Valve arrangement system for fuel compatibility detection

Abstract

A fuel compatibility detector valve system (100), comprising: a fuel detection unit (FDU) configured to detect one or more physical or chemical properties of the fuel, including but not limited to density, viscosity, refractive index or chemical composition that indicate the fuel type; a valve actuation unit (VAU) comprising one or more valves positioned downstream of the FDU and configured to control the flow of fuel into a vehicle fuel tank; a control and monitoring unit (CMU) configured to receive signals from the FDU, compare the detected fuel characteristics with pre-stored reference values ​​corresponding to one or more compatible fuel types for a vehicle, and actuate the VAU to allow fuel flow only if the detected fuel is compatible, and otherwise prevent fuel flow; a fuel sampling chamber unit (SFCU) configured to allow a small amount of fuel to flow into the FDU to perform a rapid analysis prior to valve actuation; a user interface unit (UIU) configured to provide a user with real-time fuel compatibility displays; and the control and monitoring unit is configured to communicate with the vehicle's engine control module (ECM) or other on-board monitoring system to perform real-time condition monitoring and fault detection.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to fuel systems for vehicles, in particular a valve assembly system for detecting fuel compatibility, which automatically detects incompatible fuel and prevents it from entering the fuel tank of passenger cars, thereby ensuring safety, engine protection and operational efficiency.

[0002] With the increasing variety of fuel types in passenger cars, especially gasoline and diesel variants, accidentally filling up with the wrong fuel has become a common and costly problem. Vehicles whose external appearance doesn't clearly indicate the fuel type are particularly susceptible to errors at gas stations. Filling up with an incompatible fuel can lead to serious engine damage, clogged fuel injectors, damage to the catalytic converter, reduced fuel efficiency, and expensive repairs.

[0003] Conventional methods for preventing such errors primarily include manual monitoring, fuel type labels, color-coded fuel caps, or differentiation by fuel nozzle. However, these methods are highly susceptible to human error. Labels can fade or be ignored, nozzle sizes are not standardized at all service stations, and attendants can accidentally dispense the wrong fuel. Some advanced systems rely on mechanical limiters or RFID-based solutions, but these methods are often costly, infrastructure-dependent, and cannot accurately detect adulterated or mixed fuels. Furthermore, existing solutions do not provide real-time monitoring during refueling, leaving the engine at risk.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a reliable, automated and intelligent system that instantly detects fuel compatibility, prevents the input of incorrect fuels and provides immediate feedback to the driver to ensure safety, reduce repair costs and improve vehicle reliability.

[0005] To solve this problem, the present invention provides a valve system for detecting fuel compatibility.

[0006] The system is able to automatically detect the fuel type before refueling.

[0007] The system uses an ultrasonic sensor to measure fuel density based on the run-of-time principle.

[0008] The sensor enables a quick distinction between gasoline and diesel based on the measured density.

[0009] The system integrates a motorized throttle valve that only opens after checking fuel compatibility.

[0010] The system is connected to the engine control module (ECM) to enable real-time monitoring, fault detection, and warning messages on the dashboard.

[0011] The system reduces dependence on human monitoring and ensures accurate and safe refueling processes.

[0012] The system helps to prevent engine damage, minimize repair costs, and increase safety during refueling.

[0013] The system is designed as a retrofit system, so it can be adapted to existing vehicles without requiring major changes to the fuel system.

[0014] In one embodiment, a fuel compatibility detector valve assembly system is provided. This system is designed to ensure safe, automated refueling of passenger cars. The system consists of an ultrasonic fuel detector sensor, a motorized throttle valve, and a control unit integrated into the vehicle's engine control module (ECM). The assembly is installed near the fuel line opening and allows a small amount of fuel (up to 25 ml) to flow into a detection chamber, where it is rapidly analyzed. The ultrasonic sensor determines the fuel type based on density measurements using the transit-time principle of ultrasonic waves. Gasoline typically has a density of 730–770 kg / m³. 3 on, while diesel between 820-860 kg / m 3The control unit compares the measured values ​​with pre-stored reference densities corresponding to the fuel intended for the vehicle. Upon confirmation of compatibility, the motorized throttle valve opens, allowing the fuel to flow into the tank. If the fuel is incompatible, the valve remains closed, and the system issues real-time warnings via dashboard indicators – green for compatible fuel and red for incompatible fuel. The system draws its power from the vehicle and communicates with the ECM for status monitoring, fault detection, and refueling logging. This fully automatic mechanism eliminates human error, prevents engine damage from incorrect fueling, reduces repair costs, and ensures a stress-free refueling experience.Furthermore, it is adaptable to different vehicle models, scalable for different fuel types and able to work quickly, making it a reliable, intelligent and fail-safe refueling solution. The invention will be explained again below with reference to the illustration. This shows: Fig. : a valve assembly system for detecting fuel compatibility.

[0015] Fig.Figure 1 shows a valve assembly system for fuel compatibility detection. The fuel compatibility detection valve assembly system (100) of the present invention is designed to enable fail-safe, real-time verification of fuel compatibility in passenger cars. The assembly is located near the fuel line opening and comprises three integrated components: an ultrasonic fuel detector sensor, a motorized throttle valve, and a control unit connected to the vehicle's engine control module (ECM). During refueling, a small quantity of fuel, up to 25 ml, is initially introduced into a detection chamber where the ultrasonic sensor operates based on the transit-time principle of sound waves. The speed of the ultrasonic waves through the fuel is inversely proportional to its density, thus enabling accurate differentiation between gasoline and diesel.Gasoline with a density of 730-770 kg / m³. 3 and diesel with a density of 820-860 kg / m³ 3The sensors generate clearly distinguishable ultrasonic signatures. They transmit the density data to the control unit, which compares the readings to pre-stored reference densities corresponding to the vehicle's fuel type. If the fuel is confirmed as compatible, the control unit triggers the opening of the motorized throttle valve, allowing fuel to flow into the tank. If the fuel is incompatible, the valve remains closed, preventing fuel from entering the tank and potentially damaging the engine. The control unit simultaneously communicates with the ECM to monitor the operating status, detect malfunctions, and provide feedback to the instrument cluster. A green indicator confirms fuel compatibility, while a red indicator warns of incompatibility.The system (100) is designed for rapid response, performing detection and valve actuation within milliseconds, thus enabling seamless refueling. The assembly is waterproof, fuel-resistant, retrofittable, and adaptable to various vehicle models, ensuring long-term reliability, safety, and ease of use.

