BACKGROUND

[0001] Many vehicle engines use one or more fluids for their operation. Such fluids are often liquids. For example, internal combustion engines use liquid lubricating oil compositions. As another example, electric engines use heat exchange liquids for example to cool the engine, to heat the engine or to cool and heat the engine during different operating conditions. Such fluids are generally held in reservoirs associated with the engine and may require periodic replacement.

[0002] Conventional periodic replacement of engine lubricating oil composition in a vehicle engine usually involves draining the composition from the engine sump. The process may also involve removing and replacing the engine oil filter. Such a procedure usually requires access to the engine sump drain plug and oil filter from the underside of the engine, may require the use of hand tools and usually requires a suitable collection method for the drained lubricating oil composition.

OVERVIEW

[0003] Due to the inherent drawbacks of replacing fluid in a vehicle using traditional methods, a quick-change system may be desirable. An example quick-change system may include a fluid reservoir that is configured to hold a liquid, such as a lubricating oil. The fluid reservoir may be removably positioned in a cavity of a housing. The fluid reservoir may be blow moulded, thereby providing cost savings for the system. In addition, the fluid reservoir can be sealed inside of the housing to protect the system against ingress from foreign contaminants and fluid egress of the fluid inside of the fluid reservoir in the event the fluid reservoir ruptures, punctures, or otherwise leaks. [0004] Thus, in a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a fluid delivery system comprising (a) a first housing defining a first cavity, wherein the first housing includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, (b) a fluid reservoir removably positioned in the first cavity of the first housing, wherein the fluid reservoir includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, (c) a first fluid port coupling disposed on the first side of the fluid reservoir and providing fluid access to the fluid reservoir, (d) a second fluid port coupling disposed on the first side of the first housing and configured to receive the first fluid port coupling of the fluid reservoir, (e) a second housing defining a second cavity, wherein the second housing includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and wherein the second housing is enveloped within the second side of the fluid reservoir, such that when the fluid reservoir is positioned within the first housing the second housing is positioned within the first cavity of the housing, (f) an oil filter positioned within the second cavity of the second housing, (g) a third fluid port coupling disposed on the first side of the second housing and providing fluid access to the oil filter, and (h) a fourth fluid port coupling disposed on the first side of the first housing and configured to receive the third fluid port coupling of the second housing.

[0005] In one embodiment, the fourth fluid port coupling includes an inlet to the oil filter and an outlet.

[0006] In another embodiment, the second cavity is isolated from the fluid reservoir.

[0007] In another embodiment, the fluid reservoir includes a lubricating oil.

[0008] In another embodiment, the second side of the first housing includes a removable top such that the first housing includes a first portion and a second portion removably coupled to one another.

[0009] In another embodiment, the first housing has a first thickness, and the fluid reservoir has a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. [0010] In another embodiment, the first thickness is at least twice as great as the second thickness.

[0011] In another embodiment, the second housing is configured to rotate with respect to the first housing to secure the third fluid port coupling to the fourth fluid port coupling to thereby provide fluid access to the oil filter, and the first housing is configured such that rotating the second housing does not rotate either the first housing and/or the fluid reservoir.

[0012] In another embodiment, the second side of the second housing includes a handle.

[0013] In another embodiment, the second side of the first housing includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and the handle of the second housing is positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion after the third fluid port coupling of the second housing is in fluid communication with the fourth fluid port coupling of the first housing to thereby prevent rotation of the second housing with respect to the first housing and the fluid reservoir.

[0014] In another embodiment, the fluid delivery system further comprises a cap attached to the second housing and covering an opening of the second cavity, the cap including an external surface including the third fluid port coupling, and wherein an inner surface of the cap includes threads for securing the oil filter disposed in second cavity.

[0015] In another embodiment, the fluid reservoir comprises a blow-moulded fluid reservoir.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising (a) the fluid delivery system of any of the embodiments of the first aspect, and (b) a fluid system of the vehicle in fluid communication with the second fluid port coupling and the fourth fluid port coupling.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fluid system is a lubricant circulation system that delivers a lubricating oil to an engine of the vehicle. [0018] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising (a) the fluid delivery system of any of the embodiments of the first aspect, and (b) a fluid system of the apparatus in fluid communication with the second fluid port coupling and the fourth fluid port coupling.

