Fuel Coupler with Wireless Port Door Unlatching Actuator
First Claim
1. A fuel delivery system, comprising:
- a fuel coupler connected to a fuel source, wherein said fuel coupler is configured to be coupled to a vehicle fuel port and to transfer fuel from said fuel source to a vehicle via said vehicle fuel port;
a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit a vehicle port door control signal, wherein said transmitter is a short range device; and
a transmitter switch integrated into said fuel coupler, wherein toggling said transmitter switch causes said transmitter to wirelessly transmit said vehicle port door control signal, wherein receipt of said vehicle port door control signal by a receiver located within said vehicle activates a port door unlatching actuator that opens a vehicle port door, said vehicle port door hingeably coupled to said vehicle, wherein in a closed position said vehicle port door covers said vehicle fuel port and in an open position said vehicle port door provides access to said vehicle fuel port.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fuel delivery system and method of use are provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle'"'"'s fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access.
69 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A fuel delivery system, comprising:
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a fuel coupler connected to a fuel source, wherein said fuel coupler is configured to be coupled to a vehicle fuel port and to transfer fuel from said fuel source to a vehicle via said vehicle fuel port; a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit a vehicle port door control signal, wherein said transmitter is a short range device; and a transmitter switch integrated into said fuel coupler, wherein toggling said transmitter switch causes said transmitter to wirelessly transmit said vehicle port door control signal, wherein receipt of said vehicle port door control signal by a receiver located within said vehicle activates a port door unlatching actuator that opens a vehicle port door, said vehicle port door hingeably coupled to said vehicle, wherein in a closed position said vehicle port door covers said vehicle fuel port and in an open position said vehicle port door provides access to said vehicle fuel port. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of operating a fuel delivery system, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a fuel coupler connected to a fuel source, wherein said fuel coupler is configured to be coupled to a vehicle fuel port and to transfer fuel from said fuel source to a vehicle via said vehicle fuel port; providing a switch integrated into said fuel coupler, wherein toggling said switch from a first position to a second position further comprises the step of; transmitting a vehicle port door control signal from a directional antenna integrated into said fuel coupler in response to toggling said switch, wherein receipt of said vehicle port door control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle proximate to said fuel coupler further comprises the step of; activating a port door unlatching actuator that opens a vehicle port door, said vehicle port door hingeably coupled to said vehicle, wherein in a closed position said vehicle port door covers said vehicle fuel port and in an open position said vehicle port door provides access to said vehicle fuel port. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification