DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of motor vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure describes a system for prevention of fuel spillage from fuel tank of a motor vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The background section provides context and information that may help in understanding the present invention. It should be noted that this information is not an admission that any of the referenced information is prior art or relevant to the current invention, nor does it imply that any specific publications mentioned are prior art.
[0003] Traditionally, motor vehicles such as tractors are integral to various agricultural tasks. These tasks include threshing, water transport, power generation, drilling, bore well digging, and shredding. A tractor is a vital piece of equipment in modern farming due to its ability to power various tools and equipment through its power take-off (PTO) system. This versatility makes the tractor indispensable for efficient and effective farm operations.
[0004] One significant challenge with agricultural motor vehicles is the manual re-fuelling process. Typically, fuel is stored in large containers and manually transferred into the fuel tank of the vehicle using a vessel or pipe. While manually filling the fuel tank, it is not possible to see the fuel level, making it difficult to determine when the tank is full. This often results in fuel spillage, which poses several problems. Firstly, fuel is highly flammable, and any spillage that comes into contact with high-temperature components of the vehicle can lead to fire hazards. Secondly, fuel spillage represents a loss of a valuable natural resource, leading to both economic waste and environmental concerns. Given the importance of conserving fuel, it is essential to address these spillage issues effectively. Thirdly, spilled fuel can seep into the ground, contaminating the soil and potentially harming plants and microorganism.
[0005] There is a growing need for a system that can detect when the fuel tank is full to prevent wastage and spillage of fuel. The present invention addresses this need by providing a system that offers a warning, prompting the user to stop re-fuelling in time. This warning mechanism helps to avoid overfilling and subsequent fuel spillage.
[0006] Thus, there is a significant and pressing need for a system for prevention of fuel spillage from fuel tank of a vehicle, which the present invention aims to fulfil.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0007] Some of the objects of the present invention, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0008] It is therefore, the principal object of the present invention to provide a system for prevention of fuel spillage from fuel tank of a vehicle.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to raise an audio alarm through a beep unit when fuel tank of a vehicle is completely filled with fuel.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to stop the audio alarm when the fuel tank is completely filled with fuel by closing the fuel tank with a fuel tank cap.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a control system for prevention of fuel spillage in a motor vehicle. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] The present disclosure relates to a system for prevention of fuel spillage from fuel tank of a vehicle. The system comprises of a power source, a beep unit, a first contact switch, and a second contact switch. The beep unit is in electrical connection with the power source, wherein the beep unit is configured to raise an audio alarm. Further, the first contact switch is placed inside the fuel tank, wherein the first contact switch is in electrical connection with the power source. Furthermore, the second contact switch is placed beside the fuel tank inlet, wherein the second contact switch is in electrical connection with the first contact switch and the beep unit. Also, the beep unit actuates when both the first contact switch and the second contact switch are in a close state and the beep unit de-actuates when at least one of the first contact switch or the second contact switch is in an open state.
[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the first contact switch comprises a hollow cylinder, a fixed plate, a plunger and a movable plate. The fixed plate is fixedly placed at one end of the hollow cylinder. The movable plate is in connection with the plunger. The movable plate and the plunger are adapted to move inside the hollow body.
[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the plunger is in connection with the float unit which is adapted to move the movable plate of the first contact switch towards the fixed plate of the first contact switch to bring the first contact switch in close state when the fuel level reaches maximum.
[0016] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the second contact switch comprises a hollow body, a fixed contact body and a movable contact body. The fixed contact body is fixedly placed inside the hollow body. The fixed contact body is in electrical connection with the fixed plate of the first contact switch. The movable contact body is adapted to linearly move inside the hollow body. The movable contact body is in electrical connection with the beep unit.
[0017] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the movable contact body is adapted to move downwards when pressed with fuel tank cap which results in bringing the second contact switch in open state to de-actuate the beep unit.
[0018] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the movable contact body is adapted to move upwards, utilizing the retraction force of a spring, when the cap is removed which results in bringing the second contact switch in close state.
[0019] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first contact switch, the second contact switch, the beep unit, and the power source form a series circuit, with the negative terminal of the power source connected to the first contact switch and the positive terminal of the power source connected to the beep unit.
