GB2416744A - Vehicle identification borne by integral fuel tank - Google Patents

Vehicle identification borne by integral fuel tank Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2416744A
GB2416744A GB0417585A GB0417585A GB2416744A GB 2416744 A GB2416744 A GB 2416744A GB 0417585 A GB0417585 A GB 0417585A GB 0417585 A GB0417585 A GB 0417585A GB 2416744 A GB2416744 A GB 2416744A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vehicle
fuel tank
plafform
tank
identification number
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0417585A
Other versions
GB2416744B (en
GB0417585D0 (en
Inventor
Edward Timothy Bishop
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Connaught Motor Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Connaught Motor Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Connaught Motor Co Ltd filed Critical Connaught Motor Co Ltd
Priority to GB0417585A priority Critical patent/GB2416744B/en
Publication of GB0417585D0 publication Critical patent/GB0417585D0/en
Publication of GB2416744A publication Critical patent/GB2416744A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2416744B publication Critical patent/GB2416744B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/063—Arrangement of tanks
    • B60K15/067—Mounting of tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
    • B60R13/10—Registration, licensing, or like devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
    • B60R13/10—Registration, licensing, or like devices
    • B60R13/105—Licence- or registration plates, provided with mounting means, e.g. frames, holders, retainers, brackets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D21/00—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted
    • B62D21/16—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted having fluid storage compartment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D41/00—Fittings for identifying vehicles in case of collision; Fittings for marking or recording collision areas

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicle comprises a structural platform or chassis (1 see fig 1), a vehicle body (5 see fig 1) attached to the structural platform (1) and a fuel tank 3 integrated with one or both of the structural platform (1) and the body (5). The platform (1) typically comprises spars 2 which support the fuel tank 3. The fuel tank 3 cannot be removed from the vehicle without detaching the body (5) from the platform (1) or deformation of one or more of the platform (1), tank 3 and body (5). The fuel tank 3 bears a vehicle identification number 6. Typically this is located inside the tank and is viewable through a hatch 7. The security and tracability of the vehicle are improved by making its identification number 6 difficult to remove.

