Modular Fuel Dispensing Unit Vertical Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel dispensing units have high production and assembly costs due to the large number of components, particularly in the outer structure, which has not kept pace with the development of inner components.
Innovation Solution
A modular fuel dispensing unit design with vertical assembly of modules, eliminating horizontal connections and incorporating reinforcing elements and retracting devices to reduce component count, simplify assembly, and enhance safety and rigidity, while allowing for various unit variants and weatherproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional fuel dispensing units use a large number of components for the outer structure, then the structural integrity and functionality are maintained, but the production and assembling costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The outer structure is divided into modular components (base module, column module, top module, nozzle module) that can be manufactured separately and assembled vertically. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity by breaking down the complex outer structure into manageable modules while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated modules. For example, the base module combines support functions, the column module integrates structural support and housing, and the top module consolidates various operational components. This merging reduces the total number of separate components while preserving all necessary functionalities.
2Ease of operation
If traditional horizontal assembly methods are used for fuel dispensing units, then all components can be connected, but complex horizontal connections requiring clean surfaces are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly direction is inverted from traditional horizontal assembly to vertical assembly. Modules are stacked one on top of another in the vertical direction, eliminating the need for complex horizontal connections that require clean surfaces. This inversion simplifies the connection requirements while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly approach transitions from two-dimensional horizontal connections to three-dimensional vertical stacking. By utilizing the vertical dimension for module arrangement, the patent eliminates the need for precise horizontal alignment and clean surface connections, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing connection complexity.
3Reliability
If modules are arranged horizontally in traditional configurations, then space is utilized, but joints between modules are difficult to weather proof
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging modules vertically instead of horizontally, the joints between modules become horizontally extending interfaces that are easier to weather proof. The vertical stacking allows for overlapping configurations where upper modules can protect joints from environmental exposure, reducing the complexity of joint protection while improving weatherproofing reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fuel dispensing unit (7) for refueling vehicles, comprising a base module (1) containing dispensing hydraulics, an electronics module (2) for controlling said fuel dispensing unit (7) and having a user interface (8), a nozzle module (3) for holding at least one nozzle (10) for dispensing fuel from a fuel reservoir by means of said dispensing hydraulics, a column module (4), and a top module (5). The electronics module (2) is arranged above of said base module (1), said nozzle module (3) is arranged above said base module (1), said column module (4) is arranged above said nozzle module (3) and said top module (5) is arranged above said column module (4). The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a fuel dispensing unit (7).