Fuel Dispenser Pulser with Write-Protected Memory for Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel dispensers face accuracy issues due to mechanical wear and temperature variations, leading to errors in fuel volume measurement, and existing solutions have limitations in calibration and temperature compensation.
Innovation Solution
A pulser system with a nonvolatile memory and a switch to vary between write-protected and write-enabled modes, integrated with a fuel dispenser controller for secure communication and calibration, enabling accurate fuel volume measurement and temperature compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow meters are used to measure fuel volume, then fuel dispensing function is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to mechanical wear and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing electronic calibration that adjusts the pulse count parameter based on temperature conditions and accumulated fuel volume. The system modifies the measurement parameter (pulse count) to compensate for meter drift, transforming a mechanical measurement system into an adaptively corrected electronic measurement system that maintains accuracy despite physical wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical calibration procedures with an electronic calibration system. Instead of physically adjusting mechanical components, the system uses electronic processors to calculate and apply calibration factors based on temperature sensors and pulse count data, substituting mechanical adjustment mechanisms with computational correction.
2Measurement precision
If periodic calibration is performed to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic electronic calibration that operates continuously in the background during normal dispensing operations. The system automatically adjusts calibration factors based on real-time temperature data and accumulated pulse counts, eliminating the need for manual calibration interventions and transforming calibration from a periodic maintenance task into an ongoing automatic process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous calibration action by performing electronic corrections during every dispensing operation. Rather than stopping operations for periodic calibration, the system continuously accumulates pulse data and temperature information, applying calibration factors in real-time, thus maintaining measurement precision without interrupting the useful action of fuel dispensing.
3Measurement precision
If pulser data is stored in memory for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to memory and switch components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the pulser memory system to serve multiple functions: storing calibration factors, recording pulse count data, maintaining temperature compensation parameters, and providing tamper-evident storage. The switch component similarly serves dual purposes of enabling calibration access and providing security protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the calibration data storage and security functions into the existing pulser memory structure. Rather than adding separate calibration modules and security systems, the invention integrates these functions into the pulser's memory and control logic, combining multiple responsibilities into unified components that reduce overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If write-protected mode is implemented to prevent tampering, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to calibration access restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the memory write protection state changeable based on operational context. The switch allows the system to transition between write-protected mode during normal operation (providing security) and write-enabled mode during authorized calibration (enabling updates). This dynamic reconfiguration of protection levels allows the system to maintain security while permitting necessary maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring authorized personnel to manually configure the switch to write-enabled mode before calibration can occur. This preliminary action of switching modes ensures that only intentional, authorized calibration attempts can modify memory contents, preventing accidental or unauthorized changes while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate calibration tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating a measure of fluid. The apparatus comprises a flow meter and a pulser having an identifier and a memory. The pulser is associated with the flow meter for generating pulser data indicative of a volume of fluid delivered through the flow meter. The pulser may alter the pulser data using correction data stored in its memory to generate altered pulser data. The pulser may store at least one of the pulser data and the altered pulser data in the memory. The apparatus further comprises a switch operatively connected to the pulser's memory. The switch is operative to vary the memory of the pulser between a write-protected and a write-enabled mode. Also, the apparatus comprises a controller in communication with the pulser and a serial communication circuit which enables communication between the pulser and the controller. Communication between the controller and the pulser includes the identifier.