[0019] In one embodiment, the fluid system of the apparatus is a lubricant circulation system that delivers a lubricating oil to an engine of the apparatus.

[0020] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method comprising (a) securing a first portion of the first housing of any of the embodiments of the first aspect to a fluid system of a vehicle such that the fluid system of the vehicle is in fluid communication with the second fluid port coupling and the fourth fluid port coupling, (b) inserting the fluid reservoir of any of the embodiments of the first aspect into the first cavity of the first housing such that the first fluid port coupling is in fluid communication with the second fluid port coupling and the third fluid port coupling contacts the fourth fluid port coupling to provide fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the fluid system of the vehicle, (c) rotating the second housing with respect to the first housing to thereby lock the third fluid port coupling to the fourth fluid port coupling to provide fluid communication between the fluid system of the vehicle and the oil filter, and (d) securing a second portion of the first housing to the first portion of the first housing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the fluid system is a lubricant circulation system that delivers a lubricating oil to an engine of the vehicle.

[0022] In another embodiment, the second side of the second housing includes a handle, wherein the second portion of the first housing includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and wherein the handle of the second housing is positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion after the second housing is rotated with respect to the first housing to thereby prevent rotation of the second housing with respect to the first housing and the fluid reservoir.

[0023] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method comprising (a) securing a first portion of the first housing of any of the embodiments of the first aspect to a fluid system of an apparatus such that the fluid system of the apparatus is in fluid communication with the second fluid port coupling and the fourth fluid port coupling, (b) inserting the fluid reservoir of any of the embodiments of the first aspect into the first cavity of the first housing such that the first fluid port coupling is in fluid communication with the second fluid port coupling and the third fluid port coupling contacts the fourth fluid port coupling to provide fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the fluid system of the apparatus, (c) rotating the second housing with respect to the first housing to thereby lock the third fluid port coupling to the fourth fluid port coupling to provide fluid communication between the fluid system of the apparatus and the oil filter, and (d) securing a second portion of the first housing to the first portion of the first housing.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second side of the second housing includes a handle, wherein the second portion of the first housing includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and wherein the handle of the second housing is positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion after the second housing is rotated with respect to the first housing to thereby prevent rotation of the second housing with respect to the first housing and the fluid reservoir.

[0025] These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawings, in which: [0027] FIG. 1 is a side cross-section view of a fluid reservoir positioned in a housing of a fluid delivery system, in accordance with example embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a side cross-section view of the housing of the fluid delivery system of FIG. 1 , in accordance with example embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a side cross-section view of the fluid reservoir of the fluid delivery system of FIG. 1, in accordance with example embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a side cross-section view of the fluid delivery system of FIG. 1 in fluid communication with a fluid system of a vehicle, in accordance with example embodiments; and

[0031] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of functions to carry out a method, in accordance with example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Example methods and systems are described herein. It should be understood that the words“example” and“exemplary” are used herein to mean“serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an“example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part thereof. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0033] The example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0034] As used herein, with respect to measurements,“about” means +/- 5 %.

[0035] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms“first,”“second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a“second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a“first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

[0036] Reference herein to“one embodiment” or“one example” means that one or more feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one implementation. The phrases“one embodiment” or“one example” in various places in the specification may or may not be referring to the same example.

[0037] As used herein, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware“configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware“configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein,“configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being“configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being“adapted to” and/or as being“operative to” perform that function.

[0038] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which may be practiced without some or all of these particulars. In other instances, details of known devices and/or processes have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. While some concepts will be described in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0039] Embodiments of the invention may provide a fluid system for supplying a fluid, in particular a lubricating fluid, to a fluid circulation system of an engine.

[0040] The fluid system described herein may be suitable for supplying a fluid to an engine having, or having associated with it, a fluid circulation system. The fluid circulation system or subsystems may be configured to circulate fluid around a particular area of the engine or, where the engine is a vehicle engine, an ancillary area of a vehicle.