Description

VEHICLE IDENTITIES
This invention relates to recording the identities of vehicles It is important for vehicles such as cars to have an identity In order to inhibit them from being stolen and to ensure that a vehicle's history can be traced. Regulatory authorities normally have arrangements to check on vehicles' identities, with the aim that if a vehicle is stolen it can be identified by means of its identity.
The normal way of recording a vehicle's identity is by means of a vehicle identification number (YIN) which is carried by the chassis or other structural plafform of the vehicle that can uniquely identify the vehicle. Normally the number is stamped into the metal of the chassis or into plafform of the vehicle. However, if a vehicle is stolen, a thief who wants to conceal its identity can remove such a number by grinding or chiselling the number out of the metal, or by removing the region of metal into which the number is stamped and replacing it with another piece. There is therefore a need for increasing the security of vehicle identities.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a structural plafform, a vehicle body attached to the structural plafform and a fuel tank integrated with one or both of the structural plafform and the body in such a way that it cannot be removed from the vehicle without detaching the body from the plafform or deforming of one or more of the plafform, the tank and the body, the fuel tank bearing a vehicle identification number for the vehicle.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fuel tank for a vehicle, the fuel tank bearing a vehicle identficaton number whereby a vehicle to which the fuel tank is attached can be identified.
The integration Is preferably such that the deformation is destructive or plastic deformation.
Preferably at least a part of the fuel tank is trapped between the vehicle body and the platform.
The platform may be a chassis The chassis may comprise a number of structural members The fuel tank may be trapped behveen the body and two or more of those structural members.
Preferably the vehicle body comprises a tub forming the underside of the body, and at least a part of the fuel tank is trapped between the tub and the platform.
The vehicle body may be bonded to the platform, for example by means of adhesive.
The vehicle body may be a passenger compartment of the vehicle.
The vehicle identification number is preferably visible from the interior of the fuel tank. The vehicle identification number is preferably not visible from the exterior of the vehicle.
The vehicle identification number may be marked, for instance by stamping, on a member that is attached to the interior of the fuel tank.
The vehicle identification number may be borne by the base of the fuel tank. For example it could be stamped into the base of the fuel tank or a member as described above could be mounted to the base of the fuel tank.
The vehicle preferably comprises a fuel pump for drawing fuel from the fuel tank via in inlet located in the fuel tank. The vehicle identification number is preferably borne by fuel tank at a point lower than the inlet.
The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a cut-away view of a vehicle; Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the vehicle of figure 1; Figure 3 shows a detail of part of the fuel tank of the vehicle of figures 1 and 2, illustrating a vehicle identification number mounted in the fuel tank; Figure 4 shows part of another vehicle from below; and Figure 5 shows a side view of the part vehicle of figure 4.
Figures 1 to 3 depict a vehicle whose fuel tank is integrated with the structure of the vehicle and has the vehicle's identification number (YIN) integrated into it. As a result the VIN is difficult to remove or erase from the vehicle, making changing of the VIN economically unfeasible.
Figure 1 shows a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a structural platform or chassis 1 which provides a substantial amount of the vehicle's structural strength. The platform comprises spars 2 which support a fuel tank 3 and an engine 4. The engine runs on highly combustible fuel such as petrol, diesel or petroleum gas which can be stored in the fuel tank 3 and supplied to the engine 4 on demand.
The structural platform 1 also supports bodywork 5 defining a passenger compartment. As will be described in more detail below, the bodywork 5 is attached to the platform 1 and lies over the fuel tank 3 As a result, the fuel tank is trapped between the platform 1 and the bodywork 5.
The VIN of the vehicle Is integrated into the fuel tank as shown at 6. The VIN can be viewed through an internal inspection hatch 7 as illustrated at 8. The internal Inspection hatch also allows access to a fuel level sender or pickup 9 and a fuel pump 10.
Since the VIN is fixedly attached inside the fuel tank it is extremely difficult to remove the VIN from the vehicle The tank cannot readily be replaced because it is trapped between the plafform 1 and the bodywork 5. Erasing the VIN by grinding or chiselling, or welding a new piece on to the fuel tank would carry a significant risk of fire due to the presence of residual fuel in the tank. Even if the tank were to be emptied of fuel the presence of Inflammable vapour would make it dangerous to work on the interior of the tank.
The make-up of the vehicle shown in figure 1 will now be described in more detail.
The structural plafform 1 is made up of a number of spars which are connected together. The spars could be metal spars, welded together. The other components of the vehicle are attached to the plafform. The nature of the structural plafform can be varied to suit the design of the vehicle in question.
The passenger compartment comprises a tub 11, exterior panels 12, and interior fittings such as seats 13 and dashboard 14. The tub forms the main base of the passenger compartment. The tub is designed so as to trap the fuel tank between it and the plafform 1. The tub may be attached to the plafform by any suitable means, but it is preferable if it is attached in a way that makes it difficult to remove from the plafform, so that it is difficult for anyone to replace the fuel tank. To achieve this the tub could be bonded to the plafform by an adhesive, welded to the plafform or moulded around parts of the plafform. The tub could be formed of a composite material. The other Items of bodywork forming the passenger compartment are attached to the tub.
In the embodiment illustrated in the figures the fuel tank is adapted for holding liquid fuel. The fuel tank is formed of metal and comprises a base 15, side walls 16 and a top 17 The fuel tank Is shaped so as to cooperate with the plafform 1 and the tub 11 so as to be capable of being trapped between the plafform and the tub in such a way that it cannot be removed without either deforming (preferably in a destructive or at least a plastic manner) one or more of the components or alternatively detaching the tub from the platform. The fuel tank Is designed to be non-serviceable. As a result it does not include a drain for fuel.
Fuel pump 10 is located in the tank. The fuel pump is electrically powered and draws fuel from an inlet 18 and forces it to the engine 4 The pump could be located outside the tank. The inlet 18 is located slightly above the floor of the tank This inhibits any debris on the base of the tank from entering the pump, and also means that there is always a residual amount of fuel in the tank.
Figure 3 shows the configuration of the VIN in more detail. In this example the VIN is stamped at 19 on to a metal plate 20 which is welded to the base 15 of the fuel tank. This arrangement is not essential but it is advantageous in that the VIN lies between the inlet 18 and the base of the tank - and thus in the region where there is always a residual amount of fuel. As a result, tampering with the VIN by methods such as grinding or welding has the potential to start a fire. This arrangement is also advantageous in that the member that bears the VIN is not exposed on the outside of the tank. As a result, it cannot be interfered with from outside the tank, as could a VIN that was stamped into the wall of the tank Itself.
Instead of being stamped on to the plate 20, the VIN could be stamped into a wall of the tank or surface marked (e.g. etched or printed) on the plate 20 or on the interior of a wall of the tank. The VIN is most preferably applied to the wall of the tank in a region that is not readily accessible from the exterior of the tank, for example due to it being covered by and in contact with the platform or the tub.
Figures 4 and 5 show part of another vehicle in which the fuel tank 3 is trapped between the tub 11 and spars 2 of the chassis 1.
The fuel tank could be integrated Into the structure of the vehicle in other ways that would make it difficult to remove. For example, the tub could be moulded around the fuel tank, or around part of it, In such a way as to lock the fuel tank to the tub without the presence of the platform. Alternatively, the fuel tank could be integrated into platform.
The vehicle identification number need not be composed purely of numerical digits. It could include letters and other indicia.
The vehicle could be of any type, for example a car, truck, motorbike, train or aircraft.
The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims (11)