[0020] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle includes a tractor or an agricultural vehicle.
[0021] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the fuel is a liquid fuel or a gaseous fuel.
[0022] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the first contact switch, the power source, the beep unit and the second contact switch are connected in series.
[0023] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0024] The illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1a illustrates an exemplary system for prevention of fuel spillage from fuel tank of a vehicle that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 1b illustrates an exemplary first contact switch of the system that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 1c illustrates an exemplary float unit of the system that can be utilized to implement in another exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 1d illustrates an exemplary second contact switch of the system that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the system during filling of the fuel tank in accordance with the embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates the system when the fuel tank is full and beep unit is activated in accordance with the embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates the system when the fuel tank is full and beep unit is deactivated in accordance with the embodiment; and
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates the system when the fuel tank has some fuel in accordance with the embodiment.
[0033] The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0035] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0036] FIG. 1a illustrates an exemplary system for prevention of fuel spillage from fuel tank of a vehicle that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an aspect of the invention, the vehicle is an agriculture vehicle or a tractor. However, it is to be noted that the subject matter founds industrial application for all the other kinds of motor vehicles. Further, the fuel is either a liquid fuel or a gaseous fuel.
[0037] The system 100 comprises a power source 102, a beep unit 103, a first contact switch 105, and a second contact switch 106. The beep unit 103 is in electrical connection with the power source 102, wherein the beep unit 103 is configured to raise an audio alarm. Further, the first contact switch 105 is placed inside the fuel tank 101, wherein the first contact switch 105 is in electrical connection with the power source 102. Furthermore, the second contact switch 106 is placed beside the fuel tank 101 inlet. The second contact switch 106 is in electrical connection with the first contact switch 105 and the beep unit 103. Also, the beep unit 103 actuates when both the first contact switch 105 and the second contact switch 106 are in close state and the beep unit 103 de-actuates when at least one of the first contact switch 105 or the second contact switch 106 is in open state.
[0038] FIG. 1b illustrates an exemplary first contact switch of the system that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The first contact switch 105 comprises a hollow body 105d enclosing a fixed plate 105b, a movable plate 105a and a plunger 105c. The fixed plate 105b is fixedly placed at one end of the hollow body 105d. The movable plate 105a along with the plunger 105c is adapted to move inside the hollow body 105d. The movable plate 105b is in connection with the plunger 105c. The plunger 105c is adapted to move the movable plate 105a towards or away from the fixed plate 105b of the first contact switch 105 as the level of the fuel in the fuel tank increases or decreases. In an aspect, the movable plate 105a and the fixed plate 105b of the first contact switch 105 is made up of electrically conducting material. In another aspect, a non-conducting material 105e is provided between the plunger 105c and the movable plate 105a. This ensures electric charge does not comes in contact with the plunger 105c.
[0039] In an aspect, the moveable plate 105a of the first contact switch 105 is in electrical connection with negative terminal of the power source 102. When the fuel in the fuel tank 101 rises, the plunger 105c pushes the moveable plate 105a of the first contact switch 105 towards the fixed plate 105b. Similarly, the plunger 105c pulls the moveable plate 105a away from the fixed plate 105b with drop in level of the fuel in the fuel tank 101. Furthermore, the moveable plate 105a is in complete contact with the fixed plate 105b when the fuel tank 101 is completely filled by the fuel. The contact between the fixed plate 105b and the moveable plate 105a brings the first contact switch 105 in a closed state.
[0040] As per the preferred embodiment of the subject matter, the movement of the movable plate 105a towards or away from the fixed plate 105b, depending on the level of fuel inside the fuel tank 101, is facilitated by a float unit 104. The float unit 104 transfer the movement to the movable plate 105a through the plunger 105c.
[0041] FIG. 1a illustrates the float unit in connection with the first contact switch. The float unit 104 primarily has a float 104a and a float arm 104b placed inside the fluid tank 101. One end of the float arm 104b is attached to the inner wall of the fuel tank 101. The float 104a of the float unit 104 is attached to the other end of the float arm 104b. The float 104a of the float unit 104 is adapted to rest on the surface of the fuel and pivotally move as the fuel level changes. The movable plate 105a of the first contact switch 105 is in connection with the float arm 104b of the float unit 104 via the plunger 105c. The movement of the float arm 104b generated due to float 104a is transferred to the movable plate 105a of the first contact switch 105 via the plunger 105c.
