Fuel Dispenser Hose Handling Device with Elastic Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel dispensing units face challenges in hose reachability due to limited space, leading to incorrect vehicle positioning and potential hose damage from longer hoses, resulting in bulky and complicated returning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hollow frame element, guiding elements, and elastic elements that extend and guide the hose, allowing it to be pulled from an idle to an operating position, reducing entanglement and providing a robust, space-saving solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a longer hose is provided to facilitate access to the petrol pump, then the hose reachability is improved, but the hose may land on the ground when not used and get stuck in or be damaged by passing vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is stored within the hollow frame element structure, with guiding elements inside the frame that direct the hose back to the dispensing unit. This nesting approach allows the hose to be contained within the existing structural space rather than requiring external returning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose returning function is integrated into the vertical and internal dimensional space of the frame element rather than using external horizontal returning mechanisms. The hollow frame provides a three-dimensional pathway for the hose to return to the unit without extending outward.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hose returning mechanism is provided to prevent hose from landing on the ground, then the hose protection is improved, but the structure becomes bulky and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The hose returning function is merged with the existing frame element structure of the fuel dispensing unit. The frame element serves dual purposes: structural support and hose containment/guiding. This eliminates the need for separate external returning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame element is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support for the dispensing unit, containing the hose during storage, and guiding the hose back to the unit. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the hose is made longer to reach vehicles parked at a distance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the hose may get entangled or stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is pre-positioned within the frame element structure and guided through internal pathways before use. This preliminary arrangement ensures the hose starts in an organized state and follows a predetermined path, preventing entanglement during deployment and retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
Guiding elements within the frame element act as intermediaries between the hose and the external environment. These guiding elements control the hose path, preventing it from contacting the ground or becoming entangled while still allowing sufficient length for vehicle access.
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 smooth and flexible hose handling, eliminating entanglement risks and reducing the complexity of hose returning mechanisms, while maintaining reachability without the need for excessively long hoses.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element which is attached to a fixed point in relation to said frame element at one end and to said hose guiding means at the other end. The elastic element is adapted to extend within said frame element
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are based on the idea of providing a device (2) for handling a hose (3) and a fuel dispensing unit (1) having such a device (2). This is basically achieved by an elastic element (13) that is adapted to extend within a frame element (8) and to be guided by a guiding element (9, 10), and by a hose guiding means (15) which is movable away from said frame element (8) allowing said hose (3) to be pulled from an idle position to an operating position when said elastic element (13) is extended.