Modular Control Board for Fuel Filling Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for filling stations are inflexible, require lengthy planning and installation times, and are vulnerable to tampering due to their wired logic and complex wiring, making it difficult to integrate additional tanks or dispensing assemblies and monitor system integrity.

Innovation Solution

A control system featuring a modular control board with programmable inputs and outputs, a user-friendly graphic interface for configuring connections, and remote monitoring capabilities, along with tamper detection and automatic configuration features, allowing for quick installation, flexible adaptation to varying station configurations, and real-time monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired control logic with electronic components and safety devices is used, then control functionality is achieved, but installation time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/wired control system with an electronic control board that processes signals electronically. The control board receives signals from level sensors and sends deactivation signals to dispensing assemblies through electrical connections, eliminating the need for complex wired logic and safety device assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control board serves multiple functions: it receives level signals from sensors, processes control logic, generates deactivation signals, and communicates with dispensing assemblies. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized electronic components and safety devices connected in complex wired arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If wired control logic is customized for each filling station, then specific control requirements are met, but adaptability to configuration changes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomized control logicVSAvoidflexibility to configuration changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control board implements dynamic control logic that can be modified through software programming rather than physical rewiring. The system can adapt to different filling station configurations by changing control parameters and logic through programming, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple configurations without physical modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows control parameters to be changed through programming the control board. Instead of changing physical wiring configurations, the control logic parameters can be adjusted via software to accommodate different numbers of tanks, sensors, and dispensing assemblies, providing flexibility without hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If complex wiring is implemented, then control logic functionality is achieved, but vulnerability to tampering increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic functionalityVSAvoidtampering vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control board acts as an intermediary between level sensors and dispensing assemblies, centralizing control functionality in a secure location. This intermediary approach allows for better monitoring and protection against tampering compared to distributed wired connections throughout the filling station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3539922B1Control system for filling stations

Publication Date: 2022.01.05 GM TECH SRL

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AI summary

The control system (1) for filling stations comprises: - a plurality of level sensors (2) of fuel fluid (3), each of which is connected to at least one dispensing assembly (5), each of the level sensors (2) being configured to generate at least one warning signal; - control means configured to deactivate at least one of the dispensing assemblies (5) depending on said warning signal; wherein said control means comprise: - one control board (7) comprising: - a plurality of inputs (8), each of which is configured to receive the warning signal; - a plurality of outputs (9), each of which is connected to one of the dispensing assemblies (5); - one processing unit (10, 11) configured to generate at least one blocking signal and to transmit it to at least one of the outputs (9) depending on at least one warning signal, each of the outputs (9) being configured to transmit the blocking signal to one of the dispensing assemblies (5).