Portable Fuel Authorization Device for Fleet Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel dispensing systems for fleet fueling lack efficient and cost-effective connectivity and authorization mechanisms, particularly in non-consumer and non-retail settings, where traditional infrastructure is not readily available for verification and reporting.
Innovation Solution
A modular system integrating general-purpose computing hardware with special-purpose electronic or electromechanical components to control 'dumb' fuel-dispensing pumps, utilizing a portable data communication device for authorization and reporting, enabling remote authentication and accounting through a short-range wireless connection, and allowing for asynchronous data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fuel dispensing systems are used in fleet fueling, then verification and reporting functions can be performed, but the system complexity and cost increase due to required on-site communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication and authorization functions from the fuel dispensing pump itself, placing them in a separate portable authentication device. This separation allows the pump to remain simple and location-independent while verification and reporting capabilities are maintained through the portable device that communicates with remote servers.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable authentication device serves as an intermediary between the fuel pump and the remote server. It handles the communication protocol and data transmission, allowing the pump to dispense fuel based on local authentication without requiring direct communication infrastructure at the fueling location.
2Reliability
If on-site communication capabilities are installed at fueling stations, then real-time authorization and reporting are enabled, but the cost of the fueling station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication capabilities are extracted from the stationary fueling infrastructure and relocated to a portable authentication device. This allows real-time authorization and reporting functions to be performed without installing communication equipment at the fueling station, thereby reducing station cost while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If portable data communication devices are used for authorization, then connectivity is enhanced and cost is reduced, but asynchronous data transmission may cause data loss or delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the portable authentication device maintains a local record of dispensed fuel and transaction status. After asynchronous transmission to the remote server, the server confirms receipt and updates the local record, ensuring data integrity. This feedback loop prevents data loss and allows the system to handle transmission delays reliably.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface system extends a prior-art fuel delivery pump and reservoir so that authorization to activate the fuel delivery pump can be obtained from a remote authorization service over a long-range wireless communication link such as a cellular telephone connection or a satellite connection; and delivered to the interface system over a different, short-range wireless communication link such as a Bluetooth® connection or a WiFi connection. The system is structured so that different data link devices can serve in one part of the communication chain. Asynchronous methods allow the system to operate securely when a data link device is not able to provide a synchronous link at a time when fuel dispensing is desired.