Fuel Nozzle Interconnect Safety Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel dispensing nozzles lack effective safety features to prevent accidental fuel dispensing when the nozzle is removed from a vehicle, leading to potential injuries and liabilities, despite existing mechanisms that rely on complex venturi and pressure systems for shut-off.
Innovation Solution
A safety mechanism involving a link between the bellows and automatic shut-off components, where the nozzle remains shut off unless properly inserted into a vehicle's fill pipe, using a rod and pivotal lever system to ensure fuel flow only when the nozzle is correctly positioned, preventing unauthorized dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex venturi and pressure systems are used for automatic shut-off, then the nozzle can achieve automatic shut-off functionality, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to sensitivity to pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shut-off control mechanism from the complex venturi and pressure system and relocates it to the nozzle handle assembly. The shut-off valve is directly actuated by the handle through a simple mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for complex pressure-based control systems while maintaining automatic shut-off functionality when the nozzle is removed from the fill pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simple mechanical intermediary (the handle linkage system) that directly connects the nozzle position to the shut-off valve. This intermediary translates the physical state of nozzle insertion/removal into valve actuation without requiring complex pressure sensing or venturi mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable shut-off.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If safety features are added to prevent accidental dispensing, then user safety improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the nozzle to be properly inserted into the fill pipe before the shut-off valve can be actuated to the open position. The handle linkage is designed so that the valve remains closed until the nozzle is correctly positioned, preventing accidental dispensing before proper installation. This safety feature is built into the basic mechanical operation rather than added as a separate complex system.
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnect for a fuel dispensing nozzle which provides for sustained shut off of a nozzle when its spout is not inserted into the fill pipe of a fuel tank. When the spout inserts within the fill pipe its bellows or splashguard is forced rearwardly, for urging an interconnecting rod to move rearwardly, against the bias of a spring, to force a pivotal link to disengage from the automatic shut-off diaphragm, to allow it to function normally. But when the nozzle is removed from the fuel tank, the pivotal link contacts against the diaphragm structure, of the automatic shut-off, and prevents the nozzle from dispensing or delivering any fuel from the dispenser.