[0041] Embodiments of the invention may provide a fluid delivery system arranged to be associated with an engine, such as the engine of a vehicle. The fluid delivery system may include one or more valves for controlling the supply of its fluid to a fluid circulation system to which it is arranged to be fluidly coupled. A controller may be provided to control operation of the valves, for example by controlling the degree to which each valve is opened or closed, to control the rate or amount of fluid provided to the fluid circulation system. The controller may control the valves in accordance with a control regimen. Such a control regimen may be provided by an operational controller such as an engine control system, or it may be pre-programmed into the controller or supplied to the controller at a user interface. The control regime may be selected or modified based on a measurement of a property of one or more of the fluids, such as a measure of viscosity, density, temperature, cleanliness or chemical composition.

[0042] The fluid delivery system may be configured to store identification data indicating, for example, a serial number, manufacturer details, service history data, service regime data, one or more property of one or more of the fluids, the vehicle with which the fluid delivery system is designed to be used, container history data, engine history data of an engine with which the fluid delivery system has been used, and so on, and may be configured to communicate the identification data to the engine control device. The controller may be configured to select, or update, a service interval or control regime based on fluid-quality data provided by one or more sensors located in the engine or the fluid delivery system or on data provided from elsewhere.

[0043] While aspects of the present disclosure have been described in relation to vehicle engines and examples of the invention described the use of engine lubricating oil compositions, it is envisaged that features of the invention could find other applications.

[0044] For example, a fluid delivery system according to an aspect of the present disclosure could be used in relation to a wide range of apparatus or equipment. For example, the fluid delivery system could find application in relation to various static and movable machines, for example industrial machines such as a lathe, or manufacture and assembly equipment, to an engine, or to a vehicle, such as a passenger vehicle, to a vehicle other than a passenger vehicle, for example, an off-road vehicle (such as earth moving equipment or agricultural machinery) or a heavy duty vehicle (such as a truck). As another possibility, the fluid delivery system may be configured to supply fluid, during operation, to a fluid circulation system associated with an engine other than a vehicle engine or to a reverse engine or generator or a turbine such as a wind turbine, for example, a coolant or hydraulic fluid.

[0045] Examples of a fluid delivery system of an aspect of the present disclosure could thus be used to supply lubricant composition to a region of the apparatus or equipment, for example to a region including one or more moving parts, for example a gearbox. In an example of an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a fluid delivery system for a wind turbine, for example to provide lubricating composition to one or more parts of the wind turbine apparatus.

[0046] The fluid delivery system may supply a lubricant composition to the apparatus, or may supply fluid other than lubricant to the apparatus. For example, the fluid may comprise a fuel composition, for example gasoline or diesel. The fluid reservoir of an aspect of the present disclosure may be for supply of the fluid for example to the fuel supply system of the apparatus. For example, the fluid reservoir may supply fuel to a vehicle, or tool, for example to a car, motorcycle or lawn mower.

[0047] In another example, the fluid delivery system is used to supply a fluid, for example lubricant and/or fuel, to a hand tool, for example a hedge trimmer or leaf blower.

[0048] The fluid may comprise for example an aqueous or other solvent-based composition, for example a cleaning composition. The fluid may for example comprise windscreen wash fluid. A fluid delivery system of an example of an aspect of the present disclosure may be for supplying fluid to the windscreen washer fluid delivery system for example of a vehicle. Other examples are possible as well.

