Fuel Flow Meter Fraud Detection via Transponder Interrogation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Fuel dispensers face challenges in detecting and preventing fraud caused by tampering with displacement sensors, which can lead to inaccurate fuel measurement and financial loss.

Innovation Solution

A fuel flow meter assembly that incorporates a fiber optic displacement sensor and transponder-interrogator electronics for remote electronic communication, allowing for wireless pairing and real-time monitoring of fuel dispensed, thereby detecting and preventing tampering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical means (locks and pins) are used to prevent detachment of the displacement sensor, then the sensor is protected from tampering, but the device complexity increases and the sensor can still be forcibly removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor attachment securityVSAvoidmechanical protection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical protection means (locks and pins) with an electronic identification system using transponders and interrogators. The system uses electronic verification of the displacement sensor's identity rather than physical constraints to prevent tampering, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a transponder containing an integrated circuit that stores identification information as an electronic copy of the sensor's identity. This electronic copy is verified by the interrogator to ensure the sensor is authentic and properly attached, providing a non-mechanical means of verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If the displacement sensor is securely attached to the fuel flow meter, then fraud is prevented, but the sensor may still be disconnected or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefraud preventionVSAvoidsensor disconnection and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical attachment verification with electronic verification through transponder-interrogator communication. The system can detect whether the sensor is properly connected by verifying electronic signals, providing fraud prevention without relying solely on mechanical attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The interrogator continuously monitors the transponder's identification signals to verify the displacement sensor's presence and integrity. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect disconnection or tampering attempts in real-time and respond appropriately, enhancing protection against harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If electronic identification systems (transponders) are implemented, then fraud detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefraud detection capabilityVSAvoidelectronic identification system

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transponder and interrogator system serves multiple functions: it identifies the displacement sensor, verifies its proper attachment to the fuel flow meter, and provides fraud detection. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several protection and verification functions into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution effectively prevents fraud by ensuring accurate fuel measurement and secure operation of fuel dispensers, reducing financial losses and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Implementation Method 1

a fiber optic displacement sensor operatively connected to the fuel flow meter shaft for generating information representative of an amount of fuel delivered through the fuel flow meter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least one interrogator electronics coupled with the other of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. The at least one interrogator electronics is configured for remote electronic communication with the at least one transponder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9523597B2Fuel dispenser flow meter fraud detection and prevention

Publication Date: 2016.12.20 GILBARCO INC

AI summary

A fuel flow meter assembly for detecting fraud caused by tampering. The fuel flow meter assembly comprises a fuel flow meter comprising a shaft and a fiber optic displacement sensor operatively connected to the fuel flow meter shaft for generating information representative of an amount of fuel delivered through the fuel flow meter. The fuel flow meter assembly also comprises at least one transponder coupled with one of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. Further, the fuel flow meter assembly comprises at least one interrogator electronics coupled with the other of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. The at least one interrogator electronics is configured for remote electronic communication with the at least one transponder.