Fuel Dispensing Interface System Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel dispensing systems for fleet fueling lack efficient authorization and reporting mechanisms, especially in non-standard niches where individual commercial transactions are not feasible, leading to increased costs and reduced connectivity for non-consumer fueling stations.
Innovation Solution
A modular system that integrates general-purpose computing hardware with special-purpose electronic or electromechanical components to control existing fuel-dispensing pumps, utilizing short-range wireless communication and portable data communication devices for authorization and reporting, allowing for reduced infrastructure costs and improved connectivity by enabling fuel dispensing even without long-range data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fuel dispensing systems are used in non-retail settings, then basic fuel delivery is achieved, but authorization and reporting capabilities are lacking, leading to increased costs and reduced connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable communication device as an intermediary between the fuel dispensing system and remote servers. This device enables authorization verification and transaction reporting without requiring permanent communication infrastructure at the fueling location. The portable device temporarily bridges the gap between the isolated dispensing system and the network, resolving the contradiction by providing reliability through mediated communication while avoiding the complexity of installing permanent infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the fuel dispensing pump to perform self-authorization by verifying vehicle identifiers against pre-provisioned authorization data stored locally. The pump also automatically generates and transmits transaction reports when a portable communication device is available. This self-service capability provides reliable authorization and reporting functionality without requiring complex external verification systems or continuous network connectivity.
2Loss of information
If remote fueling stations are equipped with extensive communication infrastructure, then connectivity and reporting are improved, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-provisioning authorization data and transaction reporting configurations in the portable communication device before the fueling transaction occurs. This allows the remote fueling station to operate without extensive communication infrastructure, as the necessary information and capabilities are already prepared in advance on the portable device. Transaction reports are queued and transmitted when connectivity becomes available, eliminating the need for expensive permanent communication installations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing dumb fuel dispensing pumps are upgraded with intelligence, then authorization and reporting are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the intelligence and communication functionality from the fuel dispensing pump itself, placing these capabilities in a separate portable communication device. The pump retains its simple, proven design while the portable device handles complex tasks such as authorization verification, transaction tracking, and report generation. This segmentation enables adaptability and versatility through the portable device's software while keeping the pump's device complexity low and maintenance straightforward.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface system extends a prior-art multi-pump fuel delivery station so that authorization to activate the fuel delivery pump can be obtained from a remote authorization service over a long-range wireless communication link such as a cellular telephone connection or a satellite connection; and delivered to the interface system over a different, short-range wireless communication link such as a Bluetooth® connection or a WiFi connection. After receiving the authorization, a signal to activate a fuel delivery pump is transmitted to a physically separate pump control module over an electrical power line by being coupled onto the power line by a first power line interface, and coupled back off of the power line by a second power line interface. The signal causes the physically separate pump to start or stop operation.