U.S. patent application number 09/848493 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-07 for safety system for fueling vehicle.
Invention is credited to Jin, Jizeng, Scholer, Richard Allen.
Application Number | 20020162601 09/848493 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25303424 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020162601 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jin, Jizeng ; et
al. |
November 7, 2002 |
Safety system for fueling vehicle
Abstract
The invention is an improved method and system to fuel a
vehicle. The present invention includes a strategy to determine
whether the vehicle is ready to receive fuel and to communicate a
vehicle confirmation signal (VCS) to the fuel fill station when the
strategy has determined the vehicle is ready to receive fuel. The
strategy also includes a dispenser activation system comprising a
device to receive the VCS and generate a second signal within the
fuel fill station to release the fuel dispenser and fuel dispenser
nozzle when the VCS is received. A vehicle locking system can be
added to disable the vehicle while the vehicle fuel door is open or
when the fuel station nozzle is attached to the vehicle nozzle
receptacle. The strategy can determine whether the vehicle is ready
to receive fuel by requiring the gearshift device to be in the
"Park" position. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, the
strategy requires the parking brake to be applied. Other required
determinations, such as main power circuit off and emergency power
circuit on, can also be added. The VCS communication can be by
radio frequency ("RF") signal, direct wire, or infrared ("IR")
signal. The direct wire communication can use threshold currents
from a VCS circuit.
Inventors: |
Jin, Jizeng; (Dearborn,
MI) ; Scholer, Richard Allen; (Farmington Hills,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN M. NABER
313 SOUTH WASHINGTON SQUARE
LANSING
MI
48933
US
|
Family ID: |
25303424 |
Appl. No.: |
09/848493 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/94 ; 141/1;
141/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 7/32 20130101; B67D
7/348 20130101; B67D 7/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/94 ; 141/1;
141/98 |
International
Class: |
B65B 001/04 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A system to transfer fuel, comprising: a fuel fill station
comprising a fuel dispenser line, a fuel dispenser line release,
and a fuel dispenser nozzle; a vehicle comprising a receptacle to
mechanically receive the fuel dispenser nozzle, a strategy to
determine the vehicle is ready to receive fuel, and a vehicle
confirmation signal ("VCS") that is communicated to the fuel fill
station when the strategy has determined the vehicle is ready to
receive fuel; and a dispenser activation system comprising a device
to receive the VCS and generate a second signal within the fuel
fill station to release the fuel dispenser line and fuel dispenser
nozzle when the VCS is received.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a vehicle fuel door
and a vehicle locking system to disable the vehicle while the
vehicle fuel door is open.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a vehicle locking
system to disable the vehicle while the fuel dispenser nozzle is
attached to the vehicle nozzle receptacle.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle further comprises an
automatic transmission and a gearshift device, and the strategy to
determine the vehicle is ready to receive fuel comprises a
requirement that the gearshift device be in a "Park" position.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle further comprises a
manual transmission and a parking brake, and the strategy to
determine the vehicle is ready to receive fuel comprises a
requirement that the parking brake be applied.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein VCS communication comprises a
radio frequency ("RF") signal.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein VCS communication comprises a
direct wire signal.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the direct wire signal uses
threshold current.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein VCS communication comprises an
infrared (IR) signal.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle further comprises an
electrical power source, a main power circuit, a main power circuit
cutoff switch, an emergency power off (EPO) circuit, and an EPO
circuit switch.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the strategy to determine the
vehicle is ready to receive fuel comprises a requirement that the
main power circuit cutoff switch is manually activated by a vehicle
operator.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the vehicle further comprises:
fuel detectors, malfunction alarms, and an active ventilation
system, all powered by the EPO circuit.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the step determining whether
the vehicle is ready to receive fuel comprises the requirement that
the fuel detectors detect no fuel vapors, no malfunction alarms are
activated, and the active ventilation systems are functioning
normally.
14. A fueling method, comprising the steps of: determining whether
a vehicle is ready to receive fuel; communicating a vehicle
confirmation signal ("VCS") to a fuel fill station when the vehicle
is ready to receive fuel; activating a device to receive the VCS
and generating a second signal within the fuel fill station
releasing a fuel dispenser line and fuel dispenser nozzle after
receiving the VCS; and dispensing fuel to the vehicle.
15. The fueling method of claim 14, further comprising the step of
disabling the vehicle until after closing a vehicle fuel door.
