Fuel Tank Cap Angular Detection for False Alarm Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key-operated fuel tank caps are inadequate for preventing fraudulent fuel removal in multi-user vehicle settings, as they can generate false alarms due to accidental cap rotation and do not effectively prevent unauthorized access and tampering.
Innovation Solution
A removable cap with an integrated electronic circuit and magnetic detection system that distinguishes between intentional and accidental rotation, using a key-locking device and a bayonet-type coupling system to ensure secure fuel tank access while minimizing false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor detects rotation of the cap to generate an alarm signal, then fraudulent fuel removal can be detected, but false alarms occur due to accidental cap rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensors: a first sensor detects rotation of the cap relative to the filler, while a second sensor detects rotation of the locking device relative to the cap. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between accidental rotation (affecting only one sensor) and intentional removal (affecting both sensors), thereby reducing false alarms while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If a key-locking device is used to secure the cap, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device serves as an intermediary element between the cap and the filler. It includes a locking portion that engages with a seat on the filler and a key-operated mechanism that controls engagement and disengagement. This intermediary structure provides robust security while keeping the overall system modular and manageable, balancing security requirements with acceptable complexity.
3Reliability
If the locking device is integrated between the gripping portion and locking portion, then secure locking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component structure. The locking device includes a key-operated mechanism, a locking portion for engagement with the filler seat, and a connection to the cap body. By combining these functions into one integrated assembly rather than separate components, the design achieves reliable locking while reducing overall structural complexity.
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 solution effectively prevents false alarms and ensures secure fuel tank access by accurately detecting the opening and closing of the cap, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for multi-user vehicle settings.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor (13) mounted in the cap body (3) and designed to be excited by the magnet (11)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A removable cap for fuel tanks of vehicles comprises a gripping portion (3, 5) and a locking portion (8, 9), operatively set between which is a key-operated locking device (10). In the closing condition of the device (10), a rotation movement imparted manually upon the gripping portion (3, 5) is not transferred to the locking portion (8, 9), whilst in the opening condition of the device (10) a rotation movement imparted manually upon the first part (8, 9) is transferred to the clamping portion (8, 9). In the closing condition at least one component (10a) of the locking device (10) is rotatable together with the gripping portion (3, 5), and switching with the key of the locking device (10) between the conditions of closing and opening causes an angular movement of the component (10a) with respect to the gripping portion (3, 5), between a first pre-defined angular position and a second pre-defined angular position. The cap (1) further comprises a circuit arrangement (4) that includes at least sensor means (11, 13) configured for detecting the relative angular movement between the component (10a) of the locking device (10) and the gripping portion (3, 5).