Universal Removable Fuel Tank Indicator with Signaling Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile drivers face challenges in remembering the location of the fuel tank, leading to increased risk of accidents and decreased safety during refueling, especially in busy hours, as many vehicles lack effective indicators for the fuel tank's side.
Innovation Solution
A universal and removable fuel tank indicator with a signaling arm and air freshener component, attachable to the automobile's vent, provides clear indication of the fuel tank's location, ensuring proper alignment and safety during refueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fuel tank indicator is integrated into the automobile, then the driver can easily identify the fuel tank location, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank indicator is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently attached or removed from the automobile interior. This segmentation allows the indicator function to be added without permanently increasing the complexity of the automobile's integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device serves multiple functions: it indicates the fuel tank location, provides air freshening capability, and can be attached to various vent positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If a permanent fuel tank indicator is installed in the automobile, then the indication is always available, but the adaptability to different vehicles and interior configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator is designed with dynamic attachment and removal capabilities, allowing it to be temporarily installed where needed and removed when not required. This dynamic characteristic provides both availability when attached and adaptability to different configurations when removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator can be pre-positioned in the automobile interior before the driver needs it, ensuring immediate availability when attached, but can be removed if the vehicle configuration changes or the driver prefers a different arrangement.
3Device complexity
If only a fuel tank indicator is provided, then the function is simple and cost-effective, but the overall utility and driver satisfaction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air freshener component is merged with the fuel tank indicator, creating a single device that provides both indication and air freshening functions. This combination increases overall utility without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions (indication and air freshening) within a single structure, making it more versatile and valuable to drivers while maintaining relatively simple construction.
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 reduces the risk of accidents and enhances safety by providing a clear and universal indication of the fuel tank's location, eliminating confusion and promoting efficient refueling.
Implementation Method 1
an air-freshener component, which provides fresh air in a variety of fragrances
Data Source
AI summary
A removable fuel tank indicator having a housing, wherein the housing is removable and universal to all automobiles and wherein the housing attaches to an automobile connection point located within the interior of the automobile; a removable arm temporarily attached to the housing, wherein the removable arm signals which side of the automobile a fuel tank is located; a means for attaching the housing to the automobile connection point wherein the automobile connection point is located within the interior of the automobile and said connection point is capable of attaching to the housing; the fragrance cartridge adapted for insertion into the opening and locking into the cavity of the housing, wherein where the cartridge is properly inserted into the opening and cavity of the housing.