Hose End Valve Position Sensing for Fuel Theft Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel delivery systems lack a reliable and cost-effective means to monitor and record valve opening events, making them susceptible to unauthorized access and theft, especially in unattended locations.
Innovation Solution
A fuel delivery system incorporating a hose end valve with an integrated electronic sensor assembly that detects the position of the valve and generates records of actuation events, including real-time data logging and transmission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fuel delivery systems are used without monitoring devices, then the system remains simple and cost-effective, but the system is susceptible to unauthorized access and theft with no way to track valve operations
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic sensor assembly is integrated directly into the valve housing, combining the monitoring function with the existing valve structure. This merging approach adds security capabilities while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing the existing housing space and structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly automatically detects valve position changes and generates alarm signals without requiring external monitoring equipment or manual inspection. The system serves itself by using the valve's own structural components (seal body, main seal) as the sensing target, eliminating the need for separate monitoring infrastructure.
2Loss of information
If an electronic sensor assembly is integrated into the valve, then real-time monitoring and record-keeping of valve operations is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with an electronic sensor assembly that uses electrical or electronic fields to detect valve position. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving the accuracy and reliability of operation tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions: detecting valve position, generating alarm signals, and providing a timestamped record of operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional security systems such as cameras or additional personnel are used, then security monitoring is provided, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential monitoring function from complex security systems like cameras or personnel monitoring. By using a simple sensor assembly that detects valve position changes, the system achieves security monitoring capability without the high costs and complexity of traditional security systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic sensor assembly represents a low-cost, simple monitoring solution compared to expensive security systems. The sensor can be easily replaced or upgraded, and its straightforward design reduces manufacturing costs while providing adequate security monitoring for the application.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel delivery system and method for controlling a fuel delivery system includes a fuel control device including a valve and an electronic sensor assembly integrated to the fuel control device and is arranged to detect an operational positioning of the valve, to generate a record of the real-time activation of the valve, and to compare records of real-time activation against a schedule of fuel deliveries to detect unauthorized fuel access.