Fuel Dispenser Synchronization Module Timekeeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate timekeeping in fuel dispenser control systems is challenging due to the drift of real-time clocks and the inefficiency of frequent refreshes, which can lead to inaccuracies in logging and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a synchronization module, such as a radio clock or satellite navigation receiver, to receive and synchronize time information, eliminating the need for real-time clocks and ensuring accurate timekeeping and location data for fuel dispenser control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If real-time clocks (RTCs) are used to maintain time in fuel dispenser control systems, then timekeeping is possible during power-off intervals, but time accuracy deteriorates due to drift over time
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization module acts as an intermediary between external time sources (radio transmitters or satellite navigation systems) and the fuel dispenser control system. This module receives accurate time signals from external sources and synchronizes the local clock, eliminating drift while maintaining timekeeping capability during power-off intervals through its own internal timing mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If the operating system frequently reads from the RTC to refresh time, then time accuracy is improved, but system efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization module performs self-service by automatically receiving time signals from external sources and updating its internal clock without requiring frequent reads from the RTC. This autonomous time synchronization eliminates the need for complex refresh algorithms and frequent system interventions, thereby maintaining time accuracy while preserving system efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If radio clocks or satellite navigation receivers are implemented for accurate time synchronization, then time accuracy is improved to within nanoseconds, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization module serves as a dedicated intermediary component that handles all complexity of receiving and processing time signals from radio transmitters or satellite navigation systems. By isolating this functionality in a separate module, the main fuel dispenser control system remains relatively simple while still achieving nanosecond-level time accuracy through the specialized synchronization component.
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
This solution provides reliable and accurate time and location information, enhancing logging accuracy, reducing human intervention, and enabling compliance with regulations, while supporting geotracking applications.
Implementation Method 1
receiving at the synchronization module a carrier wave modulated with synchronization information
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel dispenser has internal fuel flow piping, a flow meter located along the internal fuel flow piping, and a displacement sensor operatively connected to the flow meter to generate information representative of an amount of fuel passing through the flow meter. The fuel dispenser also has a control system comprising a memory. In embodiments, however, the control system does not comprise a real-time clock. The fuel dispenser also comprises a synchronization module in electronic communication with the control system. The synchronization module comprises at least one antenna configured to receive a carrier wave modulated with synchronization information. Methods for obtaining accurate time information at the fuel dispenser are also disclosed.