fine power management, tilt compensation and backup power support, and TBOX remote alarm, to achieve a fuel anti-theft solution that is cost-effective, highly reliable, feature-rich, and well-suited to the complex operating environment of commercial vehicles.

[0077] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the form in this embodiment is not limited thereto, nor is the adjustment method limited thereto. It is understood that other improvements and variations directly derived or conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the basic concept of the present invention should be considered to be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller, characterized in that, include: A fuel level sensor is used to detect the fuel level in a vehicle's fuel tank and output a fuel level signal. The body controller is electrically connected to the fuel level sensor and is used to receive the fuel level signal; An alarm execution unit, electrically connected to the body controller, is used to issue an alarm signal according to the instructions of the body controller; The vehicle body controller includes a main control unit, a real-time clock chip electrically connected to the main control unit, and a status signal communication module electrically connected to the main control unit for receiving vehicle status information. The main control unit includes a non-volatile storage unit for storing fuel level reference values ​​and fuel abnormal event records.

2. The commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm execution unit includes a vehicle horn and / or vehicle lights, and the vehicle body controller includes a drive circuit for driving the vehicle horn and / or vehicle lights.

3. The commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm execution unit includes an in-vehicle remote communication unit, which is connected to the body controller via the vehicle CAN bus and to a cloud service unit, which pushes alarm signals to the mobile terminal.

4. A commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The vehicle-mounted remote communication unit includes a cellular network module and a navigation and positioning module.

5. A commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The body controller includes a power management module that monitors the voltage of the vehicle's main battery and is connected to the main control unit and the real-time clock chip.

6. A commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The vehicle body controller includes a backup power module, which includes a rechargeable backup battery and a charging management circuit for managing the charging of the rechargeable backup battery. The power management module is connected to the backup power module and is used to switch the power supply path between the vehicle's main battery and the backup power module.

7. A commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The status signal communication module includes a signal filtering circuit connected between the fuel level sensor and the main control unit, which filters and conditions the fuel level signal.

8. A commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The status signal communication module is connected to the vehicle's ignition switch, and the vehicle status signal is an ignition status signal that indicates whether the vehicle's ignition is ON or OFF.

9. A commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a tilt sensor connected to the body controller, the tilt sensor being used to detect the tilt angle of the vehicle in one or more axes and output a tilt angle signal to the body controller.

10. A commercial vehicle fuel anti-theft system based on a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an anti-theft filter cartridge installed at the oil inlet of the oil tank. An annular first flange is provided on the inner wall of the oil inlet of the oil tank. The anti-theft filter cartridge includes a cylinder and a second flange fixed on the outer wall of the cylinder. The first flange is fixedly connected to the second flange by multiple bolts. Multiple filter holes are evenly opened on the outer wall of the cylinder.

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