Proximity Sensor Vapor Hose Interlock Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel loading systems inadequately monitor vapor recovery during fuel transfer, leading to potential vapor release into the atmosphere due to delayed detection of vapor flow and vulnerabilities in existing methods that can be bypassed, necessitating an automatic system to ensure proper vapor hose connection before fuel transfer begins.
Innovation Solution
A proximity sensor integrated within a poppet valve hose coupler, combined with dedicated electronics and intrinsically safe wiring, continuously monitors the vapor recovery system connections, automatically disabling fuel transfer if the vapor recovery system is not properly connected, and includes features to prevent tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thermistor sensor is used to detect vapor flow, then vapor recovery can be monitored, but there is a significant delay before vapor flow is detected requiring a grace period during which vapor can be released
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the coupling of the vapor recovery hose before fuel loading begins. The proximity sensor detects when the hose is properly connected, and only then is fuel transfer enabled. This eliminates the need for a grace period because the system ensures vapor recovery is established before the harmful process (fuel loading that could cause vapor release) starts.
2Ease of operation
If a switch mounted on the vehicle is used to detect vapor hose connection, then vapor recovery connection can be monitored, but the switch can be easily bypassed and not all vehicles have compatible on-board electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with a proximity sensor that uses a magnetic field to detect the presence of the vapor hose coupling. This eliminates the need for electrical contacts that can be shorted or opened, and removes dependency on vehicle on-board electronics. The proximity sensor provides a reliable, tamper-resistant detection method that works independently of the vehicle's electronic system.
3Reliability
If a proximity sensor with dedicated electronics is used to prevent tampering, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor system is self-service in that it automatically detects the vapor hose coupling status and controls the fuel transfer solenoid without requiring complex external electronics or manual intervention. The dedicated electronics within the proximity sensor handle all detection and control functions internally, providing a simple integrated solution that appears complex only upon inspection but operates as a single reliable unit.
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
Ensures reliable and automatic prevention of vapor release into the atmosphere by ensuring the vapor recovery system is functioning correctly before fuel transfer starts, while being retrofittable and tamper-proof.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet 202 is provided on the poppet 108... A ferrous metal proximity sensor 402, such as the N-Series switch from Magnasphere Corp. of Waukesha, Wisc. is provided in the pin 106
Data Source
AI summary
An interlock monitoring system includes a magnetic proximity sensor within a poppet valve type coupler to detect whether the poppet valve is opened or closed. An open poppet valve indicates a proper connection. The sensor consists of dedicated electronics that prevent cheating, or bypassing, by either shorting out or opening the contacts to the sensor. In addition, a ferrous metal proximity switch is used to provide a redundant confirmation of proper connection of the coupler. The ferrous magnetic proximity switch will indicate whether or not the coupler is actually in contact with an appropriate connection. Each of the magnetic proximity sensor and the ferrous magnetic proximity switch must indicate a respective proper condition in order to determine a valid interlock condition.