Non-Contact Sensor Cap Detection for Vehicle Disablement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for disabling vehicles carrying storage tanks prone to human error, leading to accidental movement and substance spillage, often rely on faulty mechanical parts and require specialized or modified coupler components.
Innovation Solution
A system using a coupler component with a peripheral housing and a non-contact sensor to detect the presence of a cap, preventing vehicle movement when the cap is not attached, which includes a switch to disable the vehicle's drive elements, thus preventing accidental or malicious removal and spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If moving mechanical parts are used to sense hose attachment, then the vehicle can be disabled when the hose is left attached, but the mechanical parts are prone to failure over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces moving mechanical sensing parts with a non-contact sensor that detects the presence or absence of the cap through electromagnetic fields, optical fields, or other non-mechanical means. This eliminates wear and failure associated with mechanical contact while maintaining the ability to sense cap attachment status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system that indirectly detects cap presence without direct mechanical contact. The sensor acts as a mediator between the cap and the vehicle's disablement system, translating physical presence into an electrical signal without requiring mechanical interaction.
2Reliability
If specialized or modified coupler components are used, then the vehicle disabling function can be implemented, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the coupler component with a universal structure that can accommodate the non-contact sensor without requiring specialized or modified coupler components. The sensor can be integrated into standard coupler designs, allowing the system to work with existing infrastructure while adding the vehicle disabling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the sensing function from the coupler component itself, placing the sensor in a separate housing or mounting structure. This segmentation allows the coupler component to remain a standard, easily manufactured part while the sensing and disabling functions are implemented through the add-on sensor system.
3Reliability
If a non-contact sensor is used to detect cap presence, then the sensor reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service sensor system that automatically detects cap presence and triggers the vehicle disablement function without requiring manual intervention or complex control logic. The sensor system is self-contained and self-regulating, reducing the overall system complexity despite using advanced sensing technology.
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
Effectively prevents vehicle movement and substance spillage by electronically sensing the cap's presence, reducing damage and environmental hazards without modifying existing coupler components.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor senses whether the cap is attached to the coupler component without making contact with the cap
Data Source
AI summary
A system for disabling a vehicle carrying a storage tank includes a coupler component supported by the vehicle for receiving a connection from a delivery line. A cap is attachable to an end of the coupler component for preventing connection of the delivery line when the cap is attached. A proximity sensor is disposed outside of the coupler component and senses whether the cap is attached without making contact with the cap. A switch is in electrically connected to the sensor and disables at least one drive element of the vehicle, e.g., the transmission, when the cap is not attached to the coupler component.