Anti-siphoning Tank Removal Prevention Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional anti-siphoning devices for fuel tanks face challenges in preventing fraudulent removal and efficient refueling, as mechanical obstructions hinder fuel flow and allow unauthorized access, while existing connection systems are complex and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A removal prevention device comprising a second ring with an axial tube and a third ring, featuring an annular guide, sliders, and elastically deformable elements, which allows secure coupling and decoupling with the tank, preventing unauthorized removal by locking the device in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical obstruction (perforated metallic net or cobweb of baffles) is used to prevent fuel extraction, then the anti-siphoning protection is improved, but the refueling efficiency deteriorates due to chaotic fuel flow deviation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-siphoning protectionVSAvoidrefueling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-siphoning device is divided into multiple functional segments: a tube segment for fuel flow, a barrier segment with perforated net or baffles for protection, and a locking segment with ring, sliders, and elastically deformable elements for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including sliders that can move along the annular guide, elastically deformable elements that can compress and expand, and a rotation-based locking action. The sliders oscillate with respect to pivots and engage with seats to lock or unlock the device dynamically during installation and removal operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If conventional coupling systems (metallic tongues or perforation and riveting) are used to attach the anti-siphoning device, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The elastically deformable elements are pre-loaded in a compressed state within the locking mechanism. When the device is installed, these pre-loaded elements automatically engage with the tank opening and lock the sliders in place, providing immediate secure attachment without requiring time-consuming fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical fastening systems (metallic tongues requiring deformation, or perforation and riveting requiring special equipment) with a spring-based elastic locking mechanism. The elastically deformable elements provide secure attachment through elastic force rather than permanent mechanical deformation or chemical bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the barrier system is arranged on the bottom of the inlet tube, then the anti-siphoning effect is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to easy removal by unauthorized individuals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-siphoning effectVSAvoidfraudulent removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges three previously separate functions into a single integrated device: the anti-siphoning barrier (perforated net or baffles), the coupling mechanism (ring structure), and the removal prevention system (sliders with locking seats and elastically deformable elements). This integration ensures that the barrier cannot be separated from the secure locking mechanism, preventing unauthorized removal while maintaining the anti-siphoning effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism combines multiple material properties: rigid components (ring, sliders, pivots) for structural strength, elastically deformable elements (springs or rubber components) for locking force, and friction-based seats for position maintenance. This composite approach creates a robust system that resists unauthorized removal attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and secure association and disassociation of the device with the tank, preventing fraudulent removal while ensuring efficient fuel flow during refueling, and allowing authorized personnel to perform maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one second seat for an elastically deformable element which protrudes within said annular guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3164288B1Removal prevention device for Anti-siphoning devices for tanks
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 LAGO ACCESSORI
  • EP3164288B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3164288B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3164288B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A removal prevention device (1) for anti-siphoning devices for tanks (2), which comprises a second ring (4) which is provided with an axial tube (7) and with which a third ring (8) can be associated which can be coupled to the tank (2); the second ring (4) has an annular guide (12), concentric to the axial tube (7), on which at least slider (13a, 13b) slides, oscillating with respect to a pivot (17a, 17b) which is associated with the third ring (8); adjacent to the annular guide (12) there is at least one first seat (19a, 19b) for the temporary engagement of the at least one slider (13a, 13b) and at least one second seat (21a, 21b) for an elastically deformable element (20a, 20b) which protrudes within the annular guide (12); one or more screws (22a, 22b) is associated radially with the second ring (4), affecting or not affecting the annular guide (12).