Fuel Dispensing System with Density Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refueling systems lack a solution to ensure the right type of fuel is dispensed for a vehicle and to identify and measure the extent of contaminants in fuel, particularly in mobile refueling scenarios, which can lead to engine issues due to wrong fuel types or contamination.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a smart device with a communications processor to scan a tag on the recipient fuel tank, record initial and final inventory levels, estimate fuel density using sensors, and control fuel dispensing based on predetermined density ranges, alerting personnel if the density is outside the acceptable range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual fuel dispensing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of wrong fuel type dispensing and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel dispensing accuracyVSAvoidfuel dispensing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service fuel dispensing by automatically identifying the recipient fuel tank via RFID tag, verifying fuel type compatibility, measuring fuel density, and controlling the dispensing process without requiring manual intervention or human judgment, thereby improving reliability while keeping the user interface simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical fuel dispensing with an automated system that uses RFID technology for identification, electronic sensors for density measurement, and computer-controlled valves for dispensing, substituting human operation with electronic and optical systems to ensure accurate fuel type matching and prevent contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If fuel density checking is implemented, then reliability improves by preventing wrong fuel type dispensing, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel type verificationVSAvoidfuel density measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses fuel density as a key parameter to verify fuel type and detect contamination. By measuring density and comparing it against predetermined ranges for different fuel types, the system can reliably identify incorrect fuel types or contamination without requiring complex analysis, thus achieving high reliability with manageable measurement precision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If real-time density monitoring is added, then productivity improves by preventing engine damage, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel dispensing efficiencyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring fuel density during dispensing and immediately comparing it against the expected range for the identified fuel type. If the density falls outside the acceptable range, the system provides immediate feedback by stopping dispensing and alerting the user, preventing engine damage while maintaining a relatively simple monitoring architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of substance

If automated dispensing with density verification is implemented, then loss of substance is reduced by preventing fuel contamination, but loss of time increases due to additional verification steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel contamination preventionVSAvoidfuel dispensing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by verifying the RFID tag, checking fuel type compatibility, and measuring fuel density before dispensing begins. This preliminary verification prevents contamination and engine damage while the quick, automated nature of these checks minimizes time loss compared to manual verification methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures accurate and efficient dispensing of the correct fuel type, preventing contamination and cross-fueling errors, thereby enhancing engine performance and longevity by automating the fueling process and real-time density monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

The fuel tank includes a density detection sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity detection:

Implementation Method 2

an inventory level detection sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLevel detection:

Implementation Method 3

a smart device that includes a tag reader to read the tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID reading:

Data Source

PatentUS11673790B2Methods and systems for dispensing fuel

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 SHELL USA INC

AI summary

A method and system of dispensing a fuel from a fuel tank to a recipient fuel tank. The method includes scanning a tag by a scanner from a smart device, wherein the smart device also comprises a communications processor, recording an initial inventory level of the fuel in the fuel tank, estimating a density of the fuel, opening a valve to dispense a predetermined amount of the fuel, and recording a final inventory level after the dispensing the fuel, upon estimating that the density of the fuel is within a predetermined range, and shutting the valve and communicating to relevant personnel about the difference in fuel density, upon estimating that the density is outside of the predetermined range.