Fuel Tank Antitheft Device with Float Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antitheft devices for fuel tanks are inefficient in preventing fuel extraction, particularly when the tank is full, as they obstruct refueling and can be easily bypassed, requiring complex and time-consuming installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a tube with a guiding funnel and a float mechanism that allows fuel flow during refueling, blocking extraction when the tank is full, and can be quickly and securely anchored to the tank inlet, ensuring optimal fuel dispensing and theft prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical obstruction (tube with mesh or laminae) is used to prevent fuel extraction, then fuel theft prevention is improved, but refueling time increases and fuel flow is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fuel flow path into multiple controlled sections: the tube with mesh/laminae creates multiple small passages that prevent hose insertion while allowing fuel flow. This segmentation maintains security while enabling refueling through numerous small openings rather than a single blocked path.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstruction structure applies local quality by using mesh or laminae with specific aperture sizes that differentiate between what can and cannot pass through. The local structure allows small fuel molecules to pass while blocking larger hose structures, achieving selective permeability based on size.
2Reliability
If the tube with obstruction is placed on the bottom of the tank, then fuel extraction is blocked, but fuel can still be easily removed from the surface level when the tank is full
Solution Approach 1:
The device extends the obstruction vertically through the fuel column by using a tube that reaches from the bottom upward. This dimensional extension transforms a single-point blockage into a multi-level barrier, preventing access to fuel at any height within the tube's reach.
3Reliability
If the tube length is reduced to prevent surface fuel access, then fuel theft prevention is improved, but the refueling adapter cannot be inserted without extensions
Solution Approach 1:
The tube design incorporates multiple functions: it provides obstruction at the bottom, extends upward to protect surface fuel, and simultaneously serves as the insertion path for the refueling adapter. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective structures and adapters.
4Reliability
If complex coupling systems (metallic tabs, perforation, riveting) are used to anchor the device, then device security is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex anchoring mechanisms (metallic tabs, perforation, riveting) from the device and replaces them with a simplified coupling system. This extraction maintains security while eliminating time-consuming installation steps and specialized equipment requirements.
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
The device effectively prevents fuel theft while allowing quick and efficient refueling, even when the tank is full, with a simple and cost-effective design that can be easily installed and maintained.
Implementation Method 1
a guide for a float being associated slidably coaxially to said tube, said float being adapted to move between a closed condition and an open condition of said output section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An antitheft device, particularly for preventing the drawing of fuel from tanks, which comprises a tube (5), which has a first ring (4) that can be associated with an adapter for accessing a tank, and has internally a guiding funnel (8) for an underlying axial cone (9) that is adapted to guide and direct the flow of the fuel along a fluid stream. The cone (9) has, at its base, an outside diameter that is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the tube (5), so as to form an output section for the passage of the fuel. A guide (19) for a float (20) is associated slidably coaxially to the tube (5) and the float (20) is adapted to move between a closed condition and an open condition of the output section, means being provided in order to allow the filling of the tank even beyond the level of arrangement of the float (20) in the inactive condition.