Autonomous Oil Change System for Rapid Vehicle Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicles require periodic oil changes, which can be costly and time-consuming, and there is a lack of available products to simplify this process, leading to potential engine complications if not performed properly.
Innovation Solution
The Autonomous Oil Change System, comprising a sensor, pump, and pipes, allows for a hands-free, no-filter oil change service for any vehicle make or model, enabling independent oil changes with automated recognition of vehicle specifications and payment processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional oil change services are used, then proper oil change can be achieved, but it requires significant time investment and waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables vehicles to perform oil changes autonomously without human intervention. The autonomous vehicle inserts itself into the service bay, the system automatically detects the vehicle type, drains old oil, refills new oil, and removes the vehicle, eliminating the need for customers to wait at service centers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical oil change processes with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, pumps, and controlled mechanisms to perform draining and refilling operations automatically, reducing service time from hours to minutes.
2Reliability
If traditional oil change services are used, then proper oil change can be achieved, but it requires appointments with mechanics and cannot be performed independently
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables vehicles to perform oil changes autonomously without human intervention. The autonomous vehicle inserts itself into the service bay, the system automatically detects the vehicle type, drains old oil, refills new oil, and removes the vehicle, eliminating the need for customers to wait at service centers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to service any make or model of vehicle through automated vehicle recognition and adaptation, allowing independent oil changes for diverse vehicle types without requiring specialized service centers or appointments.
3Reliability
If frequent oil changes are performed to maintain vehicle health, then engine complications can be prevented, but the cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables vehicles to perform oil changes autonomously without human intervention. The autonomous vehicle inserts itself into the service bay, the system automatically detects the vehicle type, drains old oil, refills new oil, and removes the vehicle, eliminating the need for customers to wait at service centers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the key parameter of service time from hours to minutes by implementing automated rapid oil drainage and refilling processes, making frequent oil changes practical and economically viable for maintaining engine health.
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 quick, independent oil changes with reduced wait times and costs, providing a convenient and efficient solution for maintaining vehicle health by automatically determining oil needs and performing the process with minimal user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The pump C extracts the used oil from the engine to the tray B and pumps in the new oil.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor A would then monitor if a water washout would be needed before refilling. The next step for the sensor A would be to refill the oil to the necessary filled level.
Data Source
AI summary
The Autonomous Oil Change System allows a user to arrive at a station and conduct an oil change on their vehicle. They do so by opening the lid/cover located on the front of the car on the machine to process the payment. This permits the user to insert their debit/credit card on the machine to process their payment and to begin the process and receive an oil change in a few minutes with a receipt and a date recommendation for their next oil change. The system then performs the oil change autonomously. A first hose extends from an oil pan of a vehicle to an externally accessible point on the vehicle. A sensor indicates a level of oil and generates a signal for a pump to draw an oil in the oil pan via the hose externally accessible on the vehicle based on the signal from the sensor.