Fuel Dispenser Hose Carrier With Moveable Guide Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel pump designs fail to effectively present the full length of the fuel hose to the user while ensuring secure retraction and minimizing the risk of the hose being hit or run over, as they either lack secure retraction mechanisms or result in the hose getting stuck during retraction.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system with a hose storage space featuring a first hose guide member and a moveable second hose guide member, where the hose extends from the connection to the first guide member, then backwardly towards the second guide member, allowing for secure extraction and retraction by a resiliently biased cord or pulley system, ensuring efficient use of hose length and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hose is connected to a fuel hose connection arranged in a top portion of a hose storage space and runs down and around pulleys, then the hose can be retracted securely, but the full length of the hose cannot be presented to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the first hose guide member moveable within the hose storage space. The guide member transitions from a fixed position to a moveable one that can be pulled forward by the user, allowing the hose to be paid out dynamically as needed. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both secure retraction (when the guide member is in its retracted position) and full hose length presentation (when the guide member is pulled forward).
Solution Approach 2:
The first hose guide member acts as an intermediary element between the hose connection and the dispensing mouth. It mediates the hose path by being pulled forward to allow hose extraction, then returning to guide secure retraction. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to achieve both contradictory goals of hose availability and secure storage.
2Ease of operation
If a ring shaped member is used to pull the hose backwardly and upwardly into the hose storage space, then hose retraction is achieved, but the device may get stuck outside the storage space and appears non-secure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static ring shaped member with a dynamic first hose guide member that is moveably arranged in the hose storage space. This moveable guide member is pulled forward by the user during hose extraction and then returns to its initial position to guide secure retraction, eliminating the sticking problem and improving perceived security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the problematic ring shaped member from the system and replaces it with a moveable hose guide member that operates differently. The new design takes out the element that caused reliability issues (the ring shaped member getting stuck) while maintaining the essential retraction function through a different mechanical approach.
3Ease of operation
If multiple pulleys and rocker units are used to allow hose extraction, then the hose can be pulled out easily, but the mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex second pulley and rocker unit mechanism from the system. Instead, it uses a simpler moveable first hose guide member that is pulled forward by the user to allow hose extraction. This simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable first hose guide member operates through self-service mechanics where the user's pulling action on the hose directly pulls the guide member forward, and the spring automatically returns it without requiring additional mechanisms. This eliminates the need for complex pulley and rocker systems while maintaining ease of use.
4Length of moving object
If the hose is presented in a retracted state extending from the hose connection to the first hose guide member, then the hose length is optimized, but the mechanism requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic, moveable first hose guide member whose position is determined by the user's pulling action rather than fixed manufacturing precision. The guide member moves forward as the user pulls the hose and returns automatically via spring, eliminating the need for precise pre-positioning while optimizing hose length utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the position parameter of the first hose guide member dynamically during operation. Instead of relying on fixed manufacturing precision for guide member positioning, the position is adjusted in real-time based on hose extraction needs, with the spring ensuring it returns to the optimal retraction position.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for secure and efficient retraction of the hose into storage while presenting the full length to the user, utilizing the available hose length effectively and preventing accidental damage, with a simple and reliable mechanism that avoids jamming.
Implementation Method 1
resiliently biased cord or pulley system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a dispensing system (1) for dispensing fuel to a vehicle. The dispensing system (1) comprises a hose storage space (2) with an at least partly open front portion, a hose connection (4), and a hose (5) connected to the hose connection (4) and being provided with a dispensing mouth (6). The dispensing system (1) further comprises a first hose guide member (8), and a second hose guide member (9). The hose (5) is in a retracted state adapted to extend from the hose connection (4) to the first hose guide member (8), in front of and below the first hose guide member (8), backwardly towards the second hose guide member (9) and above and behind the second hose guide member (9). The second hose guide member (9) is moveable back and forth in the hose storage space (2); forwardly towards the front portion for allowing extraction of the hose (5) and backwardly from the front portion of the hose storage space (2) for retraction of the hose (5) into the hose storage space (2).