16. The fueling method of claim 14, further comprising the step of
disabling the vehicle while a fuel dispenser nozzle is attached to
a vehicle nozzle receptacle.
17. The fueling method of claim 14, wherein determining whether a
vehicle comprising an automatic transmission and a gearshift device
is ready to receive fuel, further comprises the step of requiring
the gearshift device be in a "Park" position.
18. The fueling method of claim 14, wherein determining whether a
vehicle comprising a manual transmission and a parking brake is
ready to receive fuel, further comprises the step of requiring
applying the parking brake.
19. The fueling method of claim 14, wherein the step of
communicating a VCS comprises using a radio frequency ("RF")
signal.
20. The fueling method of claim 14, wherein the step of
communicating a VCS comprises using direct wire signal.
21. The fueling method of claim 14, wherein the step of
communicating a VCS comprises using an infrared (IR) signal.
22. The fueling method of claim 14, wherein the step determining
whether a vehicle is ready to receive fuel comprises the step of
requiring activating manually a main power circuit cutoff
switch.
23. The fueling method of claim 14, wherein determining whether a
vehicle is ready to receive fuel comprises the step of requiring
detecting no fuel vapors, activating no malfunction alarms, and
active ventilation systems functioning normally.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a vehicle fueling
system and specifically to a method and system to signal a fueling
station it is safe to fuel the vehicle and disabling the vehicle
until fueling is complete.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0004] In an effort to find alternative energy sources, hydrogen
can be used in an electrochemical reaction to generate electricity.
Generally, the reaction takes place in fuel cells. Fuel cells are
known in the prior art for directly converting chemical energy of a
fuel to electrical energy. Fuel cell advantages include low
emissions, high fuel energy conversion efficiencies, and low noise
and vibrations (U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,566 to Kumar, et al.) Despite
the advantages, various problems are presented by existing fuel
cell technology.
[0005] Fuel cell systems are typically fueled with hydrogen.
Hydrogen fueling and storing can be extremely dangerous due to its
highly flammable nature. When a hydrogen vehicle receives fuel, the
vehicle is usually mechanically locked to a nozzle on the
dispensing line from the fill station. If the connection from the
fill station to the vehicle is improper or the vehicle operator
attempts to drive away before the dispensing line is returned to
the fill station, tragic consequences could result.
[0006] Ways to reduce risks associated with the transfers of fuels
are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,848 to
Phillips discloses a safety warning system for a liquefied
petroleum ("LP") gas transport vehicle. The system informs a
vehicle's operator of a hose connection extending between a
vehicle's gas tank and a second remote main supply.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,198 to Hall discloses a pump lock fuel
system. The patent describes a fuel lock and dispensing system
where data from a vehicle computer is used to identify the vehicle,
to transfer data to and from the vehicle computer to a fuel pump
computer, and to unlock the fuel pump. The system will only allow
fueling after a fuel nozzle is inserted and a vehicle identified.
Although this patent provides an element of safety, its primary
function is vehicle identification.
[0008] Automatic refueling systems are also known in the prior art.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,500 to Dwars et al. discloses an
automatic refueling system where the driver does not need to leave
the vehicle, but allows the driver to interrupt or modify
refueling. See also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,830 to Peschka et al. and
U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,117 to Nebelsiek et al.
[0009] Unfortunately, the prior art seems more concerned with
fueling efficiency rather than safety. A safer method and system to
specifically address the inherent dangers of fuel transfer is
needed. This is of particular importance for the safe
implementation of hydrogen fueled vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved and
safer system and method to fuel a vehicle. An object of the present
invention includes a strategy to determine whether the vehicle is
ready to receive fuel and to communicate a vehicle confirmation
signal (VCS) that is communicated to the fuel fill station when the
strategy has determined the vehicle is ready to receive fuel. The
strategy also includes a dispenser activation system comprising a
device to receive the VCS and generate a second signal within the
fuel fill station to release the fuel dispenser and fuel dispenser
nozzle when the VCS is received.
[0011] Another object of the present invention also includes a
vehicle locking system to disable the vehicle while the vehicle
fuel door is open or when the fuel fill station nozzle is attached
to the vehicle nozzle receptacle.
[0012] Another object of the present invention can include a
strategy to determine whether the vehicle is ready to receive fuel
by requiring the gearshift device to be in the "Park" position. If
the vehicle has a manual transmission, the strategy requires the
parking brake to be applied. Other required determinations, such as
main power circuit off and emergency power circuit on, can also be
added.