1. A vehicle comprising a structural plafform, a vehicle body attached to the structural plafform and a fuel tank integrated with one or both of the structural plafform and the body in such a way that it cannot be removed from the vehicle without detaching the body from the plafform or deforming one or more of the plafform, the tank and the body, the fuel tank bearing a vehicle identification number for the vehicle.
2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a part of the fuel tank is trapped between the vehicle body and the plafform.
3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vehicle body comprises a tub forming the underside of the body, and at least a part of the fuel tank is trapped between the tub and the plafform.
4. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the vehicle body is bonded to the plafform.
5. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle identification number is visible from the interior of the fuel tank but not visible from the exterior of the vehicle.
6. A vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the vehicle identification number is marked on a member that Is attached to the Interior of the fuel tank.
7. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle identification number is borne by the base of the fuel tank.
8. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a fuel pump for drawing fuel from the fuel tank via in Inlet located in the fuel tank, and wherein the wherein the vehicle identification number is borne by fuel tank at a point lower than the inlet.
9. A vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying d rawings.
10. A fuel tank for a vehicle, the fuel tank bearing a vehicle identification number whereby a vehicle to which the fuel tank is attached can be identified.
11. A fuel tank for a vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB0417585A 2004-08-06 2004-08-06 Vehicle identities Expired - Fee Related GB2416744B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0417585A GB2416744B (en) 2004-08-06 2004-08-06 Vehicle identities

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0417585A GB2416744B (en) 2004-08-06 2004-08-06 Vehicle identities

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0417585D0 GB0417585D0 (en) 2004-09-08
GB2416744A true GB2416744A (en) 2006-02-08
GB2416744B GB2416744B (en) 2009-06-10

Family

ID=32982669

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0417585A Expired - Fee Related GB2416744B (en) 2004-08-06 2004-08-06 Vehicle identities

Country Status (1)

Country Link
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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2949730A1 (en) * 2009-09-09 2011-03-11 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Trim/body element for vehicle, has identification set assigning identification reference according to two marks, and separation zone provided with detachable part, where detachable part is separated from element
GB2494910A (en) * 2011-09-26 2013-03-27 Lee Harvey Walden A vehicle with a remotely readable VIN device
EP2684775A3 (en) * 2012-07-13 2014-10-01 MAN Truck & Bus AG Chassis structure with a tank arrangement

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP7376528B2 (en) * 2021-03-31 2023-11-08 トヨタ自動車株式会社 car body

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1423938A (en) * 1921-05-06 1922-07-25 Nicholas W Jacobs Number plate for motor-vehicle fuel tanks
GB434045A (en) * 1933-06-26 1935-08-26 Steel Wheel Corp Improvements in motor vehicles
JPS57205225A (en) * 1981-06-12 1982-12-16 Toyota Motor Corp Floor structure of automobile
GB2100705A (en) * 1981-06-23 1983-01-06 Monitronix Syst Monitored delivery systems
US5360139A (en) * 1993-01-22 1994-11-01 Hydra Rig, Inc. Liquified natural gas fueling facility
JPH092323A (en) * 1995-06-26 1997-01-07 Nissan Diesel Motor Co Ltd Cross-member structure
US5729002A (en) * 1996-04-08 1998-03-17 Samples; Geary Electronic bar encoded gasoline scanner device

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1423938A (en) * 1921-05-06 1922-07-25 Nicholas W Jacobs Number plate for motor-vehicle fuel tanks
GB434045A (en) * 1933-06-26 1935-08-26 Steel Wheel Corp Improvements in motor vehicles
JPS57205225A (en) * 1981-06-12 1982-12-16 Toyota Motor Corp Floor structure of automobile
GB2100705A (en) * 1981-06-23 1983-01-06 Monitronix Syst Monitored delivery systems
US5360139A (en) * 1993-01-22 1994-11-01 Hydra Rig, Inc. Liquified natural gas fueling facility
JPH092323A (en) * 1995-06-26 1997-01-07 Nissan Diesel Motor Co Ltd Cross-member structure
US5729002A (en) * 1996-04-08 1998-03-17 Samples; Geary Electronic bar encoded gasoline scanner device

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2949730A1 (en) * 2009-09-09 2011-03-11 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Trim/body element for vehicle, has identification set assigning identification reference according to two marks, and separation zone provided with detachable part, where detachable part is separated from element
GB2494910A (en) * 2011-09-26 2013-03-27 Lee Harvey Walden A vehicle with a remotely readable VIN device
EP2684775A3 (en) * 2012-07-13 2014-10-01 MAN Truck & Bus AG Chassis structure with a tank arrangement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2416744B (en) 2009-06-10
GB0417585D0 (en) 2004-09-08

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20100806