Fuel Nozzle Attitude Sensing via Magnetic Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispensing nozzles with attitude sensing devices do not provide repeatable and predictable performance due to inconsistent triggering angles.
Innovation Solution
A fuel dispensing nozzle with an attitude sensing device that includes a ball received in a track, where the track has a spherical portion to block the sensing path when the nozzle is raised to a sufficient angle, utilizing eddy currents and a deflector to retain the ball in its retracted position until it moves to a blocking position, creating a venturi effect to generate negative pressure and trigger shut-off when the nozzle is not oriented correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an attitude sensing device is used to shut off the nozzle at a predetermined angle, then safety is improved, but the triggering angle becomes inconsistent and performance becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical attitude sensing mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet is attached to the nozzle exterior, and a magnetic sensor on the dispenser body detects the magnet's position and orientation. This substitution eliminates mechanical friction and wear that caused inconsistent triggering angles, providing reliable and repeatable attitude detection while maintaining safety shut-off functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a ball and track mechanism is used to sense nozzle attitude, then the shut-off function is achieved, but the ball does not move to a consistent position triggering repeatable performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical ball and track mechanism by implementing a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnet attached to the nozzle interacts with a magnetic sensor on the dispenser body, allowing the system to detect nozzle orientation without physical contact. This removes manufacturing variability in ball position and track geometry, achieving consistent and repeatable triggering angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the nozzle and dispenser body for attitude detection. Instead of direct mechanical contact between the ball and track, the magnetic field serves as a non-contact mediator that transfers orientation information from the nozzle magnet to the dispenser's magnetic sensor, enabling precise and consistent angle measurement without mechanical imperfections.
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 ensures repeatable and predictable performance by preventing fluid flow when the nozzle is not at the correct angle, thereby ensuring safe and efficient fuel dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi configured to create a negative pressure in the sensing path when fluid flows through the dispensing path
Implementation Method 2
a magnet attached to an exterior surface of the nozzle and a magnetic sensor carried on the dispenser body. The magnetic sensor is configured to detect the magnet and determine a relative position and orientation between the nozzle and the dispenser body
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle including a dispensing path configured such that fluid is dispensable therethrough and into a vessel, and a sensing path in which a negative pressure is generated when fluid flows through the dispensing path. The nozzle further includes an attitude sensing device configured to sense an attitude of the nozzle. The attitude sensing device is in fluid communication with the sensing path and includes a ball received in a track. The track includes a generally spherical portion configured to receive the ball therein to generally block the sensing path when the nozzle is raised to a sufficient angle. The spherical portion has a radius generally corresponding to a radius of the ball.