WO2019161922A1

WO2019161922A1 - Control device, system, and method for preventing misfuelling of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2019161922A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/054591
Authority: WO
Inventors: David TANUGRAHA
Original assignee: Toyota Motor Europe
Priority date: 2018-02-23
Filing date: 2018-02-23
Publication date: 2019-08-29

Abstract

A control device, system, and method for controlling the operation of a fuel dispensing means (206) is provided. The control device being configured to emit a magnetic field from a near-field reader (212), e.g. on a fuel nozzle, to cause a near-field transmitter (110) on a vehicle (100) to transmit a first predetermined value, e.g. an acceptable fuel type for the vehicle motor; receive the first predetermined value; allow the operation of the fuel dispensing means (206) when the first predetermined value matches a second predetermined value, e.g. the fuel type to be dispensed; and prohibit operation of the fuel dispensing means when the first predetermined value does not match the second predetermined value.

Description

CONTROL DEVICE, SYSTEM. AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING

MISFUELLING OF A VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure is related to preventing misfuelling of a vehicle, and more particularly to preventing an operator from introducing an incorrect fuel type into a vehicle by using near-field communicators.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Putting the incorrect fuel type in a motor vehicle can cause problems with major components of the vehicle. If diesel fuel is dispensed into a gasoline tank, the motor vehicle will operate, however the engine will shut down once the gasoline remaining in the fuel line is depleted. This problem occurs because gasoline engines are incapable of combusting diesel fuel. Although little or no permanent damage may be done to the engine, there is a risk of damaging the catalytic converter and the inconvenience to the operator may be great.

[0003] In order to restore the operation of the motor vehicle, the fuel system is typically drained, including emptying the gas tank and removing all of the diesel fuel from the fuel lines, the fuel rail, and the injectors. However, a more comprehensive removal may be necessary and may require several parts of the vehicle to be taken apart, which can be expensive and time consuming.

[0004] Dispensing gasoline fuel into a diesel tank can cause extensive and irreversible damage to a diesel engine. Diesel is used both as a fuel and as a lubricant. Therefore, using gasoline in a diesel engine starves the fuel-injector pump of lubrication. Additionally, due to the different combustion properties of the fuels, gasoline can cause the diesel engine to misfire.

[0005] In order to restore operation of the motor vehicle in this case, the fuel system is also drained. However, due to the extensive damage that gasoline can cause to a diesel engine, major components may need to be replaced.

[0006] Inadvertent introduction of the incorrect fuel type into a motor vehicle is not uncommon. To address this problem, service stations use different labels and colors on the fueling machines to clearly identify which fuel type is associated with a particular fuel nozzle.

[0007] UK Patent Application number GB 2 466 719 attempts to address the problem by providing an apparatus for detecting misfuelling. In this application, a magnet and magnetic field detecting means are used to alert a person if a dispenser for an incorrect fuel type is proximal to the fuel tank inlet of the motor vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] The present inventors have recognized that it is desirable to control the operation of a fuel dispensing means, and consequently the release of fuel from a fuel dispensing means, if a consumer Is at risk of inadvertently introducing the incorrect fuel type into a motor vehicle.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a control device for controlling the operation of a fuel dispensing means is provided, the control device being configured to emit a magnetic field from a near-field reader to cause a near-field transmitter to transmit a first predetermined value; receive the first predetermined value; allow the operation of the fuel dispensing means when the first predetermined value matches a second predetermined value; and prohibit operation of the fuel dispensing means when the first predetermined value does not match the second predetermined value.

[0010] In this configuration, the transmitter can have a unique fuel ID and the reader can obtain the fuel ID so that the control device can determine if fuel should be dispensed. Fuel IDs may be assigned for more than just gasoline or diesel. Fuel IDs can be assigned, for example, to leaded fuel, regular unleaded fuel, or premium unleaded fuel that is intended to be used in high performance vehicles. Additionally, controlling the operation of the fuel dispensing means helps ensure that the incorrect fuel type will not be introduced into the motor vehicle.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the near-field reader may be configured to be integrated into the fuel dispensing means station. This is beneficial because fuel dispensing means stations typically are adapted to be electricity powered, thus the fuel dispensing means station can be easily made to further power the near-field reader. It is also contemplated that the near field reader may be retrofitted onto existing fuel dispensing means stations that do not have near-field readers.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the near-field reader may be integrated into a fuel nozzle of a fuel dispensing means station. Disposing the near-field reader onto the fuel nozzle of the fuel dispensing means places the near-field reader most proximate to the vehicle, in particular a gas inlet thereof.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the near-field transmitter may be configured to be integrated into a fuel inlet of a vehicle. Disposing the near-field transmitter onto the fuel inlet of a vehicle places the transmitter proximate to a nozzle of a fuel dispensing means. Disposing the transmitter and receiver on the nozzle and fuel inlet, respectively, makes it possible to associate the action of introducing a fuel type into a motor vehicle and determine if the fuel type is incorrect.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the second predetermined value may correspond to a fuel type to be dispensed from the fuel dispensing means, and the first predetermined value may correspond to one or more acceptable fuels for the vehicle. Unique fuel IDs can be assigned for more than just gasoline or diesel. Fuel IDs can be assigned, for example, to leaded fuel, regular unleaded fuel, premium unleaded fuel that is intended to be used in high performance vehicles. This aids in allowing the control device to determine if fuel should be dispensed and helps ensure that the incorrect fuel type will not be introduced into the motor vehicle.

