Fuel Dispenser Housing Cable Passage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel dispensing units face challenges in efficiently assembling and maintaining electrical cables due to cumbersome bundling and the risk of explosion from fuel vapors, which increases production and operation costs and poses a safety hazard.
Innovation Solution
A fuel dispensing unit with an electronics compartment featuring a horizontal channel along its lower side for cable separation, covered by a perforated plate, which facilitates easy cable drawing and provides a barrier against fuel vapors, reducing the risk of explosion and allowing for convenient maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are bundled together during assembly, then cable management is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics compartment is divided into an upper part and a lower part by a partition, with the cable passage integrated into the partition structure. This segmentation allows cables to be routed through a dedicated channel during assembly, eliminating the need for separate bundling operations while maintaining organized cable management.
2Volume of stationary object
If cables are routed close to electronic components, then space is saved, but explosion risk increases due to fuel vapor exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The partition divides the electronics compartment into two distinct spaces: an upper part for electronic components and a lower part for cable routing. This spatial segmentation creates a physical barrier that prevents fuel vapor from reaching electronic components while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition with an integrated cable passage acts as an intermediary structure between the fuel handling compartment and the electronic components. It provides a protected pathway for cables that is shielded from fuel vapor, allowing close proximity to electronics without direct exposure to harmful gases.
3Ease of operation
If cables are exposed to fuel vapor, then cable access is simplified, but safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition creates separate zones for cable routing and electronic components, with the cable passage providing protected access through the partition. This allows cables to be accessed and routed easily during assembly while remaining isolated from fuel vapor throughout operation.
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 design reduces the time and cost associated with cable assembly, enhances safety by preventing fuel vapor flow to electronic components, and allows for efficient cable management and maintenance, thereby lowering the risk of explosions.
Implementation Method 1
The lower part of the horizontal channel is covered by at least one perforated plate member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A fuel dispensing unit has a fuel handling compartment (2) and an electronics compartment (3) connected to the fuel handling compartment (2) via at least one electrical cable (4; 5). The electronics compartment (3) comprises a sub-compartment (9) for electrical components, and a channel (10; 11) in which at least a part of said at least one cable (4; 5) is provided, for separating said at least one cable (4; 5) from the sub-compartment (9).