RFID Vehicle Detection for Fuel Dispensing Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispensing systems lack efficient and reliable methods for automatically validating vehicle authorization and controlling fuel dispensing, particularly in multi-lane installations, leading to potential misuse or unauthorized fuel access.
Innovation Solution
The system employs two RFID tags, one on the driver side and one on the passenger side of vehicles, generating detection zones and using high-gain directional RF antennae to read and validate vehicle data, ensuring only authorized vehicles receive fuel, with automatic termination of dispensing based on pre-set conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual authorization validation is used at fuel dispensers, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate due to slower fuel dispensing and higher labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service authorization validation by automatically reading RFID tags from vehicles and validating them against the database without requiring manual intervention from fuel dispenser operators. The controller autonomously determines authorization status and controls fuel dispensing based on RFID tag validation results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical authorization processes with an automated electronic RFID-based system. The RFID reading system and controller substitute for manual verification procedures, enabling automatic authorization validation and fuel dispensing control
2Reliability
If RFID tags are placed on both driver and passenger sides of vehicles, then reliability of vehicle identification is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional tags and detection zones
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vehicle identification function into multiple RFID tags placed at different locations (driver side and passenger side). Each tag is associated with a specific detection zone, and the system processes readings from multiple tags to reliably identify and authorize the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple RFID tag readings to validate vehicle authorization. The controller receives signals from both driver-side and passenger-side RFID tags, processes this feedback information, and uses it to confirm vehicle identity and authorization status before permitting fuel dispensing
3Ease of operation
If detection zones are generated for both driver and passenger lanes, then ease of operation is improved by allowing flexible vehicle positioning, but measurement precision requirements increase to accurately distinguish between lanes
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates distinct detection zones with specific spatial characteristics tailored to each lane (driver side and passenger side). Each zone is configured with localized RF antenna positioning and geometric parameters optimized for its specific location, enabling accurate vehicle identification while accommodating flexible vehicle positioning within each lane
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
This method provides secure, efficient, and cost-effective vehicle authorization and fuel measurement, ensuring only authorized vehicles receive fuel, with automatic termination of dispensing when conditions are met, enhancing operational integrity and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
An RFID tag on the vehicle is read by an RF antenna in the detection zone
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel dispensing installation employs multiple fuel islands with fuel dispensers and multiple fuel/travel lanes. The installation employs a communication/controller system for automatically identifying a vehicle, and upon authorizing the vehicle, allowing fuel to be dispensed to said vehicle, determining the quantity of fuel dispensed to the vehicle and securing the dispenser when the vehicle leaves a detection zone. The detection system employs RFID tags placed at both the driver side and the passenger side of the vehicle. Generally oppositely oriented antennas define a detection zone for each of the lanes. A light indicates whether the vehicle is authorized for receiving fuel.