Diesel Fuel Sensor Ring for Nozzle Size Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of diesel engines in smaller vehicles has led to a higher likelihood of incorrect fueling, as diesel fill nozzles are too large for gasoline-powered vehicles, while gasoline nozzles can easily fit into diesel fill tubes, causing accidental introduction of gasoline into diesel engines, which can result in engine damage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor ring is added to the filler neck of diesel-powered vehicles that alerts the user when an incorrectly sized nozzle is inserted, using displaceable mechanical elements connected to switches or a mechanical key device to indicate if a gasoline nozzle is being used, preventing the introduction of gasoline into the diesel fuel tank without modifying the nozzle or tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diesel fill nozzles are made larger to fit diesel fill tubes, then diesel fueling is enabled, but gasoline nozzles can also fit into diesel fill tubes causing fueling errors
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor ring with displaceable mechanical elements is introduced as an intermediary component between the nozzle and the fuel tank. This sensor ring detects the presence and size of the inserted nozzle through mechanical displacement, and provides feedback to alert the user of potential fueling errors, thus preventing harmful incorrect fueling while maintaining compatibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sensor ring with displaceable mechanical elements is added to detect nozzle size, then incorrect fueling is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is extracted as a separate, modular sensor ring component that can be added to existing fuel tanks without redesigning the entire fueling system. This modular approach minimizes the complexity increase by isolating the sensing mechanism from the core fuel storage and delivery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable mechanical elements in the sensor ring are self-actuating components that automatically detect nozzle presence and characteristics through passive mechanical displacement. The system uses the physical act of nozzle insertion itself to trigger the sensing mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex actuation systems.
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
Prevents the accidental introduction of gasoline into diesel engines by alerting the user before fueling, minimizing costly repairs and ensuring the correct fuel is used, and can be implemented as an after-market product with minimal alteration to existing fueling facilities.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor ring is added to the filler neck of diesel-powered vehicles that alerts the user when an incorrectly sized nozzle is inserted, using displaceable mechanical elements connected to switches or a mechanical key device
Data Source
AI summary
A method and structure are described for preventing the accidental introduction of an incorrect liquid into a tank, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel system of a diesel-powered vehicle. In a first embodiment, the entrance to a fill tube of a diesel-powered vehicle is configured with a sensor ring. When an incorrect fueling operation is attempted, such as the introduction of gasoline into the fuel tank of a diesel-powered vehicle, at least one but fewer than all of displaceable mechanical elements are displaced, and the sensor ring alerts the operator visually and/or audibly before fueling starts, thereby preventing incorrect fueling.