[0013] The VCS communication can be by radio frequency ("RF")
signal, direct wire, or infrared ("IR") signal. The direct wire
communication can use threshold currents from a VCS circuit.
[0014] Other objects of the present invention will become more
apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the
present invention pertains from the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] The foregoing objects, advantages, and features, as well as
other objects and advantages, will become apparent with reference
to the description and figures below, in which like numerals
represent like elements and in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a possible vehicle confirmation signal
(VCS) strategy;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a possible "confirmed" VCS circuit;
and
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a possible "not confirmed" VCS
circuit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] The present invention relates to fuel transfer and
specifically to a method and system to make fueling a vehicle
safer. A safer fueling method and system are of particular
importance for the safe and successful implementation of vehicles
powered by new sources of fuel such as hydrogen. Although the
illustrated embodiments of the present invention are particularly
suited to hydrogen fueling, the present invention itself can be
adapted to most types of fuel by someone of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0020] In general, when a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle
propelled by hydrogen fueled fuel cells, ends its drive cycle when
triggered by a "key-off," the following steps should be taken.
First, a vehicle gearshift lever should be placed in "Park" if the
vehicle has an automatic transmission. Additionally (or alternately
for a manual transmission vehicle), a parking brake should be
applied. Next, the vehicle's main electrical power circuit should
be turned off. This main power circuit cutoff switch disconnects at
least one pole of an on-board electrical power source such as a
battery. This can be a manual switch positioned within an
operator's reach. This disconnect device may be the same device for
the vehicle's power-on procedure.
[0021] If the vehicle needs refueling, additional conditions can be
required. The vehicle should have a fuel door and a receptacle to
mechanically receive a fuel dispenser nozzle from a fuel fill
station. The fuel fill station also has a fuel dispenser line and a
fuel line dispensing release.
[0022] A vehicle emergency power off (EPO) circuit should be
present and retain power during fueling. This circuit can provide
electrical power to any detection or alarm systems that may be on
the vehicle such as fuel detectors and malfunction alarms. The EPO
circuit can be controlled by an EPO circuit switch. The EPO can
also be a power source for active venting of hydrogen from the
vehicle. This circuit bypasses the main power circuit cutoff
switch.
[0023] Additionally, a vehicle locking system can be present to
disable the vehicle while, for example, the fuel door is open
and/or the parking brake is applied. Since the fuel dispenser
nozzle is mechanically locked to the vehicle fuel receptacle, a
device could prevent the gearshift lever from being moved out of
the "Park" position until the fuel door was closed. This would
prevent the operator from driving away from the fuel fill station
without disconnecting the fuel dispenser nozzle.
[0024] The fuel fill station would probably not need to include any
"break-away" features since this would release fuel such as
hydrogen if severed and potentially cause detrimental effects if
ignited. If the vehicle is already out of "Park," opening the fuel
door should not prevent the vehicle from its normal operation.
[0025] A possible strategy to add safety during fueling is
illustrated in FIG. 1. For this strategy, several conditions must
be met before fueling is allowed. Further, the strategy can also be
configured to disable the vehicle from operation until fueling is
complete. Many other possible configurations and conditions to
allow fueling or disabling the vehicle are possible and FIG. 1 is
provided to illustrate just one possible strategy.
[0026] strategy in FIG. 1 begins with a vehicle "Key-off" 20. In
general, the strategy scrolls through various vehicle status inputs
to determine if the vehicle is ready to accept fuel. In any step if
a determination is no, the strategy can begin all over again for
any set period of time. In Step 22, the strategy determines whether
the vehicle gearshift is in the "Park" position. This, of course,
requires the vehicle to have an automatic transmission. If yes, the
strategy moves to Step 24 and determines whether the vehicle
parking brake is applied. If yes, the strategy moves to Step 28 and
determines whether the main power circuit has been turned off by
the main power circuit cutoff switch. If yes, the strategy moves to
Step 30 and determines whether the EPO circuit has been activated.
If yes, the strategy determines whether the vehicle is ready to
receive fuel and generates a vehicle confirmation signal (VCS) as
"confirmed" at Step 32 that is communicated to the fuel fill
station. A dispenser activation system within the fuel fill station
responds by generating a second signal to release of fuel dispenser
line and fuel dispenser nozzle.
