Automated engine oil change system and method
OwnerJoseph F. LAWLER, III, Grant T. LAWLER +1inventors
InventorsJoseph F. LAWLER, III, Grant T. LAWLER, Joseph F. LAWLER, JR.
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Abstract
The present invention encompasses a system and method for automatically replacing vehicle fluid, such as engine oil, with a robotic serving unit or robotic machine. The robotic machine comprises a motorized, autonomously maneuverable unit that has on its top a drainage arm to connect with an oil drain plug of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the oil drain plug comprises a hollow interior for the drainage arm to connect with and drain the oil, and can also comprise a sealable element to retain the oil.
Claims14
A system for changing the engine oil of a motor vehicle comprising:
- a customer identification and processing unit for storing and transmitting customer identification data;
- a robotic servicing unit operatively connected to the identification and processing unit for servicing the vehicle upon receipt of an authorization signal, the robotic unit comprising a tube for inserting into an existing oil drain plug in the vehicle and a pump for transferring oil, and further comprising storage reservoirs for used oil and one or more types of engine oil;
- a signal communicator for directing the robotic unit to a vehicle and receiving information from and controlling the robotic unit, and for producing a signal authorizing payment and approving servicing for the vehicle.
A method of operating a robotic machine to change the engine oil in a vehicle, the method comprising:
- maneuvering the robotic machine to an oil drain plug of a vehicle using a tag located on or near the drain plug as a locating tag or beacon;
- extending a drainage arm on the top of the robotic machine towards the oil drain plug;
- extending an end tube of the drainage arm into the outer surface of the oil drain plug;
- and removing the oil from the vehicle, wherein the oil drain plug comprises an exterior bolt head section on one elongated end of the oil drain plug, which section can be connected to the end tube of the drainage arm of the robotic unit, and wherein the drain plug contains a hollow interior and a resistance device in the hollow interior to seal a plugging device against the opening of the drain plug when the end tube is not connected to the drain plug.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.