Fuel Dispensing Anomaly Detection for Flow Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel dispensing terminals are vulnerable to manipulation by malicious devices that alter fuel flow measurements, leading to unauthorized fuel access and degradation of terminal components.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a processor and memory configured to detect discrepancies between measured and actual fuel volume per unit time, stopping the dispensing operation when anomalies are detected, and integrating with local and remote controllers to identify and address anomalous fuel dispensing across a network of gas stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fuel dispensing terminals are used without anomaly detection, then the operation is simple and cost-effective, but the system is vulnerable to manipulation by malicious devices that alter fuel flow measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting anomalies in fuel flow measurements before unauthorized fuel access can occur. The processor continuously monitors the relationship between pulser rod rotations and actual fuel dispensed, identifying discrepancies that indicate malicious manipulation before significant fuel theft occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by comparing measured fuel flow data against expected parameters and generating alerts when anomalies are detected. The processor analyzes the correlation between pulser rod position changes and actual fuel dispensed, providing continuous feedback on system integrity and triggering responses when manipulation is suspected.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If anomaly detection systems are implemented to detect manipulation, then fuel measurement accuracy and security are improved, but the device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service principles by using the existing pulser rod mechanism and its rotational data to detect anomalies. Rather than adding entirely new sensing systems, the invention leverages the already-present mechanical components and their operational data to identify manipulation, reducing the need for additional hardware while maintaining security capabilities.
3Reliability
If the system stops dispensing operation immediately upon detecting anomalies, then unauthorized fuel access is prevented, but normal fuel dispensing operations may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by implementing a threshold-based response mechanism. Rather than stopping all dispensing operations at the first sign of anomaly, the system allows operations to continue when deviations are within acceptable ranges and only interrupts when anomalies exceed predetermined thresholds, balancing security with operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel dispensing terminal includes a memory that stores a threshold volume per unit time and a threshold wait period, and a processor operably coupled to the memory. During fuel dispensing, the processor periodically determines the cost-based volume of fuel dispensed and calculates a measured volume per unit time by dividing this value by the fuel cost per unit volume. The processor compares this measured rate to the stored threshold. If the measured volume per unit time falls below the threshold within the specified wait period, the terminal automatically stops dispensing fuel.