Wireless Port Door Unlatching Actuator for Fuel Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle port door systems require manual unlatching from within the passenger compartment, leading to inconvenience when attempting to fill fuel or charge the vehicle, as the driver often forgets to open the port door before attaching the fuel coupler or charging connector.
Innovation Solution
A remote wireless system that includes a fuel coupler with a transmitter to send a control signal to a receiver in the vehicle, activating a port door unlatching actuator, allowing the door to open automatically when the coupler is approached and prepared for connection, using a directional antenna for line-of-sight communication and power levels suitable for short-range transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual latch release mechanism is used inside the passenger compartment, then the door can be securely latched and unlatched, but the driver must re-enter the vehicle to open the port door, causing inconvenience and loss of time during fueling or charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical latch release mechanism with an automated electromechanical system. A wireless receiver detects the approach of the fuel coupler or charging connector and automatically activates an unlatching actuator, which mechanically releases the latch without requiring driver intervention. This substitution eliminates the need for the driver to re-enter the vehicle, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The port door system performs self-service by automatically detecting when a fuel coupler or charging connector is approaching and autonomously unlatching the door. The system uses a wireless receiver to detect the coupler's approach and triggers the unlatching actuator automatically, allowing the system to service itself without external human intervention, thereby eliminating the need for the driver to re-enter the vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If the port door is spring-loaded toward open position, then the door can be easily opened when latched, but the door may open partially or fully when unlatched, compromising security and protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-loaded mechanical opening mechanism with an controlled electromechanical system. Instead of relying on spring force to automatically open the door, the system uses a wireless receiver to detect the coupler's approach and activates an unlatching actuator that precisely controls the door opening process, ensuring the door opens only when needed and maintains security when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the wireless receiver that continuously monitors the approach of the fuel coupler or charging connector. When the receiver detects the coupler within range, it triggers the unlatching actuator to open the door. This feedback mechanism ensures the door remains securely closed during normal operation and only opens when the correct coupling device is present, resolving the contradiction between ease of opening and security.
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
Enhances user convenience by allowing the port door to be opened remotely, eliminating the need to re-enter the vehicle to unlatch it, streamlining the fueling or charging process by ensuring the door is open when the user is ready to connect the fuel nozzle or charging connector.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel coupler with a transmitter to send a control signal to a receiver in the vehicle, using a directional antenna for line-of-sight communication
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel delivery system and method of use are provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.