GB2505866A - Alarm apparatus including vehicle fuel cap and sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an alarm apparatus comprising at least one sensor including a transceiver. The sensor may be positioned on or attached to a vehicle's fuel filler cap. A collar fitted to an internal face of the fuel cap is associated with a housing for the sensor and a battery, wherein the housing, collar and an O-ring form a watertight seal. The invention further comprises an alert and a control means that is integrated within, and powered by the vehicle. The sensor or one of a plurality of sensors may be provided in the fuel tank. The sensor may be of a type which detects motion or checks the fuel tank contents and/or fuel quality. The control means for the alarm apparatus may be housed on the dashboard. The wiring (see fig 3) includes means for measuring battery voltage. The invention is aimed at providing an effective fuel theft alarm with a low likelihood of providing false alarms.

Description

-PATENT APPLICATION

OF

DAVID JOHN STUART

FOR

AN ALARM APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an alarm apparatus, more particularly an alarm apparatus for a fuel system in a vehicle.

Background

Fuels have become highly priced commodities and subsequently very desirable. For this reason, fuel theft is an increasing problem. In particular larger storage tanks for liquid fossil fuels such as diesel, such as those in large goods vehicles or lorries, are often a target for thieves.

As lorry drivers are required to only drive set mileages before having a break lorries are often stationary in locations for long periods of time making them a prime target for thieves.

Consequently most vehicles have a lockable filler cap so that it cannot be easily removed; however this can be overcome by some thieves and is often not seen as enough of a deterrent.

Some fuel systems have been modified to restrict the flow of fuel when the vehicle is stationary thus making the removal of fluids more difficult, however if another access is used or if the fuel tank is accessed fuel can still be removed.

Other storage devices such as fuel tanks have been adapted to include an alarm system that is trigger by sensors in and around the tank. When the sensor is triggered so is the alarm. However, often such devices are battery operated and therefore if the battery failed the alarm may not fundtion, they also be subject to false alarms due to external environmental conditions.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Chinese patent application CN 101 734 224 (DONGRONG) relates to a remotely-operated electromagnetic valve flltration oil-retention burglar alarm, belonging to the technical field of anti-theft devices on the oil way of motor vehicles. The burglar alarm mainly consists of a remotely-operated electromagnetic valve and a filtration oil-retention box. A seahng ring is arranged on an upper opening of the oil box and twisted at the lower end of the electromagnetic valve; an oil inlet is arranged at the lower side of the top cover of the oil box and an oil outlet is arranged at the upper side: magnet plugs are arranged in the middle of the oil box bottom; a circular oil-retention hole is arranged in the middle of the top cover of the oil box and is opposite to the lower end of a valve needle in the electromagnetic valve: and a conical cap-like sieve is arranged below the oil-retention hole The filtration oil-retention burglar alarm is arranged on the oil way of motor vehicles; when the remotely-operated electromagnetic valve operates, the valve needle is attracted by an electromagnet and moves away from the oil-retention hole, iron impurity of fuel oil from the oil inlet to the oil box is absorbed by magnet plugs, and other purifies filtrated by the sieve enter from the oil outlet into an engine for combustion, thereby improving the power and prolonging the service life of the engine. When the vehicle is stopped, the remotely-operated electromagnetic valve stops working and the valve needle blocks the oil-retention hole by self weight and a reset spring so that fuel oil can not flow into the engine, thereby performing the anti-theft function.

Granted UnitS Kingdom patent GB 2 462 739 (GILCHRIST et al) discloses a fuel monitoring device for a vehicle having one or more fuel tank sensors, the fuel monitoring device comprising a control module in communication with the or each fuel tank sensor, wherein the control module is operable to receive data from the or each fuel tank sensor, and operable to output fuel level related data to a mobile communications system transmitter for transmission to an end user.

Chinese patent application CN 201 296 231 (VUPING et at) discloses a vehicle security device for fuel tank is composed of a fuel tank security main cap body, a spring, a consequent pole, a fastening hook, a pressure induction remote alarm, a starting disc body, a starting pole, wherein the inside chamber of the fuel tank security main cap body is provided with three sets of consequent poles; the lower end of the consequent pole is provided with the fastening hook: the upper end of the consequent pole is provided with the spring; the bottom of the fastening hook is provided with the pressure induction remote alarm; an chamber of the starting disc body is provided with three sets of starting poles. Using this device can effectively prevent the lawless person opening the fuel tank cap to steal the fuel in the fuel tank.

