Mobile Fuel Station Inversion for Vehicle Refueling Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle refueling systems are inefficient due to the need for vehicles to travel to stationary refueling locations, wasting time and fuel, and lack convenience for users, especially with varying fuel prices and the need for manual refueling.

Innovation Solution

A mobile refueling system that uses communication between vehicles and a network to locate and dispatch a mobile fuel station with separate fuel reservoirs and hybrid fuel lines, allowing for autonomous or semi-autonomous refueling, including the option for automatic service requests and payment, and data analysis to optimize refueling routes and locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If vehicles travel to stationary refueling locations, then refueling service is provided, but fuel waste and time loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefueling service efficiencyVSAvoidfuel waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional refueling model by making the fuel station mobile instead of stationary. The mobile fuel station travels to vehicles rather than vehicles traveling to fuel stations, fundamentally reversing the direction of service delivery to eliminate unnecessary vehicle travel and associated fuel waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel station transitions from a static stationary location to a dynamic mobile platform that can move to different locations. This dynamic capability allows the fuel station to adapt to vehicle locations, eliminating the need for vehicles to travel to fixed refueling points and reducing energy loss from unnecessary trips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If vehicles travel to stationary refueling locations, then refueling service is provided, but time loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefueling service efficiencyVSAvoidtime lost traveling to refueling station

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reverses the traditional service delivery model by having the fuel station come to the vehicle instead of the vehicle going to the fuel station. This inversion eliminates the time vehicles spend traveling to and waiting at stationary refueling locations, significantly reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile fuel station can be dispatched to vehicles before they completely run out of fuel, allowing refueling to occur at convenient locations near the vehicle's destination or home. This preliminary action prevents the need for emergency trips to distant stationary fuel stations, reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If manual refueling is required, then user control is maintained, but user convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidautomatic refueling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service refueling through automated systems that can refuel vehicles without human intervention. The mobile fuel station includes automated dispensing mechanisms and communication systems that can detect fuel needs and complete refueling autonomously, while still allowing user control when desired.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the vehicle and fuel station communicate to detect fuel levels and automate the refueling process. This feedback loop enables convenient automatic refueling by monitoring fuel status and initiating refueling when needed, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining user control through notification and approval systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If fuel prices vary by location, then consumer choice is available, but travel distance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel price selectionVSAvoidtravel distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile fuel station eliminates the need for vehicles to travel long distances to access different fuel prices by bringing multiple fuel options directly to the vehicle. The station can carry different fuel types and grades, providing price and type selection without requiring vehicle movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile fuel station is designed with multi-functionality to carry and dispense various fuel types and grades in a single location. This universal capability provides consumers with fuel selection options equivalent to visiting multiple stationary stations, but without the associated travel distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10046962B2Mobile vehicle refueling system

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 VANDERHALL MOTOR WORKS INC

AI summary

A system whereby a mobile fuel station may refuel vehicles is disclosed. Fuel reservoirs are provided in a mobile fuel station that may store fuel and dispense fuel through a hybrid fuel line. Fuel nozzles are provided which can be detachably connected to the hybrid fuel line and can measure and display fuel dispensed from the mobile fuel station. Communication devices and a network are provided that allow a vehicle and a mobile fuel station to communicate location and status information wirelessly with the network. Refueling services and maintenance services that may be carried out using the mobile fuel station are also disclosed and claimed herein.