Odor Sensor Dispensing Device for Fuel Mixing Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for preventing liquid mixing during fuel delivery at service stations are prone to human error, leading to costly mistakes and damage to brand reputation, with existing odor sensor technologies not being suitable for industrial use due to fragility and rough handling.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing device equipped with a dispensing conduit, an analysis system featuring an odor sensor, and a central electronic system that autonomously controls the flow of liquids by matching odor signals to intended tank contents, eliminating human intervention and error.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an odor sensor is placed on the nozzle and inserted directly into the car's tank to perform analysis, then the liquid can be analyzed for odor matching, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to knocking or damaging during rough handling at service stations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor sensor reliabilityVSAvoidsensor damage from rough handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dispensing device as an intermediary component between the supply source and the tank. The analysis chamber is integrated into this dispensing device, which remains stationary and protected while still enabling odor analysis of the liquid flowing through it. This mediator approach allows the sensor to be protected from rough handling while maintaining its analytical function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual insertion mechanism with an automated system where the dispensing device with integrated analysis chamber automatically samples liquid from the supply source and analyzes it without requiring physical insertion into the tank. This substitution eliminates the mechanical vulnerability of manual handling while maintaining the odor analysis capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a human operator manually handles the nozzle and performs odor analysis, then the system can be simple and transparent, but human error leads to mixing mistakes and operational losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoiderror-free operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing device with integrated analysis chamber performs self-service by automatically sampling, analyzing, and controlling the dispensing process without human intervention. The system autonomously matches odor signals with the intended liquid and controls the closure system, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual human operation with an automated electronic system that controls the closure system and analyzes liquid odor automatically. This substitution eliminates human error in the dispensing process while maintaining transparency through direct electronic control and automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If existing fool proofing systems are implemented to prevent mixing errors, then mixing prevention improves, but the systems become complex and require maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing preventionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the odor analysis function directly into the dispensing device, combining what were previously separate components (nozzle, analysis chamber, control system) into an integrated unit. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable mixing prevention through the integrated odor matching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device ensures accurate and error-free liquid delivery by autonomously controlling the flow based on odor matching, reducing operational losses and maintaining equipment integrity through automated operation.

Implementation Method 1

an odor sensor capable of delivering an odor signal representative of the odor of the liquid sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolatile Organic Compounds detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11447387B2Dispensing device for preventing mixing of liquids, supply system, storage system and supply method implementing such a dispensing device

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 ARYBALLE TECH

AI summary

Dispensing device including a dispensing conduit configured to convey a liquid between a supply source and a tank, the dispensing conduit including a closure system having an open state and a closed state, an analysis system including an analysis chamber and an odor sensor, a central electronic system capable of placing the closure system in the open state if an odor signal delivered by the odor sensor matches the odor of the liquid intended to fill the tank, and placing the closure system in the closed state if an odor signal delivered by the odor sensor does not match the odor of the liquid intended to fill the tank.