Vehicle Fuel Distribution System With Interlock Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle refueling methods are time-consuming and inconvenient, often requiring individuals to travel to fueling stations during non-ideal times, which can lead to vehicles running low on fuel and potentially running out, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A portable fuel distribution system integrated into a modified vehicle, featuring divided units for the dispenser, tank, and driver, with a pump, fuel tank, and controller that allow precise fuel dispensing down to 0.01 liters, along with an electrical interlock system to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable fuel distribution system is implemented, then convenience and accessibility of refueling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into separate functional units: a driver unit for operating the vehicle, a tank unit for storing fuel, and a dispenser unit for dispensing fuel. This segmentation allows the fuel distribution system to be portable and flexible while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transportation vehicle for the driver and a portable fuel distribution station. The same vehicle platform provides both mobility for the operator and the infrastructure for fuel storage and dispensing, eliminating the need for separate fixed fueling stations.
2Measurement precision
If precise fuel dispensing is implemented, then fuel quantity control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from the pump and monitoring systems to track the exact amount of fuel dispensed. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain precise measurement and control of fuel quantity, dispensing accurately down to 0.01 litres through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
3Reliability
If safety systems are added to prevent hazardous events, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical interlock system is designed to automatically disable electrical systems in the driver unit when the dispenser unit is activated. This preliminary safety measure prevents potential ignition sources from being active during fuel dispensing operations, addressing the hazard before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the driver unit and dispenser unit, managing the electrical interlock system to ensure safe operation. The controller coordinates the activation and deactivation of electrical systems based on the operational state of the fuel dispensing equipment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is modified to include fuel distribution components, then functionality is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel distribution system components (tank, pump, dispenser, controller) are integrated into the existing vehicle structure. The vehicle chassis and body panels serve as mounting structures, and the vehicle's electrical system is utilized to power the fuel distribution equipment, reducing the need for separate support structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for a portable fuel distribution system comprising a vehicle, pump, fuel tank and controller, wherein the vehicle is modified to integrally mount the pump, fuel tank and controller, and comprises a dispenser unit, tank unit, driver unit and electrical interlock system; wherein the pump is in fluid communication with the fuel tank and arranged to receive commands from the controller to dispense fuel from the fuel tank, and fuel can be dispensed accurately from the fuel tank down to a quantity of 0.01 litres; and wherein the electrical interlock system is arranged to disable the electrical systems of the driver unit and enable the electrical systems of the dispenser unit once the electrical interlock system is activated.