Fuel Transaction Tracking System Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy fuel transaction tracking systems with four wire configurations face challenges when only two underground wires are installed as a current loop, limiting the ability to switch between different systems without costly infrastructure changes or being locked into a specific manufacturer.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an active multiplexing/demultiplexing unit connected to a four wire fuel transaction data system and a passive multiplexing/demultiplexing unit at a remote station, enabling bi-directional communication over two underground wires as a current loop, allowing for the transmission and reception of four wire data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a four wire legacy wiring system is used for fuel transaction tracking, then the system can be connected to existing infrastructure, but the system cannot be switched to another manufacturer without costly infrastructure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a converter device that acts as an intermediary between the existing two-wire current loop infrastructure and new four-wire fuel transaction tracking systems. This converter translates signals between the two different wiring configurations, enabling system switching without requiring physical rewiring of the underground infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the communication system by using a converter that transforms the electrical characteristics between two-wire and four-wire configurations. This allows the same physical infrastructure to support different wiring standards by modifying the electrical signal parameters rather than the physical wire count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two underground wires are installed as a current loop, then installation cost is reduced, but the ability to support four wire systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The converter serves as an intermediary that enables four-wire system compatibility while physically using only two underground wires. The converter creates virtual four-wire connections through signal manipulation, allowing the system to support four-wire protocols without installing four physical wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the wire quantity limitation by moving to another dimension - using signal processing and electrical characteristics rather than physical wire count. The converter uses the existing two-wire infrastructure but creates four-wire functionality through electrical signal manipulation, effectively adding a dimensional layer of abstraction.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing underground wiring is used, then infrastructure changes are minimized, but switching between manufacturers is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The converter acts as a mediator that decouples the existing infrastructure from the specific manufacturer's system requirements. By placing the converter at the interface, it translates between the generic two-wire infrastructure and manufacturer-specific four-wire protocols, enabling easy switching between manufacturers without touching the underground wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into three independent parts: the existing two-wire infrastructure, the converter device, and the manufacturer-specific four-wire system. This segmentation allows the middle layer (converter) to be changed or replaced without affecting the other layers, enabling manufacturer switching while keeping infrastructure installation simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel transaction tracking system such as used at gasoline pumps wherein a four wire data system is operated utilizing two wires and a multiplexing system to connect to a remote four wire station including computer.