Fueling Position Indicators for Real-Time Pump Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Busy fueling stations often experience long queues and chaotic traffic due to customers' difficulty in quickly selecting an available refueling lane, and existing systems do not effectively inform customers of the availability and status of refueling positions.
Innovation Solution
A retail fueling environment with a fueling position availability indicator system, comprising a plurality of position indicators, detection electronics, processing electronics, and a position indicator control device, which provide real-time information on the availability status of refueling positions using discrete lights of different colors, and adjust these indicators based on the transaction status of each position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If customers choose refueling lanes based on observation of queue lengths and refueling status, then customers can select a dispensing position, but traffic becomes chaotic and customers may choose positions that are out of service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded visual indicators (e.g., green, yellow, red lights) on or near fuel dispensers to communicate availability status and transaction progress to customers. This allows customers to quickly identify available dispensers without chaotic observation, improving selection ease while maintaining throughput by directing traffic to actually available positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system (visual indicators, displays, or signaling devices) between the fuel dispensing system and customers. This intermediary translates complex transaction states into simple visual cues, resolving the contradiction by making availability information immediately apparent without requiring customers to interpret queue lengths or dispenser status independently.
2Loss of time
If customers quickly select refueling lanes based on queue observation, then selection time is reduced, but traffic remains chaotic and customer satisfaction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary communication of dispenser availability status before customers arrive at the dispensing area. By pre-signalizing which dispensers are available and their transaction status, customers can make informed decisions immediately upon arrival, reducing selection time while preventing the chaotic behavior that arises from uncertain or misinterpreted status information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the fuel dispensing system continuously communicates its status to customers through visual indicators. This real-time feedback allows customers to accurately assess availability without chaotic observation, reducing selection time while eliminating the frustration of choosing apparently available but actually occupied or malfunctioning dispensers.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators show refueling position availability, then customer selection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fuel dispensing system into multiple independent units, each with its own visual indicator. This segmentation allows each dispenser to independently communicate its status without requiring a complex centralized control system, reducing overall system complexity while improving customer ability to identify available positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service visual indicators on each fuel dispenser that automatically display availability status without requiring external control or manual intervention. The indicators are driven directly by the dispenser's own transaction state, eliminating the need for complex centralized monitoring and control systems while providing clear customer guidance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A retail fueling environment comprises a plurality of fuel dispensers located so that each defines at least one refueling position. Site automation electronics are in communication with the plurality of fuel dispensers. A fueling position availability indicator system is also provided, including a plurality of position indicators indicating availability status of at least one associated refueling position. Detection electronics are operative to ascertain data regarding transaction status of refueling transactions at the refueling positions. In addition, processing electronics are operative to determine a state of each of the position indicators based at least in part on the transaction status. A position indicator control device is operative to produce control signals to the position indicators.