Mobile Transaction Gateway for Fueling Station Product Ordering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuel dispensers require end users to interact with the payment terminal for transactions involving products other than fuel, limiting flexibility and convenience, especially in cold weather.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allow end users to use a mobile device to order fuel, car washes, and other products at a retail fueling station, enabling selection from a list of products provided by a transaction gateway component, without the need to interact with the fuel dispenser.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional fuel dispensers are used for transactions, then payment processing is completed, but user flexibility and convenience deteriorate when purchasing additional products

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction convenienceVSAvoidproduct selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device application serves multiple functions: it acts as both a fuel ordering system and a general product purchase platform. The same application interface and payment mechanism handle both fuel transactions and additional product purchases, eliminating the need for separate interaction with the fuel dispenser for non-fuel items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device application serves as an intermediary between the user and the retail fueling station's product catalog. Instead of directly interacting with the fuel dispenser for all purchases, users communicate product selections and payment information through the mobile application, which then coordinates with the station's transaction gateway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If users interact with the fuel dispenser for all purchases, then transactions are completed, but user comfort deteriorates in adverse weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction completionVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Users can pre-select products and initiate transactions through the mobile application before physically approaching the fuel dispenser or station facilities. The application allows product selection, price verification, and payment authorization to be completed in advance, reducing the need for repeated outdoor interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to service themselves entirely through the mobile application for both fuel and additional product purchases. The application handles product selection, transaction processing, and payment completion without requiring user presence at the fuel dispenser or station counter, allowing users to remain comfortably inside their vehicles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If mobile devices are used for payment only, then payment transactions are processed, but functionality deteriorates for product selection and ordering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment processingVSAvoidproduct ordering capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile application consolidates multiple functions into a single platform: it provides access to the full product catalog, enables product selection and customization, calculates pricing, stores payment information, and processes transactions. This eliminates the need to switch between different systems for product ordering and payment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the product catalog access, ordering interface, and payment processing capabilities into a single mobile application experience. The application combines what would traditionally be separate functions (browsing products, placing orders, and making payments) into one integrated interface that users interact with throughout the entire purchasing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250029441A1System and method to process transactions at retail fueling stations using a mobile device

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 WAYNE FUELING SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A method of processing a transaction includes receiving a site location code. Site configuration information corresponding to the received site location code is received from a database. That information includes more product record(s), each corresponding to a reservable product or a non-reservable product. A selection of one or more of the product records in the retrieved information is received. If any selected product record corresponds to a reservable product, a reservation command is produced. That command requests reservation of selected reservable product(s). A method of selecting a product includes receiving a location input and determining a site location code with it. The site location code is transmitted and one or more product records are received. Representations of one or more of the received product records are presented and a selection of products is received. An indication of the selection is transmitted.