[0049] With reference to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid delivery system 100 according to an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid delivery system 100 includes a first housing 102 defining a first cavity 104. The first housing 102 includes a first side 106 and a second side 108 opposite the first side 106. The first housing 102 and its components are shown in FIG. 2. The fluid delivery system 100 also includes a fluid reservoir 110 removably positioned in the first cavity 104 of the first housing 102. The first housing 102 acts as a dock for the fluid reservoir 110. The fluid reservoir 110 and its components are shown in FIG. 3. The fluid reservoir 110 may comprise an inflexible bladder, a flexible bladder, or other fluid containment structure. The fluid reservoir 110 includes a first side 112 and a second side 114 opposite the first side 112. The fluid delivery system 100 also includes a first fluid port coupling 116 disposed on the first side 112 of the fluid reservoir 110 and providing fluid access to the fluid reservoir 110. The fluid delivery system 100 also includes a second fluid port coupling 118 disposed on the first side 106 of the first housing 102 and configured to receive the first fluid port coupling 116 of the fluid reservoir 110. As used herein, the first sides 106, 112 may be referred to as bottom sides, and the second sides 108, 114 may be referred to as top sides.

[0050] The fluid delivery system 100 also includes a second housing 120 defining a second cavity 122. The second housing 120 includes a first side 124 and a second side 126 opposite the first side 124. The second housing 120 is enveloped within the second side 114 of the fluid reservoir 110, such that when the fluid reservoir 110 is positioned within the first housing 102 the second housing 120 is positioned within the first cavity 104 of the housing 102. The fluid held within the fluid reservoir 110 does not contact the filter 128, as this is surrounded by the second housing 120 and the second side 114 of the fluid reservoir 110. In effect, the fluid reservoir 110 and the second housing 120 form a single assembly. The fluid delivery system 100 may also include a filter 128, such as an oil filter, positioned within the second cavity 122 of the second housing 120. In another embodiment, the oil filter 128 is not present in the fluid delivery system 100. The fluid delivery system 100 also includes a third fluid port coupling 130 disposed on the first side 124 of the second housing 120 and providing fluid access to the oil filter 128. The third fluid port coupling 130 is formed by the filter manifold. The fluid delivery system 100 also includes a fourth fluid port coupling 132 disposed on the first side 106 of the first housing 102 and configured to receive the third fluid port coupling 130 of the second housing 120. The third fluid port coupling 130 comprises a fluid outlet port 134 and a fluid inlet port 136. These connect to a fluid inlet 132 A and a fluid outlet 132B provided within the fourth fluid port coupling 132. To prevent fluid from escaping from the third fluid port coupling 130 and the fourth fluid port coupling 132 when the fluid reservoir 110 is being positioned within the first housing 102 a first seal 130 A is provided around the inner surface of the third fluid port coupling 130, and a second seal 13 OB is provided externally to the fluid outlet 136. The first and second seals 130A, 130B seal against the fourth fluid port coupling 132.

[0051] In the context of the present disclosure, any of the fluid port couplings 116, 118, 130, 132 described herein could comprise any suitable coupling for retaining the fluid reservoir 110 in fluid communication with a corresponding fluid system, as shown and described in FIG. 4 below. The fluid port couplings 116, 118, 130, 132 could be arranged to be remotely decoupled from the fluid lines. Further, the fluid reservoir 110 and/or the first housing 102 could comprise an actuator to decouple the fluid reservoir 110 from the fluid system. The fluid port couplings 116, 118, 130, 132 described herein may comprise a self-sealing port. In general, self-sealing ports have the characteristic that when corresponding ports are being connected, a seal is made between the connecting ports before valve or valves open to allow fluid to flow. On disconnection, the valve or valves close to seal off each of the ports before the seal between the ports is broken. Suitable valves include spring loaded poppet valves and biased non-return valves. Each self-sealing port of the fluid delivery system 100 may provide a "dry break" in which no fluid flows on connection or disconnection of the ports. Alternatively, each self- sealing port of the system may provide a "damp break" in which there is flow of only a non-essential amount of fluid, for example a few drips of liquid, on disconnection or connection of the port. In some examples, the fluid port couplings 116, 118, 130, 132 comprise a non-return valve. In preferred embodiments, the filter 128 comprises non-return valves on the inlet 134 and outlet 136. Other examples are possible as well.