[0015] According to some embodiments, a system for preventing misfuelling of a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a control device according to the first exemplary embodiment, and a near-field reader configured to read data stored on a near-field transmitter.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the near-field reader may be configured to be integrated into a fuel dispensing means station. This is beneficial because fuel dispensing means stations typically are adapted to be electricity powered, thus the fuel dispensing means station can be easily made to further power the near-field reader. It is also contemplated that the nearfield reader may be retrofitted onto existing fuel dispensing means stations that do not have near-field readers. [0017] According to further embodiments, a fuel dispensing means station comprises the control device or the system according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the near-field reader may be integrated into a fuel nozzle of the fuel dispensing means station. Disposing the near-field reader onto the fuel nozzle of the fuel dispensing means places the near-field reader most proximate to the vehicle, in particular a gas inlet thereof.

[0019] According to further embodiments, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle may comprise a fuel inlet, a near-field transmitter disposed proximate to the fuel inlet and the near-field transmitter has a first predetermined value stored therein.

[0020] Disposing the near-field transmitter on the fuel inlet of a vehicle places the transmitter proximate to a nozzle of a fuel dispensing means. Disposing the transmitter and receiver on the nozzle and fuel inlet, respectively, makes it possible to associate the action of introducing a fuel type into a motor vehicle and determine if the fuel type is incorrect. Having a predetermined value or unique fuel ID makes it possible to assign a fuel ID for more than just gasoline or diesel. Fuel IDs can be assigned to, for example, leaded fuel, regular unleaded fuel, premium unleaded fuel that is intended to be used in high performance vehicles. This aids in allowing the control device to determine if fuel should be dispensed and help ensure that the incorrect fuel type will not be introduced into the motor vehicle.

[0021] According to further embodiments, a method for controlling the release of fuel from a fuel dispensing means is provided. The method comprising the steps of: emitting a magnetic field from a near-field reader to cause a near-field transmitter to transmit a first predetermined value; receiving the first predetermined; allowing operation of the fuel dispensing means when the first predetermined value matches the second predetermined value; and prohibiting operation of the fuel dispensing means when the first predetermined value does not match the second predetermined value.

[0022] In this configuration, the transmitter can have a unique fuel ID and the reader can obtain the fuel ID so that the control device can determine if fuel should be dispensed. Fuel IDs may be assigned for more than just gasoline or diesel. Fuel IDs can be assigned, for example, to leaded fuel, regular unleaded fuel, or premium unleaded fuel that is intended to be used in high performance vehicles. Additionally, controlling the operation of the fuel dispensing means helps ensure that the incorrect fuel type will not be introduced into the motor vehicle.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the near-field reader may be integrated into a fuel dispensing means station. This is beneficial because fuel dispensing means stations typically are adapted to be electricity powered, thus the fuel dispensing means station can be easily made to further power the near-field reader. It is also contemplated that the near-field reader may be retrofitted onto existing fuel dispensing means stations that do not have near- field readers.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the near-field reader is integrated into a fuel nozzle of a fuel dispensing means station. Disposing the near-field reader onto the fuel nozzle of the fuel dispensing means places the near-field reader most proximate to the vehicle, in particular a gas inlet thereof.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the near-field transmitter is integrated into a fuel inlet of a vehicle. Disposing the near-field transmitter onto the fuel inlet of a vehicle places the transmitter proximate to a nozzle of a fuel dispensing means. Disposing the transmitter and receiver on the nozzle and fuel inlet, respectively, makes it possible to associate the action of introducing a fuel type into a motor vehicle and determine if the fuel type is incorrect.

