Form-coded Collar Assembly for Underground Fuel Tank Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing standardized filling ports for underground fuel storage tanks are indistinguishable, leading to frequent incorrect filling of different fuel grades and types, causing damage to vehicles and environmental contamination, especially in urban gas stations where tanks are closely clustered.
Innovation Solution
A form-coded collar assembly is attached to the filling pipes, featuring unique shapes and color-coding to differentiate between diesel and various petroleum grades, along with additional identifiers like engraving or texture, and a spill bucket with overflow detection and alert systems to prevent leakage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If paint is used to mark tank openings to distinguish fuel grades, then visual distinction between fuel types is improved, but the marks fade quickly due to fuel spills and solvent effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses permanently colored collars with distinct color coding (red for grade 87, white for grade 89, blue for grade 91, green for diesel) that resist fading better than paint. The color coding provides durable visual distinction that maintains its integrity despite fuel exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces physical collars as intermediary markers attached to filling ports, serving as a more durable alternative to direct paint marking. These collars act as a mediator between the filling port and the operator, providing lasting visual identification without the fading problems of direct paint application.
2Area of stationary object
If filling ports for multiple tanks are clustered closely together to save space, then land use efficiency is improved, but the likelihood of incorrect filling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by assigning unique visual characteristics (color and shape combinations) to each filling port collar. This allows operators to quickly distinguish between adjacent ports through localized visual cues, maintaining identification accuracy even when ports are closely spaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric shape coding in addition to color coding. Different geometric shapes (circles, squares, triangles, etc.) are assigned to different fuel types, providing an additional dimensional cue that enhances distinguishability between closely positioned filling ports.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized uniform filling ports are used for all fuel grades, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to distinguish between fuel types is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains a standardized base collar design for manufacturing simplicity while adding variable visual elements (color and shape) to provide identification. This approach preserves manufacturing efficiency while restoring the ability to distinguish fuel types through localized differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal collar system that serves multiple functions: it provides structural identification, visual distinction through color coding, and geometric differentiation through shape coding. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for completely different ports for each fuel type while maintaining clear identification capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A form-coded collar assembly that is configured to be attached around a filling pipe extending into an underground fuel storage tank and comprises a radial lip defining an opening at its open end, and a system having a plurality of such form-coded collar assemblies. The collar assembly has a base plate with a hollow center comprising a greater footprint than the filling pipe; a form-coded collar that corresponds to a substance contained within the underground storage tank; and a sidewall extending between a user-facing surfaces of said base plate and said form-coded collar.