Retrofit Identification Tab for Fuel Dispensing Nozzles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nozzle marking solutions are not cost-effective and user-friendly, and fail to comply with upcoming European regulations for clear fuel identification, with stickers being prone to damage and consumer confusion between standard and familiar fuel names.

Innovation Solution

An identification tab with a connecting section that clamps between the nozzle and product badge, providing an additional marking area that is resistant and easy to read, allowing for standard-compliant markings without altering existing nozzles, using a durable material that is resistant to environmental influences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stickers are used for marking nozzles, then marking is achieved, but durability is poor and markings are easily damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of markingVSAvoiddamage from fuel exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a durable plastic tab instead of temporary stickers, creating a long-lasting marking solution that withstands fuel exposure and mechanical damage while maintaining cost-effectiveness through simple manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The marking tab is made from durable plastic material that resists fuel, heat, and mechanical damage, combining multiple resistance properties in a single component to ensure long-term reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional labeling is added to comply with European standards, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but consumer confusion increases between standard and familiar fuel names

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidconsumer identification clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates different types of information onto different parts of the nozzle: the product label displays familiar consumer names while the identification tab displays standard regulatory codes, allowing both requirements to coexist without confusion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If product label size is reduced to accommodate additional markings, then more information can be displayed, but the main product information becomes less visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of information displayedVSAvoidvisible display area
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new spatial dimension for information display by introducing the identification tab as a separate component, allowing additional markings without reducing the product label area or compromising visibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing nozzles are modified to add marking surfaces, then compliance is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrofit capabilityVSAvoidnozzle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the marking function into a separate, detachable identification tab that can be added to existing nozzles without modifying the nozzle structure itself, maintaining simplicity while enabling compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The identification tab is designed as a universal component that can be attached to any existing nozzle, providing retrofits capability without requiring nozzle-specific modifications or increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3919435B1Assembly, marking tab and use of a marking tab for marking a nozzle
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 ELAFLEX HIBY GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3919435B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3919435B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3919435B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an identification tab for dispensing valves, comprising a substantially circular connecting section (14) and an identification section (9) for displaying information. The connecting section (14) has a circular arc section (17) at which the connecting section (14) is integrally connected to the identification section (9), wherein the identification section (9) extends radially outwards from the center of the connecting section (14) and wherein at least one fixing opening (15) is arranged in the connecting section (9).The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising a dispensing valve (1) for distributing a liquid, a product label (5) connected to the dispensing valve (1), and an identification tab (6) with a connecting section (14) and an identification section (9) for displaying information, wherein the connecting section (14) is clamped between a clamping surface (12) of the product label (5) and a counter-clamping surface (13) of the dispensing valve (1). The invention also relates to a method for marking a dispensing valve. The invention enables the provision of an additional marking area for a dispensing valve, which can be easily implemented or retrofitted.