[0052] In one particular example, as shown in FIG. 1, the third fluid port coupling 130 includes an inlet 136 to the oil filter 128 and an outlet 134. As further shown in FIG. 1, the second cavity 122 may be isolated from the fluid reservoir 110. As such, the oil filter 128 may be removed from the second cavity 122 without accessing the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 110. The fluid delivery system 100 may further include a cap 138 attached to the second housing 120 and covering an opening of the second cavity 122. The cap 138 may include an external surface including the third fluid port coupling 130. In one example, an inner surface of the cap 138 includes a retainer onto which the oil filter 128 is screwed and disposed in the second cavity 122.

[0053] In at least some examples the fluid reservoir 110 of the fluid delivery system 100 contains a fluid, for example a liquid. The liquid may be lubricating oil composition, for example an engine lubricating oil composition or heat exchange fluid for an electric engine. The liquid may be a liquid for a self-sustaining fluid system such as a lubricating oil composition for an engine lubricating oil composition, or a heat exchange fluid for a heat exchange fluid for an electric engine. The liquid may be a liquid for a non-sustaining fluid system, for example de-icer, water and or detergent.

[0054] Thus, the fluid delivery system 100 may be provided as a self-contained system containing fresh, refreshed or unused engine lubricating oil composition which may conveniently replace a fluid delivery system 100 on an engine which comprises a fluid reservoir 110 containing used or spent engine lubricating oil composition. If the fluid delivery system 100 also comprises an oil filter 128, this also is replaced together with the spent or used heat exchange fluid. The lubricating oil composition may have heat exchange properties.

[0055] The lubricating oil composition may comprise at least one base stock and at least one lubricating oil additive. Suitable base stocks include bio-derived base stocks, mineral oil derived base stocks, synthetic base stocks and semi synthetic base stocks. Suitable lubricating oil additives, for example engine lubricating oil additives are known in the art. Examples of additives include organic and/or inorganic compounds. Typically, according to at least some examples, the engine lubricating oil composition comprises about 60% to 90% by weight in total of base stocks and about 40% to 10% by weight additives. Suitable engine lubricating oil compositions include lubricating oil compositions for internal combustion engines.

[0056] The lubricating oil composition may be a mono-viscosity grade or a multi-viscosity grade engine lubricating oil composition. Examples of suitable engine lubricating oil compositions include single purpose lubricating oil compositions and multi-purpose lubricating oil compositions.

[0057] According to at least some examples, the lubricating oil composition is a lubricating oil composition for example and engine lubricating oil composition for example for an internal combustion engine, for example a spark ignition internal combustion engine and/or a compression internal combustion engine.

[0058] The liquid may be a heat exchange fluid for an electric engine. Thus, the fluid delivery system 100 may be provided as a self-contained system containing fresh, refreshed or unused heat exchange fluid for an electric engine which may conveniently replace a container on an engine which container comprises a reservoir containing used or spent heat exchange fluid. If the fluid delivery system 100 also comprises a filter 128, this also is replaced together with the spent or used heat exchange fluid.

[0059] Suitable heat exchange fluids for electric engines include aqueous and nonaqueous fluids. Suitable heat exchange fluids for electric engines include those which comprise organic and/or non-organic performance boosting additives.

[0060] Suitable heat exchange fluids include be man-made or bio-derived fluids, for example Betaine. According to at least some embodiments, the heat exchange fluids have fire retarding characteristics and/or hydraulic characteristics. Suitable heat exchange fluids include phase change fluids. Suitable heat exchange fluids include molten metals and salts. Suitable heat exchange fluids may include nanofluids. Nanofluids comprise nanoparticles suspended in a base fluid, which may be solid, liquid or gas. Suitable heat exchange fluids may include both gases and liquids. Suitable heat exchange fluids may further include liquefied gases.

[0061] While vehicle fluid systems for example vehicle engine fluid systems have been described herein, the present invention also relates to fluid systems for engines in general whether or not associated with a vehicle.

