Fuel Dispenser Anomaly Detection Using Flow-Rate Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuel dispensing terminals lack effective mechanisms to detect and prevent anomalies, such as malicious manipulation of the pulser rod, leading to inaccurate fuel measurements and potential damage to components, resulting in unauthorized fuel access and operational degradation.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a processor and memory that monitors fuel dispensing operations by comparing measured fuel volume per unit time with a threshold, communicating an electronic signal to stop the dispensing if anomalies are detected, and retrieves video feeds for investigation, thereby preventing unauthorized access and preserving fuel integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional fuel dispensing terminals are used without anomaly detection, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision of fuel volume is compromised due to potential manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel volume measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing expected fuel dispensing rate thresholds before actual dispensing operations occur. The processor stores threshold volume per unit time parameters that represent normal operational ranges, enabling proactive anomaly detection rather than reactive response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring measured fuel dispensing rates during operation and comparing them against stored thresholds. When discrepancies are detected, the system provides feedback through anomaly detection and intervention signals, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains measurement integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If real-time anomaly detection is implemented, then the reliability of fuel dispensing operations is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous monitoring and processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes parameters by monitoring fuel dispensing rate thresholds and comparing measured values against expected ranges. The processor dynamically evaluates whether measured volume per unit time falls within acceptable parameters, enabling reliable anomaly detection through parameter-based decision making rather than continuous high-power operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by performing anomaly detection at specific monitoring intervals rather than continuously at maximum capacity. The processor evaluates fuel dispensing rates at predetermined thresholds, providing sufficient monitoring reliability while avoiding excessive energy consumption associated with constant high-intensity operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of substance

If the system stops fuel dispensing upon anomaly detection, then the loss of substance (unauthorized fuel access) is reduced, but the productivity of legitimate fuel dispensing operations may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel lossVSAvoidfuel dispensing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the potentially harmful action of stopping fuel dispensing into a beneficial security measure. By implementing anomaly detection and intervention, the system identifies and stops only malicious dispensing operations while maintaining normal throughput for legitimate operations, thus converting what could be seen as operational disruption into fuel loss prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments fuel dispensing operations into normal and anomalous categories through threshold-based detection. By dividing operations into distinct types based on measured parameters, the system can apply different responses - allowing continuous operation for legitimate dispensing while stopping only suspicious operations, thereby maintaining overall productivity while preventing fuel loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11673789B1Detecting locations associated with anomalous fuel dispensing operations within a network of gas stations

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 7-ELEVEN INC

AI summary

A system determines an interaction period during which a fuel dispensing operation is performed at a fuel dispensing terminal. The system determines a measured volume per unit time parameter associated with fuel dispensed from the fuel dispensing terminal by dividing the determined volume for fuel by the interaction period. The system compares the measured volume per unit time parameter with a threshold volume per unit time parameter. In response to determining that the measured volume per unit time parameter is less than the threshold volume per unit time parameter, the system retrieves a video feed that shows the fuel dispensing terminal during the fuel dispensing operation. The system creates a file for the fuel dispensing operation. The system stores the video feed in the created file.