Vehicle-Trunk Fuel Quantity Testing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying accurate fuel quantity supplied at petrol stations are compromised by tampering, making it difficult to confirm whether the ordered fuel is accurately supplied, especially when tampering with flow meters or lubricators occurs.
Innovation Solution
A non-exposure supplied fuel quantity testing device mounted in a vehicle's trunk, utilizing a load cell, measurement tank, strain gauge, and density meter to measure fuel quantity and density without being externally recognizable, thereby preventing tampering and ensuring accurate fuel measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard tank is used for capacity testing, then the fuel quantity can be measured, but the petrol station can tamper with the fuel quantity in advance knowing the test is being performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secret code card as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the consumer and the fueling system. The code card contains unique identification information that must be input through the keyboard, establishing verified communication between the consumer's mobile device and the fueling system without revealing the testing purpose to the petrol station staff in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-storing fuel density values in the memory unit and pre-programming the microprocessor with testing algorithms. The system is prepared in advance with all necessary data and computational capabilities, enabling rapid authentication and measurement once the code card is inserted, while maintaining the element of surprise regarding the actual testing objective
2Reliability
If the testing device is mounted in the trunk of a vehicle, then the testing can be performed without exposure and tampering prevention, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the testing device to perform multiple functions within a single integrated system: fuel quantity measurement, density measurement, authentication via code card, and result display. The microprocessor coordinates all these functions, and the same hardware components serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the code card contains identification information that is read by the keyboard input system, which is then processed by the microprocessor, which accesses density data from memory, and finally displays results on the indicator. Each component is nested within the functional hierarchy of the next, creating a compact integrated system that fits within the vehicle trunk
3Measurement precision
If the load cell and measurement tank are integrated, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device becomes more sensitive to vibration and horizontality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the measurement tank below the load cell in a vertically aligned configuration, which minimizes the leverage effect of horizontal forces and vibrations. The connecting frame is designed to provide structural support and isolation, cushioning the load cell from external vibrations and horizontal movements that would otherwise compromise measurement accuracy
4Loss of time
If the fuel is measured during the fueling process, then the testing time is reduced, but the fuel quantity to be measured is not predetermined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the fuel quantity through the load cell during the fueling process and comparing it with the expected quantity based on the code card authentication. The microprocessor processes real-time weight data, and the indicator displays the measured quantity, providing continuous feedback that allows the system to verify fuel quantity accuracy without requiring predetermined quantity settings or separate testing procedures
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
Enables rapid determination of accurate fuel quantity supply during fueling, reducing consumer damage by minimizing exposure and preventing illegal tampering, while ensuring reliable fuel measurement through weight and density analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge 151 formed to be buried in the load cell 150 to measure an amount of deformation of the load cell 150
Implementation Method 2
a density meter 216 measuring density of the fuel extracted from the measurement tank 130
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are non-exposure supplied fuel quantity testing device and method of a vehicle-mounted type, and more particularly, a device formed in a trunk of a vehicle without being exposed to test whether or not the ordered fuel quantity is supplied at the time of supplying fuel. Since the device is formed so as not to be exposed, it is disable to perform an artificial tampering of a lubricator, and since the device is mounted in the trunk, it is enable to measure whether or not the ordered fuel is supplied accurately at the same time as supplying fuel. The present invention relates to a testing method using the testing device.