APPARATUS FOR REDUCING OXIDATION OF METAL AUTOMOTIVE

COMPONENTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the protection of automotive vehicles against oxidation. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an apparatus for reducing oxidation of metal vehicle components. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention has broader application and is not limited to that particular use.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Most motor vehicle comprise a chassis made of a steel material of which, the major component is iron (Fe). Oxidation, more commonly referred to as "rust" in automotive vehicles, occurs when the vehicles are exposed to air comprising oxygen gas (O ₂ ) and water (H ₂ O). The oxygen in air and water combines with metal, by receiving free electrons from the metal material, to form a variant of ferrous (iron) oxide Fβ ₂ θ ₃ . The flaky red-brown solid which is largely hydrated iron is the term that is referred to as "rust".

The reactions involved in the oxidation process are quite complex.

However, the main steps can be summarised as follows:

A region of the metal's surface serves as the anode, where oxidation occurs:

Fe(s)→ Fe2+(aq) + 2e- The electrons given up by iron (Fe) in the metal material reduce atmospheric oxygen to water at the cathode, which is another region of the same metal's surface:

O ₂ (g) + 4H ⁺ (aqf) + 4e-→ 2H ₂ O(/)

The overall redox reaction is:

2Fe(s) + O ₂ (ST) + 4H ⁺ (aqr)→ 2Fe ²⁺ (aqf) + 2H ₂ O(I)

Interference with any of the steps in the corrosion process, can allow the corrosion reaction to be stopped or enable the process to be slowed to a manageable rate.

Older cars have generally been more prone to rust as the frame and body contained more exposed metal parts. Where bumpers were made of metal in the past, they are now more commonly made of impact resistant plastic or plastic coated metal. Nowadays manufacturers have developed new paints and sealers for the body of the car which aim to prevent rust. However, if there is a scratch or impact that removes part of the paint or sealer, that area will be prone to rust if not repaired. Other components commonly affected by rust include the radiator, fuel tank, floor, engine water jacket and pillars. Fixing rust can be a costly exercised as it generally requires stripping and re-painting or replacement of a part.

Various products have been introduced into the marketplace which attempt to reduce and/or prevent rust on automotive vehicles. Conventional rust proofing (also referred to as chemical rust proofing) consists of a physical barrier that is sprayed onto the underside of the car. Undercoating and spray-on type rust proofing (rustproofing) insulate the metal from moisture and oxygen by covering it with a protective coating. The disadvantages of this method are that it is impossible to cover every area on the vehicle with this method and hard to reach places are left unprotected (i.e. inside pillars, sills, doors etc), which are often the areas that are most prone to corrosion. Further, it is only effective as long as the protective surface is not damaged.

More recently, many products have been developed which provide electric rust protection by utilizing impressed current technology comprising an electric circuit to generate an extra negative electrical charge to the vehicle's metal body panels already carrying a negative charge, forming a protective "coating" of excess electrons. However, it is noted that this technology has now been banned in the United States of America in response to claims that the technology does not work.

In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method and/or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for reducing oxidation of metal vehicle components that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for reducing oxidation of metal vehicle components by applying a positive potential to all of the metal components when the vehicle is turned off in order to facilitate the reduction of the oxidation process and thus, reduce the extent of rusting. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, although not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in an apparatus for reducing oxidation of one or more metal components of a vehicle comprising:

an isolator device having a first end for connection to a negative terminal of an electrical power supply and a second end for connection to a connector connected to the one or more metal components;

a connector connected to a positive terminal of the electrical power supply at one end and at least one accessory at another end, the accessory being negatively grounded to the one or more metal components; and a load coupled to the isolator device;

wherein upon activation of the accessory and opening of the isolator device a positive potential is provided to one or more metal components of the vehicle.

Preferably, the apparatus is connectable in an electrical circuit extending between an electrical power supply and one or more metal components of a vehicle.

Preferably, the electrical power supply is a twelve volt battery.

Preferably, the connector is in the form of a lead providing an electrical connection. Preferably, the isolator device is a battery isolation switch.

Suitably, the one or more metal components are body panels of the vehicle.

Suitably, the isolator device is electrically operated via a switch provided on a dashboard of a vehicle.

Suitably, the isolator device is manually operated via a knob or key or the like.

Suitably, the isolator device is wired to an electrical switch for remote operation of the isolator device.

Preferably, the load is electrically coupled to the isolator device via a pair of leads providing a positive and negative connection between the load and the isolator device.

Preferably, the load is in the form of a resistor.

Preferably, the load is in the form of a light emitting device with a current control circuit.

Preferably, the light emitting device comprises a holder and a light bulb.

Preferably, the accessory is in the form of at least one, preferably four park lights.

Suitably, the apparatus further comprises a fuse connected to the circuit to provide a means of overcurrent protection and interrupt the circuit where excessive current is detected.

Suitably, the apparatus further comprises a solenoid connected to the battery and an accessory relay of an ignition switch of the vehicle.

According to another aspect, although again not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in an apparatus for reducing oxidation of one or more metal components of a vehicle comprising:

a battery charger comprising:

a lead connected to a positive terminal of an electrical power supply at one end and at least one accessory at another end, the accessory being negatively grounded to the one or more metal components;

a lead connected to a negative terminal of the electrical power supply; and

an earth lead connected to an internal circuit load at one end and one or more metal components at the other end; and

an isolator device coupled to a negative terminal of a battery; wherein upon activation of the accessory via a switch mechanism, a positive potential is provided to the one or more metal components of the vehicle.

Further features and forms of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

Fig 1 shows an apparatus for reducing oxidation of metal vehicle components according to embodiments of the present invention;

Fig 2a shows a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit without the apparatus of Fig 1 , i.e. prior art; Fig 2b shows a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit comprising the apparatus of Fig 1 ; and

FIG 3 shows an apparatus for reducing oxidation of metal vehicle components implemented in a battery charger according to embodiments of the present invention.

Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to an apparatus for reducing oxidation of metal vehicle components for an automotive vehicle such as a car or the like. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be used to reduce oxidation for any other suitable vehicle such as a boat and/or other metal structure such as bridges or the like. It will be appreciated that variations may need to be made as required.

Referring to FIG 1 , the apparatus 100 is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG 1 , the apparatus 100 is connectable in an electrical circuit extending between an electrical power supply 400 and one or more metal components 600 of a vehicle. The apparatus 100 comprises an isolator device 200, having a load 300 electrically coupled thereto which, upon activation, provides a positive potential to the one or more metal components 600 of the vehicle.

According to some embodiments, the electrical power supply 400 is in the form of a 12volt battery. According to some embodiments, the isolator device 200 is in the form of a battery isolator device which is connected to the battery 400 to isolate the battery feed. The isolator device 200 comprises a first end 210 connected to a negative terminal 410 of the battery 400 and a second end 220 connected to a connector 411 , preferably in the form of a negative lead, which is connected to one or more metal components 600 of the vehicle. Preferably, the metal components 600 are body panels of the vehicle. However, it will be acknowledged that the metal components 600 can also include any other metals components of a vehicle commonly prone to corrosion, such as the radiator, fuel tank, floor, engine water jacket and pillars or the like. Preferably, the first end 210 and second end 220 of the isolator device 200 have a securing means, such as a bolt and nut connection for securing the first end 210 and second end 220 to negative terminal 410 and negative cable 411 respectively.

According to some embodiments, the isolator device 200 comprises a knob 230 for manually opening and closing the isolator device. However, in an alternative embodiment it is envisaged that a key or the like could also be utilised. It is envisaged that the isolator device 200 can be additionally or alternatively wired to an electrical switch for remote operation of the isolator device 200. For example, a switch (not illustrated) can be provided on the dashboard of the vehicle for controlling the isolator device so that when switch is in an on position, the isolator device 200 will be opened and when the switch is in an "off position", the isolator device 200 will be closed. The vehicle can then be driven.

As illustrated in Fig. 1 , a load 300 is electrically coupled to the isolator device 200 via a pair of leads 310 providing a positive and negative connection between the load 300 and the isolator device 200. According to a preferred embodiment illustrated herein, the load 300 is in the form of a light emitting device comprising a holder 320 and a light bulb or LED 330. The holder 320 is secured to the negative cable 411 or any other suitable point in close proximity to the isolator device 200. In an alternative embodiment, any other suitable load for creating a resistance between the battery 400 and body panels 600 can also be adopted. It is envisaged that the light device 300 can be a flashing light or light having an audible indicator, such as a beeper or the like.

Preferably, the apparatus 100 is connected to the same circuit as the park lights 700 accessory of a vehicle so that the isolator device 200 will be turned on when the park lights 700 are turned on from the dash switch 810. Accordingly, the apparatus 100 takes advantage of the existing park light circuit. The apparatus 100 comprises a connector412, preferably in the form of a positive lead, which is connected to the positive terminal 420 of the battery 400 at one end and at least one park light 700 at the other end. Preferably, a positive connection is made with all four park lights 700 on the vehicle to ensure positive current flow to each corner of the vehicle.

Each park light is negatively grounded to the body of the vehicle. The negative lead 411 is connected to one or more metal components 600 at one end and the isolator device 200 attached to the negative terminal 410 of the battery 400 at the other end to complete the circuit. It is envisaged that a negative rail or strip (not shown) can be connected to the battery 400 for items that need to remain on when the vehicle is turned off such as, clocks, alarms, hazards lights, computers etc. It is further envisaged that a fuse 430 is connected to the circuit to provide a means of overcurrent protection and interrupt the circuit where there is excessive current detected.

Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate the operation of the apparatus 100 of Fig. 1. Fig. 2a shows the electrical circuit before installation of the isolation device 200 at point X and Fig 2b. shows the electrical circuit after the isolation device 200 is connected to the circuit. Referring now to Fig. 2a, the circuit is shown when the car is switched off and the park lights 700 are in operation. As illustrated, the dash switch 810 controls power supply to the park lights 700. The park lights 700 are positively connected to the positive terminal 420 of the battery 400 and negatively grounded to the body panels 600 of the vehicle, wherein the body panels are connected to the negative terminal 410 of the battery 400 via the negative starter and body lead 411. A preferred connection point for the isolator device 200 is marked X. In this state, the metal body panels 600 carry a negative charge which attracts positively charged oxygen to the body panels 600 which can oxidise the metal and create rust upon direct contact with the metal body panels 600.

In Fig. 2b the isolator device is connected at point X, connected between the negative battery terminal 410 and negative starter and body lead 411. The dash switch 810 is switched on to provide power supply to the park lights 700 through the closed isolator device 200. Upon opening isolation device 200, the load or light device 300 coupled to the isolator device 200 provides resistance to give a positive potential of approximately 12 volts to the body panels 600 of the vehicle.

In this configuration, each park light 700 burns dimly as it carries ^Λ A of the total current allowed through the load or light device 300. The light device 300 acting as a resistor between the body panels 600 and battery 400 gives a voltage across its terminals proportional to the electric current through it. Thus, the body panels 600 are provided with a positive potential of approximately 12 volts. However, the light device 300 will be lit fully and indicate that the apparatus 100 is working correctly. To start the vehicle, the isolation device 200 must be closed and parker lights 700 must be switched off to return the battery feed to normal.

While the apparatus does not draw a large amount of current from the battery while the vehicle is turned off, Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention where the apparatus 100 can be implemented within a battery charger unit 450 for long term usage. For example, when the vehicle is in storage or the owner is away or not driving the vehicle for long periods of time. In this alternative embodiment, the circuit and load/light device 300 are located within the housing of the battery charger 450. However, the light device 300 is visible from outside the battery charger 450 via a transparent window 451 or the like. The battery charger 450 is comprises at least one lead 452 for connection to the body panels 600 and positive and negative charging leads for the terminals of the battery 400. Body lead 411 must be disconnected from the battery and the park lights 700 must be turned on.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the apparatus 100 further comprises a solenoid (not illustrated), such as a continuous duty solenoid. The solenoid acts as an isolator device 200, connected between the battery 400 and body lead 411. The solenoid activation circuit is connected to a dash board ignition switch accessory pole. When the dash key is turned to an "on" position, power to the solenoid closes the isolator device 200, bypassing the load or light device 300 so that the vehicle can run. When the dash key is turned to an "off position, the solenoid or isolator device 200 opens, activating load 300. The park lights 700 are manually turned on to raise a positive 12volt potential to the body panels 600. Suitably, the load 300 can be provided as a display light positioned on the dash board of the vehicle.

Experimental tests have been conducted which involved placing metal pieces in containers containing distilled water and water obtained from a commercial car washing station. A "control" experiment also included metal pieces placed in a dry container. A first set of six metal pieces were connected to the positive terminal of the battery terminal and a second set of six metal pieces were connected to the negative terminal of the battery terminal. Within each set of metal pieces, the individual pieces "a", "b", "c", "d", "e" and T were connected to the 1 kΩ, 2kΩ, 4.7kΩ, 9.4kΩ, 12kΩ and 24Ω respectively. In all experiments, the extent of rusting was observed and recorded by taking "time-lapsed" photos at fifteen minute intervals over a twenty-four hour period.

In the control experiment, no rusting occurred in the absence of water which confirmed that water and absorbed atmospheric oxygen are required for the process of rusting to occur. The results revealed that the extent of rusting was reduced when a positive charge was applied to the metal in comparison to a metal piece immersed in water with no charge applied. Conversely, when a negative charge was applied to the metal the extent of rusting was increased in comparison to a metal piece immersed in water with no charge applied. Based on the results, it also appears that when the current was decreased, the extent of rusting was also slightly decreased. Hence, the test results confirm that the prior art products which apply a negative potential do not work and in fact, increase the oxidation of metal. In contrast, the application of a positive potential across the metal panels reduces the oxidation of metal.

Hence, the apparatus 100 of the present invention thus provides a solution to the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing an apparatus for reducing oxidation of metal vehicle components by applying a continuous positive potential to the metal components. The present invention provides a means of rust protection when the vehicle is turned off which works even where the vehicle has a new scratch. The light device provides a resistance which only requires a low current supply from the battery to avoid draining the battery. Further, the invention also provides a solution for long term rust protection, incorporating a battery charger, which also ensures the battery of the car will not be drained.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.