Touch-Free Fuel Pump Nozzle Cover with Rotating Trigger Guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel pump nozzles are often contaminated with grease, grime, and hazardous materials, leading to the risk of hand contamination during fuel dispensing, as users must manually grasp and handle them frequently.
Innovation Solution
A protective apparatus with a curved grip and rotatable trigger guard that fits over the fuel pump handle, allowing hands-free operation by aligning and latching under the fuel pump trigger, preventing direct contact with the nozzle and trigger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of fuel pump nozzle is used, then ease of operation is improved, but hand contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hands-free operation device that acts as an intermediary between the user and the fuel pump nozzle. This device includes a cover that fits over the nozzle handle and a trigger guard with a latch mechanism, allowing fuel dispensing to be initiated and controlled without direct hand contact with the contaminated nozzle surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hand-grasp-and-pull trigger system with an automated latch-based mechanical system. The trigger guard rotates to engage under the trigger and uses latch members to secure the trigger in the actuated position, eliminating the need for continuous manual pressure on the trigger.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If touch-free operation is implemented, then hand contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a cover that fits over the nozzle handle, a trigger guard that rotates independently, and latch members that engage selectively. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger guard is designed to be dynamic, rotating from an open position to a closed position where it engages under the trigger. This dynamic movement allows the device to transition from a non-intrusive state to an active hands-free operation state, providing functionality without requiring permanent complex structures.
3Extent of automation
If cover and trigger guard are added, then hands-free operation is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a thin-walled structure that fits over the nozzle handle, providing protection and structural support while using minimal material. This approach reduces manufacturing costs compared to using thick or complex structures, while still achieving the hands-free operation functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a cover forming an open channel that includes a curved grip portion and first and second sides extending from the curved grip portion. The channel is receivable onto a fuel pump handle of a fuel pump nozzle such that the curved grip portion fits closely over the fuel pump handle and the sides extend downwardly along opposing sides of the fuel pump handle. The apparatus further includes a trigger guard including a first end connected to the first side of the cover by a hinge and a second end that is selectively connectable to the second side of the cover. The trigger guard is rotatable about the hinge from an open position to a closed position in which the trigger guard extends under a fuel pump trigger of the fuel pump nozzle and the second end is connected to the second side.