Fuel Tank Cap Pressure Indicator with Bluetooth Alert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millions of gallons of fuel are lost annually due to ill-fitting fuel caps, leading to inefficient fuel delivery, increased emissions, and decreased vehicle performance, as existing technologies fail to effectively detect improper cap sealing or vapor pressure issues.
Innovation Solution
A pressure indicator system using sensors in the fuel tank cap or tank opening, which detects a drop in cap/container interface pressure and sends a signal via Bluetooth technology to a receiver, triggering a visual, audio, or tactile alert, such as a flashing light on a key ring, to indicate an inadequate seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional fuel caps are used without pressure detection, then the device complexity is low, but fuel loss and emissions increase due to undetected improper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure indication methods with electronic pressure sensors and wireless communication systems. The pressure sensor detects cap sealing status electronically, and the wireless transmitter sends alerts to mobile devices, substituting traditional mechanical indicators with electronic detection and communication systems to prevent fuel loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the pressure sensor and the user. The transmitter acts as a mediator that converts pressure sensor data into wireless signals sent to mobile devices, providing an intermediate communication layer that enables remote notification of improper cap sealing.
2Loss of substance
If pressure sensors and wireless transmitters are added to detect cap sealing, then fuel loss is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single cap assembly: the cap serves both as a sealing component and as a housing for the pressure sensor and wireless transmitter. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection devices, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining fuel loss prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in pressure parameters within the fuel tank to detect cap sealing status. By monitoring pressure variations that occur when caps are improperly sealed, the system converts a physical parameter change into a detectable signal, enabling fuel loss prevention through existing pressure dynamics without requiring additional complex measurement systems.
3Reliability
If wireless alert systems are implemented, then user awareness of improper sealing improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic wireless transmission of alert signals rather than continuous transmission. The system monitors cap sealing status continuously but transmits warnings periodically or only when pressure changes indicate improper sealing, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable user notification through targeted periodic alerts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing electrical system to power the sensor and transmitter components, leveraging available power sources rather than requiring dedicated high-energy batteries. The wireless transmitter utilizes the vehicle's electrical infrastructure, reducing additional energy requirements while maintaining reliable notification functionality.
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 system effectively detects improper cap sealing, preventing fuel loss and emissions by providing a reliable and user-friendly notification of cap tightness, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure will be detected by sensors in a rubber gasket (in the cap, in the tank's opening that the cap fits over, or in another part of the tank)
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure indicator for a motor vehicle (or other) fuel tank, that will indicate when pressure at the cap/container interface or vapor pressure in the tank drops below a predetermined level, which will normally mean that the fuel cap is not tightly secured to the tank's opening. The cap/container interface or vapor pressure will be detected by sensors in a rubber gasket (either in the cap or in the tank's opening that the cap fits over) or in a washer for the fuel cap. When the sensors detect a pressure below the predetermined level, BLUE TOOTH (or other appropriate) technology will be used to send a signal to a receiver (preferably in a key ring attachment) that will cause a red light to flash (or other appropriate visual, audio or tactile notice). The light may also flash when the cap is temporarily removed for refueling.