[0027] The strategy at Step 32 can also disable the vehicle to
prevent it from driving away until fueling is complete. This can be
accomplished by preventing the release of the parking brake or
preventing the vehicle from being shifted out of "Park." During
fueling, the strategy continues to monitor the status of the fuel
door at Step 34. If the fuel door is open at Step 34, the strategy
generates a command at Step 36 to prevent the vehicle from moving
out of park and releasing the parking brake. Once the fuel door is
closed at Step 34, the strategy ends and normal vehicle operation
may resume.
[0028] Returning to the vehicle confirmation signal (VCS)
referenced in the strategy of FIG. 1. As stated previously, the VCS
signals to the fuel fill station that the vehicle is ready to
accept fuel, to release the fuel fill station dispensing line and
to allow the fuel fill station dispensing line to be connected to
the vehicle. The VSC can be embodied in a variety of ways. The
vehicle can transmit the VSC to the fuel fill station directly
through a wiring path or indirectly through a radio frequency
("RF") or infrared ("IR") signal. As for the indirect signal
embodiments, IR signals are a directional signal from the vehicle
to the fuel fill station and may not be the best choice. An RF
signal would probably be the preferred VCS embodiment. A VCS using
a direct signal requires an electrical connector between the
vehicle and the fuel fill station. The RF VCS would eliminate this
additional interface and use a more transparent means. The vehicle
operator would not have to connect any additional device other than
the fuel dispenser nozzle while at the fuel fill station.
[0029] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a possible circuit for the VCS
using a direct signal. FIG. 2 illustrates the VCS in its
"confirmed" state, while FIG. 3 illustrates its "not confirmed"
state (i.e., prior to Step 32). The Figures illustrate a vehicle
input circuit 38 as switches to logic devices that turn on a
transistor and returns a 8.2 V 46 signal sent from the fuel fill
station. A main power circuit cutoff switch is identified by a (M)
40, a gearshift "Park" position is identified as a (P) 44, and an
EPO is identified as an (E) 42. The transistor or other switching
device is only the direct wiring method of submitting this
"confirmation" signal to the fuel fill station. A fuel fill station
circuit 46 is also present. The circuitry between the vehicle input
circuits 38 and the fuel fill station circuit 46 is a VCS circuit
48. The vehicle inputs presented in FIGS. 2 and 3 are for
demonstration only. Various vehicle architectures may add or delete
input from these. The "confirmed" state of FIG. 2 exists because in
the present configuration the (M) 40 is off, (E) 42 is on, and (P)
44 is activated because it is not grounded. The (P) 44 could also
be configured to be grounded to indicate the gearshift is in
"Park." The fuel fill station circuit 46 has an 8.2 V intrinsic
safe power 50 to the VCS circuit 48. The VCS circuit 48 checks the
inputs from the vehicle input circuits 38. If the vehicle is ready
to accept fuel, the transistor circuits (or any type of switching
circuit) in the VCS circuit 48 pass a level of current back to the
fuel fill station circuit 46. In this instance, a 2.2 mA threshold
is required to either have or not to have confirmation. The VCS
circuit 48 passes approximately a 5.4 mA 54 for "confirmed" on FIG.
2 and approximately a 0.0429 mA 56 for "not confirmed" on FIG. 3.
The fuel fill station circuit 46 could also monitor voltage as it
varies from a 2.7 V 58 for "confirmed" on FIG. 2 to a 8.1 V 60 for
"not confirmed" on FIG. 3.
[0030] To assist in following the flow of current through the
circuits illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the current flows in a
counterclockwise motion through various components that are well
know in the prior art. They additionally include for the vehicle
input circuit 38: a ground 62 and a ground 64. They additionally
include for the fuel fill station circuit 46: a ground 66 and an 1
K ohm resistor 68.
[0031] The VCS circuit 48 additionally includes as illustrated:
grounds 70, 72, 74, and 76; transistors 78, 80, and 82; resisters
84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, and 102 at 10 k ohm, 1 k ohm,
1.5 k ohm, 1 k ohm, 1 k ohm, 8.2 k ohm, 2.2 k ohm, 1.5 k ohm, 10 k
ohm, and 2.4 k ohm respectively; and capacitors 104, 106, 108, 110,
112, and 114 at 10 nano-farads, 22 pico-farads, 10 nano-farads, 10
nano-farads, 22 pico-farads, and 22 pico-farads respectively.
[0032] The above-described embodiment of the invention is provided
purely for purposes of example. Many other variations,
modifications, catalysts, and applications of the invention may be
made. In addition, this method not only applies to fuel cell
systems but also to any hydrogen production.
* * * * *