[0062] In one example, the first housing 102 has a first thickness, and the fluid reservoir 110 has a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. In one particular example, the first thickness is at least twice as great as the second thickness. The fluid reservoir 110 may be blow-moulded to provide cost savings to the fluid delivery system 100. The first housing 102 is preferably injection moulded using a glass-fibre filled nylon composite material. In one particular example, the thickness of the fluid reservoir 110 may range from about 1.5mm to about 2mm, and the thickness of the first housing 102 may range from about 3mm to about 4mm. In one example, the first housing 102 and the fluid reservoir 110 are made from different materials. In another example, the first housing 102 and the fluid reservoir 110 are made fro the same material, but with different thicknesses. Other arrangements are possible as well. The fluid reservoir 110 is preferably formed from blow-moulded high density polyethylene (HDPE), with the removable cap covering the first fluid port coupling 116 being made from HDPE or high density polypropylene.

[0063] In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, the second side 108 of the first housing 102 includes a removable top 142 such that the first housing 102 includes a first portion 144 and a second portion 146 removably coupled to one another. The first portion 144 and the second portion 146 of the first housing 102 may be removably coupled to one another in a variety of ways, such as press fit, latches, bolts, clips, or any other temporary coupling mechanism. As shown in FIG. 2, the first portion 144 may include a first flange 145 (which may or may not include a seal), and the second portion 146 may include a second flange 147 (that may or may not include a seal) that abuts the first flange 145 when the first portion 144 and the second portion 146 are removably coupled to one another.

[0064] In one example, the second housing 120 is configured to rotate with respect to the first housing 102 to secure the third fluid port coupling 130 to the fourth fluid port coupling 132 to thereby provide fluid access to the oil filter 128. In such an example, the first housing 102 is configured such that rotating the second housing 120 does not rotate the first housing 102 and/or the fluid reservoir 110. This allows the second housing 120 and oil filter 128 to be coupled to the first housing 102 via a secure twist lock, while mitigating or reducing the likelihood of twisting the fluid lines while coupling or decoupling the second housing 120. The amount of rotation that the second housing 120 undergoes may be less than a full rotation. For example, the angle between a first position prior to rotation and a second position after rotation may be less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the second housing 120 rotates less than 45 degrees between the first and second positions. In some embodiments, the second housing 120 may rotate in a range from 10 to 35 degrees between the first and second positions. Other degrees of rotation are possible as well, including those of greater than 90° depending on the design of the fluid reservoir 110 and the second housing 120.

[0065] In another example, the second side 126 of the second housing 120 includes a handle 148. The handle 148 may be recessed with respect to the second side 108 of the first housing 102, or may be foldable or rotatable out of the plane of the second side 108 of the first housing 102 and may be used to easily grasp the first housing 102 to thereby transport the first housing 102. In one particular example, as shown in FIG. 2, the second side 108 of the first housing 102 includes a first protrusion 150 and a second protrusion 152, and the handle 148 of the second housing 120 is positioned between the first protrusion 150 and the second protrusion 150 after the third fluid port coupling 130 of the second housing 120 is in fluid communication with the fourth fluid port coupling 132 of the first housing 102 to thereby prevent rotation of the second housing 120 with respect to the first housing 102 and the fluid reservoir 110. The handle 148 may be rotated in the plane of the second side 108 of the second housing 102 in order to position and secure the third fluid port coupling 130 and the fourth fluid port coupling 132 together. In another embodiment, the handle may be placed on the fluid reservoir 110, and an alternative locking mechanism used to engage the third fluid port coupling 130 and the fourth fluid port coupling 132.

[0066] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the present disclosure provides a vehicle 154 comprising the fluid delivery system 100 of any of the embodiments described above, and a fluid system 156 of the vehicle 154 in fluid communication with the second fluid port coupling 118 and the fourth fluid port coupling 132. In such an embodiment, the fluid system 156 may be a lubricant circulation system that delivers a lubricating oil to an engine 158 of the vehicle 154 via one or more fluid lines 160A-160C. As discussed above, the fluid system 156 of the vehicle 154 may also include a controller 164 to control operation of one or more of the fluid port couplings 116, 118, 130, 132, for example to control the rate or amount of fluid provided to and from the fluid system 156. This may be done by controlling a transfer pump 166 located between the first housing 102 and the engine 158. Alternatively, the engine pump (which may be a mechanical or an electrical pump) may be utilized for fluid transfer.