[0042] FIG. 1c illustrates an exemplary float unit of the system that can be utilized to implement another exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The float unit 104 may take many other forms through which the movable plate 105a is moved towards the fixed plate 105b as the fuel level rises. Instead of the float arm 104b, the float 104a can directly connect to the movable plate 105a of the first contact switch 105. Similarly, other embodiments are equally possible.
[0043] FIG. 1d illustrates an exemplary second contact switch of the system that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The second contact switch 106 is electrically connected in series with the first contact switch105. The second contact switch 106 comprises a hollow body enclosing a fixed contact body 106b and a movable contact body 106a. The fixed contact body 106b is fixedly provided inside the hollow body and the movable contact body 106a is adapted to linearly move inside the hollow body. The fixed contact body 106b is electrically connected to the fixed plate 105b of the first contact switch 105. The movable contact body 106a is electrically connected to the beep unit 103. The movable contact body 106a is provided on the neck of the fuel tank inlet. Further, the movable contact body 106a is adapted to move downwards on application of force and moves back upwards when the force is removed.
[0044] In an aspect, the fixed contact body 106b and the movable contact body 106a of the second contact switch 106 is made up of electrically conducting material. The second contact switch 106 is in close state when the movable contact body 106a is in contact with the fixed contact body 106b. The second contact switch 106 in in open state when the downward force is applied to the movable contact body 106a. The retractable downward movement of the movable contact body 106a is facilitated by a spring 106c.
[0045] In an aspect of the invention, the downward force on the movable contact body 106a is applied by the fuel tank cap 107. For instance, when the fuel tank opening is closed by the cap 107, a downward force is applied on the movable contact body 106a which breaks the contact with the fixed contact body 106b and bring the second contact switch 106 in open state. Further, when the fuel tank 101 opening is open by removing the cap 107, the applied downward force is removed from the movable contact body 106a. The spring 106c retracts back the movable contact body 106a and bring it in contact with the fixed contact body 106b, thus, bringing the second contact switch 106 in close state.
WORKING OF THE INVENTION
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates the system during filling of the fuel tank in accordance with the embodiment.
First Contact Switch: Open state
Second Contact Switch: Close state
[0047] To fill the fuel tank 101, cap 107 is removed from the fuel tank inlet. The removal of the fuel tank cap 107 results in removal of the force applied on the movable contact body 106a of the second contact switch 106. This results in upward movement of the movable contact body 106a, facilitated by the spring 106c, bringing the movable contact body 106a in contact with the fixed contact body 106b of the second contact switch 106. This bring the second contact switch 106 in closed state.
[0048] Since the fuel tank 101 has low fuel level, the float arm 104b is towards the bottom of the fuel tank 101. The plunger 105c which connects the movable plate 105a of the first contact switch 105 with the float arm 104b of the float unit 104 moves the movable plate 105a away from the fixed plate 105b of the first contact switch 105. This brings the first contact switch 105 in open state.
[0049] The beep unit 103 in this scenario is in inactive state as the first contact switch 105 is open.
[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates the system when the fuel tank is full and beep unit is activated in accordance with the embodiment.
First Contact Switch: Closed state
Second Contact Switch: Close state
[0051] As discussed in FIG. 2 while filling of the fuel tank 101, the cap 107 is removed due to which the second contact switch 106 is in closed state.
[0052] Since the fuel tank 101 is now full, the float arm 104b is in upper half of the fuel tank 101. The plunger 105c which connects the movable plate 105a of the first contact switch 105 with the float arm 104b of the float unit 104 moves the movable plate 105a towards the fixed plate 105b of the first contact switch 105. This brings the first contact switch 105 in close state.
[0053] The beep unit 103 in this scenario is activated as the first contact switch 105 and the second contact switch 106 is in closed state.
[0054] FIG. 4 illustrates the system when the fuel tank is full and beep unit is deactivated in accordance with the embodiment.
