Fuel Tank Fill Cap Ignition Disconnect Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank fill systems for alternative fuels, such as natural gas, face challenges in ensuring safety and reliability, particularly in maintaining a secure connection to prevent accidental disconnection and ensuring ignition safety.
Innovation Solution
The development of a vehicle fuel tank fill cap system with an embedded electrical indicator and secure mating features, such as threaded connections or press-fit mechanisms, that electronically monitors the closure of the fuel tank and provides an ignition disconnect mechanism upon uncapping, ensuring a secure and safe filling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrical indicator and ignition disconnect mechanism are added to the fill cap system, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical indicator is embedded within the fill cap structure, and the ignition disconnect mechanism is integrated into the same assembly. The cap body houses both the electrical indicator and the mechanical disconnect features, creating a compact nested arrangement that improves safety without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple safety functions into a single integrated fill cap assembly: the electrical indicator that monitors cap closure status and the ignition disconnect mechanism that prevents engine startup when the cap is open. These previously separate safety systems are merged into one unified component that performs both functions simultaneously
2Reliability
If secure mating features such as threaded connections or press-fit mechanisms are implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The secure mating system is divided into distinct functional segments: external threads for primary mechanical engagement, internal press-fit features for secondary securing, and an electrical indicator component for status monitoring. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fill cap is designed with pre-configured threading and press-fit features that automatically engage when the cap is installed. The electrical indicator is pre-positioned to detect cap closure status immediately upon installation, providing preliminary verification of proper connection before the vehicle operates
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides devices, systems and methods for filling, capping and electronically monitoring the closure of a fuel tank. In some embodiments, the invention provides devices, systems and methods for filling, capping and providing an ignition disconnect mechanism upon uncapping of a natural gas fuel tank.