[0067] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising the fluid delivery system 100 of any of the embodiment described above, and a fluid system 156 of the apparatus in fluid communication with the second fluid port coupling 118 and the fourth fluid port coupling 132. In such an embodiment, the fluid system 156 may be a lubricant circulation system that delivers a lubricating oil to an engine 158 of the apparatus. As such, the vehicle 154 shown in FIG. 4 could be replaced with an apparatus having a similar arrangement of components.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a simplified flow chart illustrating method 200. Although the blocks in FIG. 5 are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may also be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based upon the desired implementation.

[0069] At block 202, the method 200 includes securing a first portion 144 of a first housing 102 of a fluid delivery system 100 to a fluid system 156 of a vehicle 154 such that the fluid system 156 of the vehicle 154 is in fluid communication with the second fluid port coupling 118 and the fourth fluid port coupling 132 of the fluid delivery system 100. In one example, the fluid system 156 is a lubricant circulation system that delivers a lubricating oil to an engine 158 of the vehicle 154. Other example fluid systems are possible as well. In one example, the first housing 102 is permanently fixed to the vehicle 154, and the fluid reservoir 110 is removably coupled to the first housing 102. Other ways of securing the fluid delivery system 100 to the fluid system 156 are possible as well.

[0070] At block 204, the method 200 includes inserting the fluid reservoir 110 with the second housing 120 and filter 128 of the fluid delivery system 100 into the first cavity 104 of the first housing 102 such that the first fluid port coupling 116 is in fluid communication with the second fluid port coupling 118 and the third fluid port coupling 130 is in fluid communication with the fourth fluid port coupling 132 to provide fluid communication between the fluid reservoir 110 and the fluid system 156 of the vehicle 154.

[0071] At block 206, the method 200 includes rotating the second housing 120 with respect to the first housing 102 to thereby lock the third fluid port coupling 130 to the fourth fluid port coupling 132 to provide fluid communication between the fluid system 156 of the vehicle 154 and the oil filter 128 positioned in the second cavity 122 of the second housing 120. Once the fluid delivery system 100 is in place and secured to the vehicle 154, the lubricating oil in fluid reservoir 110 can be drained to the oil sump of the engine 158 via the first and second fluid port couplings 116, 118. Alternatively, the lubricating oil in the reservoir can be pumped to the oil sump by a transfer pump 166 that is disposed in the fluid system 156 and in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 110 and the first and second fluid port couplings 116, 118. The engine 158 may then circulate the oil through filter 128 via the third and fourth fluid port couplings 130, 132 until the oil needs to be replaced once again. At that point, the oil may be pumped back into fluid reservoir 110, and then the fluid reservoir 110 and second housing 120, including filter 128, may be removed from the first housing.

[0072] At block 208, the method 200 includes securing a second portion 146 of the first housing 102 to the first portion 144 of the first housing 144. As discussed above, the second portion 146 may comprise a removable top 142. The first portion 144 and the second portion 146 of the first housing 102 may be removably coupled to one another in a variety of ways, such as press fit, latches, bolts, clips, or any other temporary coupling mechanism, and seals may or may not be included on the periphery of the portions 144, 146 as required.

[0073] In one example, as discussed above, the second side 126 of the second housing 120 includes a handle 148, and the second portion 146 of the first housing 102 includes a first protrusion 150 and a second protrusion 152. In such an example, and the handle 148 of the second housing 120 is positioned between the first protrusion 150 and the second protrusion 152 after the second housing 120 is rotated with respect to the first housing 102 to thereby prevent rotation of the second housing 120 with respect to the first housing 102 and the fluid reservoir 110. As such, when the second portion 146 of the first housing 102 is secured to the first portion 144 of the first housing 102, the handle 148 of the second housing 120 is positioned between the first protrusion 150 and the second protrusion 152. In yet another embodiment, similar method steps 202-208 may be performed by securing the fluid delivery system 100 to a fluid system 156 of an apparatus instead of a vehicle 154.

[0074] The above detailed description describes various features and functions of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the Figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otheiwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, Figures, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments can be utilized, and other changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0075] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.