Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Safety System and Method

• US 20160221518A1
• Filed: 01/16/2016
• Published: 08/04/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Daniel Mcnicholas
• Original Assignee: Daniel Mcnicholas
• Inventors: McNicholas, Daniel
• Granted Patent: US 10,500,954 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2028/003 inhibiting the starter motor, e.g. by controlling ignition or park lock circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/10 responsive to conditions relating to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/0326 electrically actuated
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/0332 Safety valves or pressure relief valves
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/0364 flexible or articulated, e.g. a hose
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2205/0373 Adapters
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2221/033 Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2221/035 Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2223/0123 gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2223/036 Very high pressure (>80 bar)
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/034 using wireless transmissions
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/036 using alarms
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/043 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/0439 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/0443 Flow or movement of content
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/0478 Position or presence
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2250/0482 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2260/042 Reducing risk of explosion
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2265/066 for feeding engines for propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 2270/0178 Cars
• CPC Class Codes: F17C 5/06 : for filling with compressed gases
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8158 : With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means

Abstract

A multiply-redundant system that prevents a driver from starting and/or moving a vehicle if a compressed natural gas fill system is not correctly and completely disconnected from the vehicle. One or more sensors in combination with one or more optional microswitches combine to lock-out the vehicle'"'"'s ignition or otherwise prevent it from starting and/or moving. For different levels of safety, different combinations of sensors can be used with the lowest level having a single proximity sensor sensing the presence or absence of a high-pressure fill hose. The highest level of safety being achieved by having separate proximity sensors on the fuel fill hose fitting, the gas cap cover and a manual safety valve along with a redundant microswitch. An optional override that may be restricted as to the number of times it can be used can allow starting with a faulty sensor in order to allow maintenance.

Claims

1. A vehicle safety system for disabling a natural gas-fueled vehicle while fueling from a natural gas fueling system, comprising:

a first sensor adapted to sense presence of a gas fill hose in proximity to a tank fill adapter coupled to a pressurized gas source;

a second sensor adapted to sense an open/closed position of an isolation valve, said isolation valve isolating said tank fill adapter from said gas source when closed;

a logic circuit adapted to combine inputs from said first and second sensors to produce a safe electrical signal indicating a safe condition when said fill hose is not in proximity to said tank fill adapter, and said isolation valve is closed;

a lockout circuit adapted to disable said vehicle when said safe electrical signal is absent;

at least one motion sensor coupled to a processor executing stored instructions configured to determine if vehicle motion exceeds a predetermined value, and if so, configured to shut down fueling operations.

2. The vehicle safety system of claim 1 wherein said processor is also configured to override a lockout that may be in effect so that said vehicle may be moved.

3. The vehicle safety system of claim 1 wherein said processor is also configured to automatically release said vehicle from the fueling system.

4. The vehicle safety system of claim 1 wherein the motion sensor is chosen from the group consisting of accelerometers, laser and radar sensors.

5. A vehicle safety system for disabling a natural gas-fueled vehicle while fueling from a natural gas fueling system, comprising:

a first sensor adapted to sense presence of a gas fill hose in proximity to a tank fill adapter coupled to a pressurized gas source;

a second sensor adapted to sense an open/closed position of an isolation valve, said isolation valve isolating said tank fill adapter from said gas source when closed;

a logic circuit adapted to combine inputs from said first and second sensors to produce a safe electrical signal indicating a safe condition when said fill hose is not in proximity to said tank fill adapter, and said isolation valve is closed;

a lockout circuit adapted to disable said vehicle when said safe electrical signal is absent;

at least one fire or explosion sensor coupled to a processor executing stored instructions configured to determine if there is a possible fire or explosion, and if so, configured to shut down fueling operations.

6. The vehicle safety system of claim 5 wherein said processor is also configured to override a lockout that may be in effect so that said vehicle may be moved.

7. The vehicle safety system of claim 5 wherein said processor is also configured to automatically release said vehicle from the fueling system.

8. The vehicle safety system of claim 5 wherein the fire or explosion sensor is chosen from the group consisting of infrared sensors, ultraviolet sensors, temperature rise sensors, ionization or smoke sensors, fusible link sensors, acoustical sonic sensors and acoustical ultrasonic sensors.