[0026] It is intended that combinations of the above-described elements and those within the specification may be made, except where otherwise contradictory.

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, and serve to explain the principles thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0028] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary motor vehicle having a near-field transmitter and exemplary fuel dispensing means station having a near-field reader; and

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of an exemplary control method. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0030] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 100, having an engine that is adapted to receive fuel (not shown). The vehicle 100 has a body portion 102. As can be seen in detail A, the body portion 102 has a recess 104 defining a cavity. The recess 104 may be covered by a cover plate 106. The cover plate 106 may be hingedly attached to the body portion 102 and may be further secured to the body portion 102 by a locking means (not shown).

[0032] Within the recess 104 is a fuel inlet 108. The fuel inlet 108 is connected to a reservoir fuel tank, which is fluidly connected to the engine (not shown) such that fuel dispensed into the fuel inlet can be held in the reservoir fuel tank and delivered to the engine when necessary. The fuel inlet 108 can be adapted to be closed off, for example, the inner surface of the fuel inlet can define at least one grove so that it can receive a threaded fuel cap therein.

[0033] The recess 104 of the body portion 102 further has a near-field transmitter 110 disposed therein. The near-field transmitter 110 may be passive, or powered wirelessly when subjected to an electromagnetic field. The near-field transmitter may include an antenna connected to a chip, the chip for example, having preloaded data thereon.

[0034] The near-field transmitter 110 may be disposed proximate to the fuel inlet 108. However, it is also contemplated that the near-field transmitter 110 may be disposed within the fuel inlet 108. The near-field transmitter 110 may be a near-field communication device or NFC tag, for example. The near-field transmitter 110 may have information stored on it, for example, a fuel ID associated with an acceptable fuel for the engine of a vehicle 100.

[0035] Also shown in Fig. 1 is a fuel dispensing means station 200. A fuel dispensing means station 200, may be, for example a fuel pump station. The fuel dispensing means station 200 may have a command center 202, a hose 204, and a fuel dispensing means 206. The hose 204 fluidly connects features of the command center 202 (e.g., pump, reservoir, etc., which are not shown) with the fuel dispensing means 206. The command center 202 may control the pump, a valve, a power supply, etc., or any other suitable means to prevent or allow fuel to flow to the fuel inlet. In this respect, for example, the command center 202 can activate the pump so that the fuel dispensing means 206 can dispense fuel from the reservoir.

[0036] The fuel dispensing means 206 may comprise, for example, a nozzle 208 and a trigger 210 that allows the consumer to control the output and flow rate of fuel from dispensing means 206. However, it is envisioned that a trigger 210 may not be included. The nozzle 208 of the fuel dispensing means 206 is adapted to be inserted into the fuel inlet 108 of the motor vehicle 100. In this respect, fuel can be retrieved from a reservoir and introduced into the motor vehicle.

[0037] Additionally, the fuel dispensing means station 200 has a near-field reader 212. The near-field reader 212 may be disposed on the body of the fuel dispensing means 206 proximate to the nozzle 208, for example. However, the near-field reader 212 may be disposed on the nozzle 208 of the fuel dispensing means 206.

[0038] The near-field reader 212 may be an active near-field communicator, or is connected to a power source and is adapted to emit an electromagnetic field. The near-field reader 212 may include an antenna. The near-field reader 212 may be operatively connected to a controller or ECU that is configured to generate an RF carrier wave and detect if modulation occurs, indicating that a near-field transmitter 110 is proximate to the near-field reader 212.

[0039] The antenna of the near-field reader may be disposed on the body of the fuel dispensing means 206 or nozzle 208, however the controller may be disposed elsewhere on the fuel dispensing means station 200, including, for example, the command center 202. The near-field reader 212 may be configured to identify at least one acceptable fuel type based on the fuel ID from at least one near-field transmitter 110.

[0040] The command center 202 may have an ECU that is adapted to control the operation of the fuel dispensing means 206. In the present embodiment, the ECU is configured to take into account if a detected fuel ID matches at least one predetermined value prior to authorizing the operation of the fuel dispensing means 206.

[0041] Although embodiments are explained using illustrations of a fixed fuel dispensing means station 200, the fuel dispensing means station 200 may be any suitable means for introducing fuel into a motor vehicle, e.g., a fuel container, portable fuel supply device, etc.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, a consumer attempting to introduce fuel into their vehicle may first request for fuel S100. For example, by pressing a button on the command center 202 indicating a desired fuel.

[0043] The near-field reader 212 may emit a magnetic field S102 and determines whether modulation occurs S104. If no modulation occurs (for example, if a vehicle does not have a near-field transmitter 110 or the nearfield transmitter 110 is not functioning), then an error message is communicated to the consumer S108. The error message may inform the consumer that the near-field transmitter cannot be read and the release of fuel is not authorized. However, it is envisioned that the error message may be a warning and does not prohibit access to fuel, or no error message may be provided.

[0044] If the near-field reader 212 receives data from a near-field transmitter 110 in the form of a fuel ID, the ECU may determine if the detected fuel ID matches at least one predetermined value S106. This predetermined value may be a fuel ID, which may be a specific value or code corresponding to an acceptable fuel for the vehicle. For example, unleaded regular fuel may have a specific fuel ID that may be different from a fuel ID of unleaded premium fuel.

[0045] Additionally, when multiple predetermined values are received, this may correspond to a list of acceptable fuel IDs for a particular fuel type, e.g., diesel, unleaded regular, unleaded premium, etc.

[0046] If it is determined that the detected fuel ID matches a predetermined value corresponding to an acceptable fuel type for the vehicle, the ECU activates the fuel dispensing means to provide fuel SI 10.

[0047] However, if it is determined that the detected fuel ID fails to match the predetermined value, then an error message may be communicated to the consumer S108. The error message may inform the consumer that the fuel type is incorrect and the release of fuel is not authorized. However, it is envisioned that the error message may be a warning and does not prohibit access to fuel, or no error message may be provided. [0048] The error message may be any suitable means of communication, including but not limited to text, light, sound, vibration, or merely nonoperation.

[0049] One of skill will recognize that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, when an acceptable fuel is identified, the command center 202, for example, may automatically switch a dispensed fuel to the acceptable fuel, regardless of a selection indicated by the consumer. The command center 202 may prompt for confirmation of this change or may simply provide the acceptable fuel without further notice to the consumer. Further, while embodiments in which the control center 202 controls whether fuel is delivered, it is further contemplated that a device for stopping fuel flow into the fuel inlet 108 may be provided on the vehicle itself, thereby allowing the vehicle to control what fuel is introduced.

[0050] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless otherwise stated. In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims should be understood as including its end value(s) unless otherwise stated. Specific values for described elements should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances known to one of skill in the art, and any use of the terms "substantially" and/or "approximately" and/or "generally" should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances.

[0051] Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

[0052] It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling the operation of a fuel dispensing means, the control device being configured to:

emit a magnetic field from a near-field reader to cause a near-field transmitter to transmit a first predetermined value;

receive the first predetermined value;

allow the operation of the fuel dispensing means when the first predetermined value matches a second predetermined value; and

prohibit operation of the fuel dispensing means when the first predetermined value does not match the second predetermined value.

2. The control device of claim 1, wherein the near-field reader is configured to be integrated into the fuel dispensing means station.

3. The control device of claim 2, wherein the near-field reader is integrated into a fuel nozzle of a fuel dispensing means station.

4. The control device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the near-field transmitter is configured to be integrated into a fuel inlet of a vehicle.

5. The control device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the second predetermined value corresponds to a fuel type to be dispensed from the fuel dispensing means, and the first predetermined value corresponds to one or more acceptable fuels for the vehicle.

6. A system for preventing misfuelling of a vehicle,

the system comprising:

a control device according to any one of the preceding claims, and a near-field reader configured to read data stored on a near-field transmitter.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the near-field reader is configured to be integrated into a fuel dispensing means station.

8. A fuel dispensing means station comprising:

a control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or

a system according to any one of claims 6 to 7.

9. The fuel dispensing means station of claim 8, wherein the near-field reader is integrated into a fuel nozzle of the fuel dispensing means station.

10. A vehicle comprising:

a fuel inlet,

a near-field transmitter disposed proximate to the fuel inlet, wherein the near-field transmitter has a first predetermined value stored therein.

11. A method for controlling the release of fuel from a fuel dispensing means, the method comprising the steps of:

emitting a magnetic field from a near-field reader to cause a nearfield transmitter to transmit a first predetermined value;

receiving the first predetermined;

allowing operation of the fuel dispensing means when the first predetermined value matches the second predetermined value; and

prohibiting operation of the fuel dispensing means when the first predetermined value does not match the second predetermined value.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the near-field reader is integrated into a fuel dispensing means station.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the near-field reader is integrated into a fuel nozzle of a fuel dispensing means station.

14. The method of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the near-field transmitter is integrated into a fuel inlet of a vehicle.