Fuel Pump Coordination with Tank Sensors for Theft Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas stations face challenges in detecting theft at individual fuel pumps, as existing systems rely on station-wide meters that do not accurately track fuel levels at each pump, allowing thieves to manipulate the pumps and steal gas without being detected.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising fuel pumps with payment processing and sensors to measure fuel pumped, and fuel tanks with level sensors, connected through communication interfaces to analyze payment and fuel data, allowing for real-time monitoring and detection of theft or faulty machinery by comparing pump data with tank data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If station-wide meters are used to track fuel levels, then overall fuel monitoring is achieved, but individual pump theft detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the station-wide fuel monitoring system into individual pump-level components. Each fuel pump is equipped with its own meter and communication interface, allowing separate tracking of fuel dispensed at each pump. This segmentation enables precise detection of theft at individual pumps while maintaining overall station-wide monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If individual pump meters are installed to detect theft, then theft detection precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol and centralized server architecture that can handle data from multiple pumps simultaneously. The server performs centralized reconciliation of fuel dispensed versus fuel remaining, providing a multi-functional solution that handles both individual pump monitoring and station-wide inventory management through a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized server as an intermediary between individual pump meters and the station management system. This server receives communication data from all pumps, performs centralized analysis and reconciliation, and generates alerts for potential theft. The intermediary simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing complex processing functions.
3Speed
If real-time communication interfaces are added to pumps and tanks, then theft detection speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the centralized server continuously receives real-time data from pump meters and tank level sensors, compares expected fuel remaining with actual levels, and immediately generates alerts when discrepancies indicate potential theft. This closed-loop feedback system enables rapid theft detection while managing communication complexity through standardized protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described that can help gas stations detect attempted thefts of gas or when there is leakage from a fuel tank or pump. The fuel pump can comprise a payment processing system or is fuel sensor to detect the amount of fuel pumped. The large fuel tank that supplies the fuel pumps can comprise a fuel level sensor to detect how much fuel is being used. The fuel pumps and tanks can send their data to the kiosk or some other location for analysis. If more fuel is being lost from the fuel tank than is being paid for at the pumps, then a theft may be occurring, or there may be fault machinery or leaks.