International patent application WO 2010 013 077 (KUTHI) discloses a set of equipment for protecting storage tanks against being drained, especially to prevent fuel tanks from being emptied, which contains a sealing unit that may be connected to the filling-emptying pipe-end of the storage tank, characterised by that the sealing unit has a second fixing body that works with the first fixing body of the fifing-emptying pipe-end, as well as a protective housing fixed to the second fixing body and surrounding the reception space, where in the protective housing there is a movement-sensing part-unit supplied with a signal-emitting output and a signal-forwarding part-unit connected to its signal-emitting output, as well as an energy supply to power these, furthermore, the signal-forwarding part-unit is connected to an alarm management unit with a receiver connected to it via a wireless information transfer channel, and the alarm management unit is located separate to the liquid storage tank, e.g. at a distance from it or separated with a space-dividing element.

Granted United States patent US 7 760 085 (LERTORA et at) disclose a monitoring apparatus for tanks and the like, comprising detecting means to detect the opened and closed states of openingfclosing means of said tank, and gathering and processing means to gather and process the detected data, characterized ri that said gathering and processing means are integrated with an RFID unit which can communicate said data with at least one suitable remote transceiver unit.

In contrast the present invention provides a failsafe means of ensuring that fuel is not stolen from a goods vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an alarm apparatus comprising: at least one sensor including a transceiver and integratable into a vehicle's fuel filler cap, an alert and a control means that is integrated within, and powered by the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor may be positioned on or attached to a filler cap of a fuel tank. In preferred embodiments the sensor may be retrofitted to any fuel cap.

In some embodiments for example a collar may be fitted to an internal face of the filler cap. Said collar ideally provides a housing which holds the sensor and at least one battery.

It is envisaged the housing fits contiguously within the collar wherein preferably there is an 0-ring where the collar and housing join so as to form a watertight seal which prevents ingress of liquid to the sensor.

The collar, housing and the filler cap are joined together by means of at least two screws or other similar semi-permanent filling. It is envisaged the screws thread into pre-made apertures in order for them to be joined together. When connected a sealed unit is formed so as to protect the sensor.

It is envisaged the housing may include an inlet for wires which may power and or pass signals to and from the sensor. Typically the inlet is through a watertight seal, said typically provided by an 0-ring or similar.

In other embodiments the sensor may be positioned within the fuel tank, or more particularly where a user fills the fuel tank, such as the vehicle's filling inlet or column.

In some embodiments the sensor may include a projection or tethered part that extends towards or into the fuel tank to came into contact with fuel, so that tampering can be detected in more than one area by the sensor.

In some embodiments it may be envisaged that the fuel tank may include a monitor to otherwise check the fuel tank contents and/or quality of the fuel in case a thief were to remove fuel and replace it with another liquid.

In another embodiment the alert may include more than one sensor, each being positioned in different locations so as to provide improved identification and alerting of any attempted theft.

The sensor, when activated, detects any movement of the filler cap, which in turn triggers the alert or an alarm system. For example if the fuel tank is accessed other than by the filler cap, or if the fuel's level changes unexpectedly such as when the engine is not running, or when the fuel tank is not being re-fuelled.

Typically therefore in all preferred embodiments the sensor includes or is provided by a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer, piezoelectric sensor or similar sensor which detects movement in any plane; for example in order to sense the filler cap twisting, the fuel tank lifting or vibration in the fuel tank or filler cap.

1 5 Preferably all motion sensors are mounted within the fuel tank or system, for example in the filler cap, filling column, fuel tank or fuel tubes that pass fuel within the vehicle.

In this way the alarm apparatus is able to reduce the chances of the sensor being triggered erroneously by external factors, and ensures the sensor is less likely to be triggered falsely.

Preferably when movement is detected by the sensor a signal is sent to the control means and to the alert which will set off an alarm response. Said alarm may be local, remote, audible and/or visual. Depending upon the number of signals received may depend on the alarm response given.

