Supercapacitor Power Supply for Fuel Dispensing Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispensing nozzles face challenges with rechargeable battery technology, including limited service life, safety concerns, and logistical issues with battery replacement and storage, as well as the complexity and cost of wired connections to the electrical mains, which compromise reliability and safety, especially in cold temperatures and explosive environments.
Innovation Solution
A fuel dispensing system utilizing supercapacitors and a microprocessor with PWM control for power management, along with conductive rubber or electromagnetic induction for safe and efficient power transfer, eliminating the need for expensive wired connections and enhancing reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If rechargeable battery technology is used in fuel dispensing nozzles, then power supply is provided for electrical operation, but service life is limited and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter from chemical energy (battery) to electrical energy (capacitor). The capacitor can be recharged multiple times without the service life limitations of batteries, directly addressing the reliability issue while maintaining electrical operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical storage system (battery) with an electrical storage system (capacitor). This substitution eliminates the chemical degradation issues that limit battery service life, providing a more reliable power source for electrical operation.
2Extent of automation
If rechargeable battery technology is used in fuel dispensing nozzles, then power supply is provided for electrical operation, but safety risks of explosion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical storage system (battery) with an electrical storage system (capacitor). This substitution eliminates the chemical degradation issues that limit battery service life, providing a more reliable power source for electrical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter from chemical energy (battery) to electrical energy (capacitor). The capacitor can be recharged multiple times without the service life limitations of batteries, directly addressing the reliability issue while maintaining electrical operation capability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If wired connection to electrical mains is provided, then continuous power supply is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power system where the capacitor stores electrical energy and can be recharged by simply inserting the nozzle into the holder. This eliminates the need for complex wired connections to electrical mains, achieving continuous power supply without increased installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is pre-charged when the nozzle is inserted into the holder, storing energy before it is needed for operation. This preliminary charging action enables continuous power supply without requiring complex continuous wired connections to electrical mains.
4Ease of repair
If battery replacement hatch is formed in nozzle body, then battery replacement is enabled, but manufacturing cost and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power system where the capacitor is automatically recharged when the nozzle is inserted into the holder. This eliminates the need for manual battery replacement, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the battery component entirely and replaces it with a capacitor system that is recharged automatically during the normal operation cycle. This extraction of the battery eliminates the need for replacement hatches and associated manufacturing complexities.
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 system provides a safe, reliable, and long-lasting power supply for fuel dispensing nozzles, with extended operational duration, reduced maintenance needs, and improved safety features, including self-heating capabilities for low-temperature environments, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor means (3) for supplying power to the operations of the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a recharging circuit for recharging the capacitor means (3) via the electrical connection means (9)
Implementation Method 3
a microprocessor (2) for controlling the operations of the nozzle and for controlling the power delivered by the capacitor means (3) to the operations of the nozzle, in particular by pulse width modulation (PWM)
Implementation Method 4
conductive rubber or electromagnetic induction for safe and efficient power transfer
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Power supply equipment (1) for a fuel dispensing nozzle comprises solenoid valves (5, 6) for dispensing fuel, a microprocessor (2) for operating the solenoid valves (5, 6), and at least one supercapacitor or ultracapacitor (4) for supplying power to at least the solenoid valves (5, 6).