Fuel Nozzle Display Sleeve with Embedded Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispensing nozzles with electronic displays fail to meet safety requirements in volatile environments, particularly due to the risk of ignition from electronic components, and none have achieved commercial success under ATEX directives.
Innovation Solution
An electronic display system where the display controller and power source are embedded in a synthetic material sleeve, which shields them from potential ignition sources and provides a secure, non-conductive, and elastic enclosure that integrates with the nozzle without additional fixing means, allowing for wireless power recharging and reducing the risk of sparks and electrostatic discharges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If electronic display components are integrated into the fuel nozzle, then information display capability is improved, but safety risk increases due to potential ignition of fuel fumes
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into two functional parts: a certified fuel dispensing portion and a separate display system portion. The display system with electronic components is attached to the exterior of the nozzle rather than being integrated into the fuel pathway, creating spatial separation between ignition sources and fuel fumes while maintaining information display functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A non-conductive, spark-resistant material serves as an intermediary barrier between the electronic display components and the fuel environment. This intermediary protects the electronic components from fuel exposure while containing any potential sparks or electrostatic discharges away from flammable fumes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is modified to add a display system, then advertising and information capability is improved, but certification requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is designed as a separate, attachable module rather than an integrated component. This segmentation allows the original certified nozzle to remain unchanged while adding display functionality through an external attachment, avoiding the need to recertify the entire assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is designed as a universal attachment that can be applied to various nozzle types without modifying the nozzle itself. This multi-functional approach allows the same display module to work with different nozzle models, reducing certification complexity across product lines
3Ease of repair
If electronic components are exposed on the nozzle surface, then ease of repair is improved, but safety risk increases from electrostatic discharges
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible, non-conductive protective covering encapsulates the electronic display components. This shell provides electrostatic protection and physical containment while maintaining a compact form factor that does not significantly increase the overall nozzle size or complicate the structure
Solution Approach 2:
The power source is extracted from the nozzle body and placed in a separate rechargeable battery pack. This extraction eliminates the need for internal wiring and power management components within the nozzle, reducing electrostatic discharge risks while maintaining ease of repair through simple battery replacement
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 provides a safe and reliable electronic display system for fuel dispensing nozzles, meeting ATEX safety standards by encapsulating electronic components within a conductive and elastic sleeve, reducing the risk of ignition and vandalism, while allowing for flexible design and retrofitting existing nozzles without certification requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the sleeve comprises an elastic material exercising a contracting force around the channel for pressing the sleeve against the nozzle so as to fixate the display with respect to the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The controller and particularly the power source are embedded in the embedding material. In this way the controller and particularly the power source are shielded from the outside of the sleeve
Implementation Method 3
By making the sleeve of an embedding material which is slightly conductive electrostatic discharges are also prevented
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A display system configured for fixing to a fuel dispensing nozzle, the display system comprising an electronic display screen a display controller connected to the electronic display screen, a power source for providing electric power to the electronic display screen and to the display controller, and a sleeve having an internal channel for receiving the fuel dispensing nozzle, wherein the sleeve comprises an embedding material embedding at least the display controller and the power source for shielding the display controller and the power source as a potential source of ignition from the outside of the sleeve, and at least a portion of the sleeve comprises an elastic material exercising a contracting force around the channel for pressing the sleeve against the nozzle so as to fixate the display with respect to the nozzle when the nozzle is fitted into the channel.