First Contact Switch: Closed state
Second Contact Switch: Open state
[0055] After the fuel tank 101 is full, the beep unit 103 is activated which produces a sound alarm. After filling the tank 101, the fuel tank inlet is closed by the cap 107. The application of cap 107 on the fuel tank inlet results in application of the force on the movable contact body 106a of the second contact switch 106. This causes the movable contact body 106a to move downward, breaking contact with the fixed contact body 106b of the second contact switch 106, thereby opening the second contact switch 106.
[0056] Since the fuel tank 101 is now full, the float arm 104b is in the upper half of the fuel tank 101. The plunger 105c which connects the movable plate 105a of the first contact switch 105 with the float arm 104b of the float unit 104 moves the movable plate 105a towards the fixed plate 105b of the first contact switch 105. This brings the first contact switch 105 in close state.
[0057] The beep unit 103 in this scenario is de-activated as the second contact switch 106 is in open state.
[0058] FIG. 5 illustrates the system when the fuel tank has some fuel in accordance with the embodiment.
First Contact Switch: Open state
Second Contact Switch: Open state
[0059] After filling the tank 101, the fuel tank inlet is closed by the cap 107. The application of cap 107 on the fuel tank 101 results in application of the force on the movable contact body 106a of the second contact switch 106. This causes the movable contact body 106a to move downward, breaking contact with the fixed contact body 106a of the second contact switch 106, thereby opening the second contact switch 106.
[0060] The fuel in the fuel tank 101 starts receding when the vehicle is in operation. This slowly moves the movable plate 105a of the first contact switch 105 away from the fixed plate 105b. This bring the first contact switch 106 in open state.
[0061] The beep unit 103 in this scenario is in de-activated as the first contact switch 105 and the second contact switch 106 is in open state.
ADVANTAGES:
[0062] The proposed system raises an audio alarm when the fuel tank is completely filled with the fuel. This prevents spillage of fuel from the fuel tank.
[0063] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a number of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature. ,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A system (100) for prevention of fuel spillage from fuel tank (101) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprises:
a power source (102);
a beep unit (103) in electrical connection with the power source (102), wherein the beep unit (103) is configured to raise an audio alarm;
a first contact switch (105) placed inside the fuel tank (101), wherein the first contact switch (105) is in electrical connection with the power source (102); and
a second contact switch (106) placed beside the fuel tank (101) inlet, wherein the second contact switch (106) is in electrical connection with the first contact switch (105) and the beep unit (103);
wherein:
the beep unit (103) actuates when both the first contact switch (105) and the second contact switch (106) are in close state and the beep unit (103) de-actuates when at least one of the first contact switch (105) or the second contact switch (106) is in open state.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first contact switch (105) comprises:
a hollow body (105d);
a fixed plate (105b) fixedly placed at one end of the hollow body (155d); and
a movable plate (105a) in connection with a plunger (105c), wherein the movable plate and the plunger is adapted to move inside the hollow body.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plunger (105c) is in connection with the float unit (104a) which is adapted to move the movable plate (105a) of the first contact switch (105) towards the fixed plate (105b) of the first contact switch (105) to bring the first contact switch (105) in close state when the fuel level reaches maximum.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second contact switch (106) comprises:
a hollow body (106d);
a fixed contact body (106b) fixedly placed inside the hollow body (106d), wherein the fixed contact body (106b) is in electrical connection with the fixed plate (105b) of the first contact switch (105); and
a movable contact body (106a) adapted to linearly move inside the hollow body (106d), wherein the movable contact body (106a) is in electrical connection with the beep unit (103).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the movable contact body (106a) is adapted to move downwards when pressed with fuel tank cap (107) which results in bringing the second contact switch (106) in open state to de-actuate the beep unit (103).
6. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the movable contact body (106a) is adapted to move upwards, utilizing the retraction force of a spring (106c), when the cap (107) is removed which results in bringing the second contact switch (106) in close state.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first contact switch (105), the second contact switch (106), the beep unit (103), and the power source (102) form a series circuit, with the negative terminal of the power source (102) connected to the first contact switch (105) and the positive terminal of the power source (102) connected to the beep unit (103)..
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a tractor or an agricultural vehicle.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel is a liquid fuel or a gaseous fuel.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first contact switch (105), the power source (102), the beep unit (103) and the second contact switch (106) are connected in series.