Autonomous Fuel Nozzle Insertion for In-Vehicle Refueling Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual and autonomous vehicle refueling processes are inconvenient and unsafe, particularly for elderly or disabled users, and can be hazardous due to the need for human users to exit the vehicle, the complexity of selecting the correct fuel type, and the mixing of human and AI users at traditional gas stations.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous fuel dispensing system that uses a wireless request for fuel, determines vehicle ignition status through RF signals and sensors, extends a fuel arm to insert a nozzle into the vehicle, activates a pump to dispense fuel, and retracts the arm upon ignition activation, allowing for safe and efficient fueling without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user manually operates a fuel dispenser to refuel a vehicle, then the fueling process can be completed, but the user must exit the vehicle which creates safety issues and inconvenience especially for elderly or disabled users
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service fueling through autonomous vehicle-to-pump communication. The vehicle automatically initiates the fueling request, the pump autonomously extends the fuel arm and inserts the nozzle, and the transaction is completed without human intervention. This eliminates the need for users to exit the vehicle while maintaining safe and efficient fueling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems. The fuel arm extends and retracts automatically through motorized mechanisms, the nozzle inserts itself into the vehicle's fuel inlet, and the pump is controlled through electronic signals rather than manual lever operations. This substitution eliminates the need for physical user intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a user manually selects and operates multiple fuel dispensing nozzles for different fuel types, then various fuel grades can be dispensed, but the process becomes confusing and complex for users
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel dispenser is designed with multi-functionality to handle various fuel types (regular, premium, diesel) through a single automated interface. The system can automatically identify the required fuel type through vehicle communication and switch between different fuel sources and nozzles without requiring user selection, thereby maintaining versatility while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic fuel type selection and nozzle switching without user intervention. The vehicle communicates its fuel requirements to the pump, which then autonomously selects the appropriate fuel type and connects the correct nozzle, eliminating the confusion of manual selection while maintaining adaptability to different fuel needs.
3Productivity
If autonomous vehicles are fueled at traditional gas stations, then fueling can occur, but the mixing of human and AI users creates unpredictable and potentially dangerous circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fueling environment into dedicated autonomous vehicle fueling zones separate from traditional human-operated areas. This spatial segmentation allows AI users to operate autonomously without interacting with human users, maintaining fueling efficiency while eliminating the unpredictability of mixed human-AI interactions at the same facility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fuel dispensers provide multiple different grades and compositions of fuel, then user fuel preferences can be accommodated, but it becomes more difficult for users to select and dispense the proper fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle and pump system automatically handle fuel selection without user intervention. The vehicle communicates its fuel requirements to the pump, which then autonomously selects the appropriate fuel grade and composition from its available supplies, maintaining fuel variety availability while eliminating the complexity of manual selection for the user.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe, efficient, and convenient fueling for both manual and autonomous vehicles by eliminating the need for users to exit their vehicles and simplifying the fuel selection process, reducing safety risks and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a signal from a passive coil RF device that is connected to a spark plug line of the vehicle and determining that the vehicle ignition is on
Implementation Method 2
activating a pump and dispensing the fuel to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous fueling system to dispense fuel to a vehicle. The system may include a fuel dispenser configured to autonomously deliver fuel to a vehicle. A server may monitor the fueling event. The system may also include a user device configured to communicate with the fuel dispenser and/or the server to order the fuel. The dispenser may be configured to autonomously insert a nozzle into the fuel system of the vehicle and deliver the fuel.