Fuel Dispensing Nozzle Interlock with Slider and Pivot Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispensing nozzle interlock devices are not robust or repeatable, leading to potential issues with fluid dispensing accuracy and safety, such as improper insertion detection and potential spills.
Innovation Solution
A fuel dispensing nozzle with an interlock system that includes a slider and pivotable arm, operatively coupled to an actuator and shut-off device, which ensures fluid dispensing only occurs when the nozzle is sufficiently inserted into a receptacle, utilizing a venturi poppet and suction path to prevent fluid flow when the nozzle is not properly seated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing interlock devices are used in fuel dispensing nozzles, then fluid dispensing can be controlled, but the interlock devices are not robust or repeatable
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock device is segmented into distinct functional components: a actuator that detects nozzle insertion, a slider that translates actuator movement, a pivotable arm that amplifies the movement, and a shut-off device that controls fluid flow. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider and pivotable arm serve as intermediary mechanical elements that translate the small movement of the actuator into a larger, more reliable movement of the shut-off device. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the detection signal and provides mechanical advantage, making the interlock more robust and repeatable without requiring a completely complex system.
2Measurement precision
If the nozzle is not sufficiently inserted into the receptacle, then fluid dispensing should be prevented, but existing interlocks may not reliably detect proper insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned to make preliminary contact with the receptacle wall before full insertion is complete. This preliminary action triggers the interlock mechanism early in the insertion process, ensuring that proper insertion is detected with high precision. The slider and pivotable arm then translate this early detection into a reliable shut-off signal, preventing fluid dispensing until correct insertion is confirmed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a robust interlock system is implemented, then fluid dispensing safety is improved, but the number of parts and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: insertion detection, movement translation, signal amplification, and fluid shut-off control are all combined in one continuous mechanical linkage. This merging reduces the need for separate sensors, actuators, and control systems, achieving robust spill prevention while keeping the overall part count manageable through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle for dispensing fluid including a nozzle body having a spout and fluid path through which fluid to be dispensed is flowable. The nozzle includes an actuator configured to detect when the spout is sufficiently inserted into a fluid receptacle, and a shut-off device configured to selectively terminate or prevent fluid dispensing operations through the fluid path. The nozzle further includes an interlock operatively coupling the actuator to the shut-off device. The interlock includes a slider that is operatively coupled to the actuator and a pivotable arm that is operatively coupled to the shut-off device, and the slider is slidable along the arm.