Wireless Fuel Dispenser Control via Mobile Client Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel management systems for smaller fuel dispensing locations are costly and complex, requiring large computer-based control systems with extensive hardware and installation requirements, which are not suitable for single hose systems and are not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
An electronic fuel management control and accounting system that uses a server, client devices, and a dispenser control device for wireless communication, eliminating the need for traditional large user terminals and complex installations, allowing for seamless fuel access, control, and management with reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional large computer-based control system is used, then fuel management control capability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel management system into three distinct components: a server for centralized control and data management, client devices for user interaction and authorization, and a dispenser control device for local pump control. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single large complex control system while maintaining full fuel management functionality through distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication network as an intermediary between the server, client devices, and dispenser control device. This intermediary enables data exchange and control signals to be transmitted without physical cabling, significantly reducing installation complexity while preserving control capability.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional island mounted control system is used, then local control and data storage are improved, but cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user interface and authorization functions from the local dispenser control device and places them on mobile client devices. This extraction allows the dispenser control device to be minimized in size and cost while maintaining local control capability through wireless communication with the server and client devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the server universal by enabling it to serve multiple dispensers and multiple client devices simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control systems at each dispenser location, reducing overall system size and cost while maintaining local control through centralized management.
3Reliability
If traditional credit card authorization is used, then access control is improved, but time and convenience worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring users to register and receive digital credentials (such as mobile app authorization) before arriving at the fuel dispenser. This preliminary authorization setup enables instant access control validation at the dispenser without requiring physical credit card transactions, maintaining security while eliminating authorization delays.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an electronic fuel management control and accounting system may include: a server having a management logic in a memory and executable by a processor; a client device having an interface logic in a memory and executable by a processor; and a dispenser control device communicatively coupled to a material providing system to control dispensing of a material from the material providing system. A dispensing logic may be stored in a memory of the dispenser control device and executable by a processor of the dispenser control device. The dispensing logic may communicate with the management logic of the server via the interface logic of the client device thereby allowing the management logic to control dispensing of the material from the material providing system. The system may enable any number of client devices, such as cell phones, to instantly provide access to the material providing system.