For example in some embodiments the alert may only be triggered if the sensor receives more than one signal, or ideally if more than one of the sensors is triggered at the same time thus reducing the chances of false alarms. In further embodiments there may be a delay system incorporated in the control means, for example wherein the control means includes a timer or timing facility, and repeated or repetitive signals within a predefined timed period may trigger alerts or specific alarm responses. In this way erroneous signals may be further reduced or ignored.

In preferred embodiments the alert is situate remote from the sensor, in order to ensure the alert cannot be easily disabled by someone attempting to steal fuel.

In some embodiments the alert may be mounted on the vehicle, such as on the vehicle underside. In preferred embodiments the alert is capable of providing a loud audible alert, typically more than 120 dB.

In further preferred embodiments the alert is situate and/or controlled by the control means, wherein for example a user will disable the alert prior to refuelling, from the vehicle cab.

In this way the control means and alert may both be wired to the vehicle battery, ensuring minimal chance of failure, although some embodiments may include a backup battery. Ideally also tampering may be prevented locally at the filler cap or fuel tank. In all preferred embodiments the filler cap includes wireless connectivity in order to communicate with the control means. In some embodiments the filler cap may provide regular signal patterns, so as to minimise chances of sensor battery failure, and failure of the control means to observe said pattern or patterns may trigger an alert or other response.

Ideally where the alert includes an audible element, said audible element is produced remote from the cab area as this level of noise may be damaging to the driver causing damage to the ears such as if the driver were sleeping in the cab when it were triggered.

In preferred embodiments when the sensor triggers the control means a visual alert such as flashing lights may also be initiated. Typically existing lights on the vehicle are used to provide the visual alert, for example the headlights, indicators and brake lights. Alternatively or in addition in some embodiments a separate alert light may be placed on or in the vehicle.

Typically the control means for the alarm apparatus are housed on the dashboard of the vehicle so that only the user can access the control means.

The control means include at least one switch to activate and deactivate the sensor, an alarm cancellation means, a monitor to record the signals received and transmitted. Ideally there are lights on the dashboard which provide a visual indication as to which controls means are in operation, for example if the alarm apparatus is switch on or if it has been triggered.

In some embodiments the alarm apparatus may have pie-defined settings for enhanced security such as automatic activation when the engine is not running thus removing a need for the user to switch the alarm apparatus on.

In further embodiments where the vehicle is in transit the sensor may be deactivated.

It is further envisaged that the sensor may be linked to, for example the vehicle Global Positioning System (GPS), tachometer or speedometer, so that the senor and/or alarm apparatus becomes automatically active when the vehicle is stationary but in transit it is deactivated. By being linked to the GPS system location of the vehicle when the alert is triggered may also be established by the user if not with the vehicle or by third parties, for example subject to a remotely provided or transmitted alert.

In addition to wiring, it is envisaged that sensor, alarm and controls means may also use radio frequency or similar wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (Trade Mark) as an alternative systems of communication so that if one were to fail the apparatus is still operable.

In preferred embodiments the alarm apparatus includes a test system so that wiring, battery power, circuitry and wireless communications can be tested by the user. For example a test signal may be sent to the alert and sensor and on receiving positive feedback signal to the control means a successful test may be acknowledged for example by show of a light. Ideally said test mechanism may be part of standard operating procedure of the vehicle for example an automatic test may occur at or during ignition of the vehicle.

The alarm apparatus may also have a variety of alarm settings for example, there may be a short audible alert on initial detection of movement by the sensor but if the movement is repeated the full continuous alarm is triggered.

It is envisaged a silent or quiet alarm may be initiated in the cab so as to alert the driver if present, prior to a loud and/or continuous alarm.

To assist in detection of tampering the alarm apparatus may include a camera which identifies the cause of the movement, theft or other factor such as the environment (heavy rain or winds). When the sensor is triggered the camera may send an image or video footage to the user, for example to a screen in the cab or to their mobile phone, and/or to a central management system, for example the lorry company.

The alarm apparatus may also include a heat sensor so as to establish the presence of a person.

In another embodiment the alarm apparatus may be linked in with vehicle central powered locking so that the sensor is activated automatically when the vehicle is locked. Alternatively a separate or combined key fob may be available to activate and deactivate the sensor.

