Ultrasonic Fuel Nozzle Flow Control via Acoustic Signaling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel dispensing nozzles are complex, costly, and prone to wear due to numerous mechanical components, and electronic solutions face challenges with power supply and electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues in transmitting signals through twisted hoses.

Innovation Solution

The use of ultrasonic transducers to modulate and transmit information about desired fluid flow rates along a fluid hose between the nozzle and dispenser, eliminating the need for mechanical flow control components in the nozzle and reducing complexity and weight, while avoiding EMI issues with wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical flow control components are included in the nozzle, then fluid flow rate control is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical flow control components (valves, flow meters) with an ultrasonic transducer system that uses acoustic waves to sense and control fluid flow rate. The ultrasonic transducer transmits signals through the fluid hose to the dispenser, eliminating the need for mechanical components in the nozzle while maintaining flow control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts flow control functionality from the nozzle and relocates it to the dispenser. By placing the ultrasonic receiver and flow control valve in the dispenser rather than the nozzle, the system reduces nozzle complexity while maintaining centralized control over fluid flow rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If electronic components are included in the nozzle, then flow control capability is improved, but power supply safety and EMI issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electronic signaling with ultrasonic acoustic signaling for communication between nozzle and dispenser. The ultrasonic transducer encodes flow rate information in acoustic waves transmitted through the fluid hose, avoiding electromagnetic interference while maintaining electronic-level control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the fluid itself as an intermediary medium to transmit control signals. Ultrasonic waves propagate through the fluid hose carrying encoded flow rate information, eliminating the need for electrical wires or electromagnetic signals that would be susceptible to EMI and power supply issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple mechanical components are added to the nozzle, then flow handling capability is enhanced, but wear and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical flow control components with an ultrasonic-based system that has no moving parts in the nozzle. The ultrasonic transducer and fluid-borne acoustic signaling eliminate mechanical wear points while maintaining precise flow control, significantly extending system service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes mechanical flow control components from the nozzle entirely, relocating the flow control valve to the dispenser. This extraction eliminates wear-prone components from the frequently handled nozzle while maintaining flow control functionality through centralized electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution simplifies the nozzle design, reduces wear and actuation force, and ensures reliable fluid flow control with reduced complexity and cost, while preventing fluid leakage and emissions by using wireless ultrasonic communication.

Implementation Method 1

The ultrasonic transducer is operative to transmit ultrasonic waves into a fluid flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave transmission: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

The ultrasonic waves are modulated with information representative of a desired fluid flow rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWave modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

The ultrasonic transducer is operative to receive ultrasonic waves propagating along the at least one flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave reception: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS9718666B2Fuel dispensing nozzle with ultrasonic transducer for regulating fuel flow rates

Publication Date: 2017.08.01

AI summary

Systems and methods for regulating the flow rate of fluid at a fluid dispensing nozzle. In one embodiment, a nozzle includes a body, a spout coupled with the body, and at least one fluid flow path disposed within the body. The at least one fluid flow path is configured for fluid communication with a fluid dispensing hose. An ultrasonic transducer is disposed within the body and operatively coupled with the at least one flow path. Control electronics are in electronic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The control electronics are operative to cause the ultrasonic transducer to transmit ultrasonic waves into the at least one fluid flow path. The ultrasonic waves are modulated with information representative of a desired fluid flow rate.