[0016] The present invention offers several significant advantages over conventional fuel systems and manual refueling methods. By integrating an ultrasonic fuel detector sensor, a motorized throttle valve, and a control unit, the system (100) ensures that only vehicle-compatible fuel enters the fuel tank, effectively eliminating human error during refueling. This reduces the risk of engine damage from the accidental use of incorrect fuel types, such as gasoline in a diesel engine or vice versa, thereby minimizing repair costs and associated downtime. The system (100) provides the driver with real-time feedback via dashboard displays, with green indicators signaling compatibility and red indicators signaling incompatibility, ensuring immediate awareness and stress-free refueling.Furthermore, integration into the vehicle's engine control module (ECM) enables continuous monitoring for malfunctions, thereby increasing safety. The compact, retrofittable design ensures applicability in various passenger car models without requiring modifications to the existing fuel system (100), thus improving vehicle reliability, brand value, and user confidence. Overall, the invention provides a fail-safe, automated, fast, and intelligent fuel level monitoring system (100) that enhances both the driving experience and vehicle performance.

[0017] The fuel compatibility detector valve system (100) consists of three main components: a fuel detection unit, a valve actuation unit, and a control and monitoring unit. The fuel detection unit uses a waterproof, fuel-resistant, and temperature-resistant ultrasonic sensor that measures the density of the fuel based on the time-of-flight principle of ultrasonic waves. This sensor detects density differences between gasoline (730-770 kg / m³). 3 ) and diesel (820-860 kg / m³) 3) with high precision in the nanosecond range. The valve actuation unit consists of a motorized throttle valve installed downstream of the sensor. By default, the valve remains closed, preventing fuel from entering the tank, and opens only when the control unit confirms compatibility. The control and monitoring unit is based on a microcontroller that stores reference density ranges for different fuel types and processes real-time signals from the ultrasonic sensor. It communicates with the vehicle's ECM for status monitoring, fault detection, and refueling logging, and provides on-board displays to inform the driver. The system (100) enables rapid analysis of fuel samples with a volume of up to 25 milliliters, and the valve can be actuated within milliseconds, ensuring seamless refueling.The overall design is compact, retrofittable, energy-saving and adaptable to various car models, offering a fail-safe and intelligent automated refueling solution. Reference symbol list 100 System

Claims

[1] A fuel compatibility detector valve system (100), comprising: a fuel detection unit (FDU) configured to detect one or more physical or chemical properties of the fuel, including but not limited to density, viscosity, refractive index or chemical composition that indicate the fuel type; a valve actuation unit (VAU) comprising one or more valves positioned downstream of the FDU and configured to control the flow of fuel into a vehicle fuel tank; a control and monitoring unit (CMU) configured to receive signals from the FDU, compare the detected fuel characteristics with pre-stored reference values ​​corresponding to one or more compatible fuel types for a vehicle, and actuate the VAU to allow fuel flow only if the detected fuel is compatible, and otherwise prevent fuel flow; a fuel sampling chamber unit (SFCU) configured to allow a small amount of fuel to flow into the FDU to perform a rapid analysis prior to valve actuation; a user interface unit (UIU) configured to provide a user with real-time fuel compatibility displays; and the control and monitoring unit is configured to communicate with the vehicle's engine control module (ECM) or other on-board monitoring system to perform real-time condition monitoring and fault detection. [2] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fuel detection unit (FDU) detects the fuel properties using ultrasonic, optical or chemical detection methods and distinguishes between fuel types such as gasoline, diesel, biofuels or alternative fuels. [3] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the valve actuation unit (VAU) comprises a motorized throttle valve, a solenoid valve or a rotary valve that can be actuated quickly in response to signals generated by the control and monitoring unit (CMU). [4] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control and monitoring unit (CMU) stores reference range values ​​for each fuel type and generates actuation signals within milliseconds to ensure rapid verification of fuel compatibility. [5] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fuel sample chamber (SFCU) is configured to hold a fuel volume of up to 25 milliliters to perform a rapid pre-check of fuel compatibility prior to refueling. [6] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the user interface unit (UIU) comprises a dashboard display, indicator panel or signal light configured to glow green when the fuel is compatible and glow red when the fuel is incompatible. [7] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fuel detection unit (FDU) is waterproof, fuel-resistant, vibration-resistant and temperature-resistant, thereby ensuring stable and reliable performance under various environmental and operating conditions. [8] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control and monitoring unit (CMU) is further configured to log refueling operations, operating data and fault reports for diagnostic and maintenance purposes. [9] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fuel detection and valve actuation take place within milliseconds, thereby ensuring a seamless, automated and fail-safe refueling process without human intervention. [10] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fuel compatibility detector valve assembly system (100) can be retrofitted to existing passenger cars without requiring significant structural modifications, thereby providing a safe, intelligent and adaptive refueling solution for multiple vehicle models and fuel types.

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