It is envisaged the user may be able to activate the sensor remotely for example using wireless communication such as radio frequency, mobile phone signal or Bluetooth (Trade Mark).

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the ad, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show isometric views of constituent parts of an embodiment of the alarm apparatus, including the alert, sensor installed on a filler cap, and control means switch; Figures 2 show views of the embodiments of the alert and switch; Figure 3 shows a sketch of a wiring diagram for the apparatus; And Figures 4 show views of the control means switch.

The pictured and preferred embodiment of the apparatus provides a system that will protect diesel from being stolen.

In preferred embodiments the alert will also sound if the filler cap is destroyed, which may only be deactivated by the driver, such as at the control means.

The sensor is powered by a long life battery cell and uses wireless radio technology to trigger the alert. The alert is located in a position such as under the cab that is hard to reach to ensure the alert cannot be tampered with.

The alert is powered by the vehicle battery and run through the vehicle's fuse box.

The control means however is located in the cab on the vehicle dashboard, where the alert can be turned on and off, or silenced if triggered.

The alarm apparatus thereby provides a three part system to help combat the theft of fuel from goods vehicles or lorries. When the system is activated, the sensor unit detects any movement in the fuel cap of the lorry and sets off the high frequency alarm to alert the driver and scare away thieves.

The control means has a simple red On/Off switch and two light up symbols: one to show when the product is on, one to show when the sensor's battery is low.

Ideally a lip bracket is added to an existing fuel or filler cap onto which is attached a metal collar sensor. The bracket ideally has a number of different fixing holes and can be mounted in many orientations.

The switch and a display unit (not pictured) for the control means for the alarm apparatus are ideally installed into the vehicle dashboard.

The sensor is screwed onto the back of the fuel cap and the cap is put into place on the fuel tank.

When the driver is going to sleep he will activate the alarm system from the cab of the lorry, by pressing the switch. This will wake the wireless sensor from power saving sleep mode.

When triggered by the sensor, a 130 decibel siren alert will sound to alert the driver that the lorry is under threat and scare the thief away.

The alert is attached in a discreet place under the body of the lorry so that it cannot be vandalised or destroyed.

When a thief tries to turn the fuel cap to steal the contents, the sensor will remotely trigger the alert and if the thief tries to destroy the filler cap and the wireless signal to the alarm stops, the alarm will trigger.

The alarm apparatus or alert will be turned on and off using the switch, located on the dashboard or in the cab. The control means includes a power symbol for when the remote sensor is low on battery.

FUEL ALARM SEQUENCE OF EVENTS.

0 sec. Tip-over switch detected.

4 sec. Transmit fuel alarm signal output 2 latched on.

Fuel alarm LED on.

CAUSE OF ALARM -FUEL FILING OR LORRY MOTION.

Siren off, Since it is switched off CAUSE OF ALARM -FUEL THIEF.

Siren on. Since it is switched on.

a mm. Driver returns and switches off alarm Fuel alarm LED on.

Siren off. Since it is switched off.

mm. Transmit fuel alarm signal SIGNAL RECEIVED OK output 2 latched off Fuel alarm LED off Siren off. Regardless of switch position SIGNAL NOT RECEIVED output 2 latched on Fuel alarm LED on.

Siren on. If switched on.

Remove/replace fuel cap on well 9 mins for reset.

Or use a 2 RF transmitter ((1OC1-433FR4) for manual reset LOW BATTERY ALARM SEQUENCE OF EVENTS (every 5 mins) If battery voltage is measured OK. do nothing. Low battery LED off If battery voltage is measured low, do the following.

-transmit low battery signal (toggles output 2 every 5 mins).

-Low battery LED flashing on/off every 10 mins. Stops flashing when -battery is flat. After replacing RF transmitter battery. Use a -RF transmitter (102C1-433fra) to rest LED. If necessary.

Claims (5)

1. Claims 1. An alarm apparatus comprising: at least one sensor including a transceiver and integratable into a vehicle's fuel filler cap, an alert and a control means that is integrated within, and powered by the vehicle.
2. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensor includes or is provided by a motion sensor.
3. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the alert may only be triggered if the sensor receives more than one signal.
4. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein control means and alert may both be wired to the vehicle battery.
5. 5. A means of providing fuel tank protection according to any preceding claim or with reference to the figures.