Fuel Dispenser Heating Assembly for Internal Freeze Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispensers are aesthetically unpleasing, cumbersome, and inefficient in preventing fluid freezing due to external heating components or shrouds, which can cause fluid to freeze or become clogged with ice crystals.
Innovation Solution
A heating assembly for fuel dispensers that includes a conductive outer and inner extension tubes with a heating element, allowing for internal heating of fluid through separate passageways within the hose and nozzle, using coaxial tubes to prevent mixing of heated air with fluid, and a manifold to facilitate simultaneous fluid and air flow without external heating components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external heating components or shrouds are used to prevent fluid freezing, then heating effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated directly into the hose assembly, merging the heating function with the fluid transport component. This eliminates the need for separate external heating devices and shrouds, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective heating of the fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is nested within the hose structure, with the heating element positioned inside the hose and the fluid passageway surrounded by the heating element. This nested arrangement allows the heating function to be incorporated without adding external components, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Temperature
If external heating components or shrouds are used to prevent fluid freezing, then heating effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the heating function directly into the hose assembly, the system eliminates cumbersome external shrouds that interfere with user handling. The integrated design maintains heating effectiveness while improving ease of operation, as users can handle the hose without removing or adjusting separate heating components.
3Temperature
If external heating components are used to prevent fluid freezing, then heating coverage is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is positioned to provide localized heating directly to the fluid within the hose, rather than heating a large external enclosure. This localized approach concentrates energy where it is most needed, improving energy efficiency while maintaining effective prevention of fluid freezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element utilizes the hose structure itself as the heating medium, converting the potential harm of heat loss to the environment into a benefit by using the hose walls to directly transfer heat to the fluid. This efficient heat transfer reduces overall energy consumption compared to external heating methods.
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
Efficient heating of fluid within the hose and nozzle prevents freezing without external components, reducing energy consumption and maintaining fluid integrity, while allowing for visually appealing and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element... The heating element is configured to heat fluid surrounding the conductive outer extension tube
Implementation Method 2
a conductive outer extension tube... a conductive inner extension tube... configured to heat fluid surrounding the conductive outer extension tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A heating assembly for use with a fuel dispenser hose and nozzle, the heating assembly comprising a conductive outer extension tube (1102), a flexible outer tube (1104), a conductive inner extension tube (1118) and a heating element (1106) extending longitudinally through the longitudinal passageway of the flexible outer tube and extending at least partially through the longitudinal passageway in the conductive inner extension tube (1118), the heating element (1106) being configured to heat fluid surrounding the conductive outer extension tube (1102). A fluid dispensing device comprising a hose (100), a heating element (1500) and a nozzle (102).