Fuel Dispensing Control via Wireless Intermediary Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel distribution systems for private use lack control and tracking of fuel dispensing operations, leading to indiscriminate refueling, unrecorded fuel consumption, and lack of monitoring capabilities for users, particularly in the logistics sector.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising dispensing units with short-range wireless communication modules and mobile processing devices, connected via a telematic network, for authenticating users and transmitting data on fuel dispensing operations to a central remote processing device, enabling real-time monitoring and tracking of fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional fuel distribution systems are used for private use, then fuel dispensing operations are simple and quick, but the systems lack tracking and recording capabilities for refueling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable electronic device as an intermediary between the dispensing pump and the central server. This device captures data from the pump via short-range wireless communication and transmits it remotely, enabling tracking and recording capabilities without directly modifying the pump's complexity. The portable device serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between simple dispensing operations and comprehensive data management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tracking and recording methods with automated electronic data capture and transmission. The short-range wireless communication modules substitute for physical data entry, and the telematic network replaces manual reporting systems, thereby enabling comprehensive tracking while minimizing additional complexity through automation.
2Reliability
If conventional fuel distribution systems are used, then refueling operations can be performed without payment or authentication, but this leads to indiscriminate and uncontrolled fuel dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication of users before fuel dispensing begins. The system verifies user identity and authorization status prior to allowing refueling operations, ensuring controlled and monitored dispensing. This preliminary check maintains ease of operation by automating the authentication process through the portable electronic device, eliminating the need for manual payment or complex verification procedures during refueling.
3Loss of information
If conventional fuel distribution systems are used, then refueling operations are simple and fast, but the actual fuel consumption and distance traveled are completely dissociated
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device serves multiple functions: it authenticates users, captures dispensing data from the pump, collects vehicle identification information, and transmits all this data to the central server. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal device, the system associates fuel consumption with distance traveled without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where dispensing data is captured, transmitted to the central server, and processed to associate fuel consumption with vehicle usage patterns. The server analyzes this data to provide insights into actual fuel consumption relative to distance traveled, creating a feedback mechanism that links refueling operations with operational data without significantly complicating the refueling process itself.
4Reliability
If conventional fuel distribution systems are used, then users have unrestricted access to refuel vehicles, but this prevents monitoring of refueling operations and fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device acts as an intermediary that captures data at the point of dispensing and transmits it to the central server, enabling monitoring capabilities without requiring direct integration between the pump and the management system. This intermediary approach allows unrestricted user access while simultaneously enabling comprehensive monitoring through automated data collection and transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the dispensing of fuel by a distribution apparatus, particularly for private use, which comprises one or more dispensing units, one or more mobile processing devices operated by respective driver users, and a central remote processing device; the mobile devices are in communication with the central remote device by way of a telematic communications network; the dispensing units and the mobile processing devices comprise respective short-range wireless communication modules that are adapted to establish a short-range wireless communication session between the dispensing units and the mobile devices, the mobile devices being adapted and configured to allow the transmission of data originating from the dispensing units to the central remote processing device.