BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

THIS invention relates to a misfuelling prevention device and method. More particularly, the invention relates to a device, method and technology primarily for preventing the incorrect fuel from being dispensed into the tank of a motor vehicle at serviced or self- service fuelling stations (i.e. petrol I gasoline into a diesel fuelled vehicle or diesel into a petrol fuelled vehicle).

Although the primary application of the invention described herein is for the prevention of misfuelling of motor vehicles, it will be appreciated that the invention may be applied to other applications where misfuelling can cause significant loss, damage and inconvenience.

Taking repair, insurance, brand erosion, station franchisee I attendant, supply chain and contaminated fuel disposal costs into account, a conservative estimate of the financial loss a small-to-medium size economy (for example South African with 6000 fuel stations) suffers from motor vehicle misfuelling per annum is about US$90 million.

Various attempts at preventing misfuelling have been made. These range amongst others from visual warnings on motor vehicle fuel caps, specialised nozzle-releasable fuel caps (i.e. FuelSure) and nozzle to filler neck sizing differences. Although the nozzle to filler neck sizing difference reduces the possibility of petrol motor vehicles from being fuelled with diesel, it is less effective in preventing diesel motor vehicles (with filler necks wider than petrol refuelling nozzles) being fuelled with petrol. More sophisticated attempts at preventing misfuelling have also been made. Dain Level Co., Ltd in international patent application no. PCT/KR2015/005916 (published as WO 2015/194795) teaches of an apparatus for fuel dispensers to prevent fuel mixing.

The apparatus taught in this patent application comprises a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) sensor attached to a pump nozzle, a controller and power source in the pump housing, hardwiring between the sensor and the controller and an actuator to shutoff the pump nozzle. On detection of a disparity between the fuel sensed by the sensor (i.e. in the tank of the motor vehicle) and the fuel to be dispensed by the pump nozzle, the controller triggers an alarm as a warning to the user and actuates the shut-off of the pump nozzle.

ROTHER in published German patent application no. 10 2011 112417 teaches of a protective device for use in service stations for preventing misfuelling of diesel motor vehicles. The device taught in this patent application comprises a gas or odour sensor arranged on the pump nozzle, a light or audio alarm and a vacuum pump for drawing fuel-air fumes from the tank. Similar to the operation of the Dain Level Co., Ltd apparatus, the ROTHER device, on detection of a fuel disparity, triggers the alarm as a warning to the user to immediately stop fuelling.

Although the Dain Level Co., Ltd apparatus and the ROTHER device appear to offer workable solutions to preventing misfuelling, they do not seem to have been introduced into the market on any noticeable scale, supposedly due to one or more inherent disadvantages.

Both the Dain Level Co., Ltd apparatus and the ROTHER device require pump replacement or significant modification to implement, which would be expensive both from capital expenditure and operating downtime perspectives.

It is an object of the present invention to address the disadvantages of the known prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a misfuelling prevention device comprising: a housing body housing therein or thereon at least: an indicator for providing a visual and/or audio indication of a status, event and/or warning; a sensor for in use detecting a contained fuel type contained in a fuel tank to be refuelled; a controller pre-set with a dispensable fuel type parameter range in respect of the fuel to be dispensed by a fuel pump nozzle, wherein on detection of a fuel mismatch between the contained fuel type and the dispensable fuel type parameter range, the indicator is triggerable by the controller to output a fuel mismatch event signal as a warning of the fuel mismatch, thereby to cause shut-off of the fuel pump nozzle; and a power source for powering at least the indicator, sensor and controller; and a mounting formation extending from the housing body for mounting the housing body to the fuel pump nozzle thereby to in use place the sensor in proximity with a fuelling inlet of the fuel tank being refuelled.

Generally, the visual indicator includes a first light source, a second light source and/or a display. The first light source may be of a first colour for visually indicating a power on status of the device and/or a fuel match event, which fuel match event is triggerable by the output by the controller of a fuel match event signal.

The second light source may be a second colour for visually indicating the fuel mismatch event. The display may be for visually indicating the power status, the fuel match event, the fuel mismatch event and any other required information. Typically, the audio indicator is a buzzer or speaker for audibly indicating the fuel mismatch event. Preferably, the first and second light sources are respective green and red light emitting diodes.

The sensor may be a gas sensor in the form of: a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensor for detecting the volatility of the contained fuel type from a fume sample thereof; a Multichannel Quartz Crystal Microbalance (MQCD) sensor for detecting the particle weight of the contained fuel type from a fume sample thereof; an Interdigitated Electrode (IDE) sensor for detecting the conductivity, temperature and/or dialectical properties of the contained fuel type from a fume sample thereof; or any other gas sensing technology.

Generally, the controller is pre-set with an ambient air parameter range, and further wherein the controller monitors sensor inputs from the sensor such that on detection by the controller of a parameter change in the sensor inputs: from the ambient air parameter range to within the dispensable fuel type parameter range, the controller outputs the fuel match event signal; and from the ambient air parameter range to outside of an allowable range of the dispensable fuel type parameter range, the controller outputs the fuel mismatch event signal.

Typically, the dispensable fuel type parameter range is a volatility parameter range.

Although the misfuelling prevention device is workable with a single sensor, it is preferable that it incorporates at least two sensors to increase the sensitivity of the device and/or to act as a fail-safe. It will be appreciated that the number and type of sensors incorporated into the misfuelling prevention device is largely dependent on the environment it is to be used.

Generally, the first of the multiple sensors is a MQCD or VOC or IDE sensor and the other of the multiple sensors is another of the MQCD, VOC or IDE sensors.

In a preferred embodiment, the misfuelling prevention device further incorporates computer science algorithms (i.e. data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence and other computer science functionality) that continuously learn from previous data inputs, as well as prevented and prevailing misfuelling incidents to enhance and continuously improve detection accuracy, as well as optimise the device’s interaction with other systems for optimised predictive analysis and automated decision making.

The algorithms preferably include but are not limited to incorporating pattern detection and/or a rate of change detection algorithm and an algorithm that optimises sensor functionality in different environmental situation (for example: cold, hot, windy, and/or humid environments; or environments with other gas concentrations) for optimised sensing for the situation.

In this manner, the fuel mismatch event signal is triggerable not only by the controller’s detection of a parameter change from the sensor inputs that falls outside of the allowable range, but also by a rate of such change that falls outside of an allowable rate change range.

Preferably, the controller is a Bluetooth, WiFi or any other communication or computing technology enabled microcontroller unit (MCU) for transmitting and/or receiving communications and/or updates. More preferably, the microcontroller unit (MCU) is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled and/or incorporates an auto-sleep function such that the device is a low power consumption device.

The misfuelling prevention device may further incorporate an on override such that the fuel pump nozzle is operable in the event of the devices malfunction. The misfuelling prevention device may further include a fuel pump unit being retrofittable to a fuel pump and comprising a secondary pump controller, wherein the secondary pump controller: is Bluetooth, BLE and/or WiFi enabled and operatively capable of receiving the fuel mismatch event signal transmittable by the controller; and comprises means for automatic shut-off of the fuel pump nozzle.

The power source may be an intrinsically safe wired connection from the fuel pump or forecourt where the fuel pump is located.

Alternatively, the power source may be a replaceable or rechargeable battery. Where the power source is a rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery may be rechargeable by: the intrinsically safe wired connection; or a wireless charger including a wireless charging receiver, housed in the housing body of the misfuelling prevention device, being co-operative with a wireless charging transmitter included in the fuel pump unit, the wireless charging transmitter being connected to the intrinsically safe wired connection.

Typically, the power source is managed with a power consumption optimisation algorithm to optimise power consumption by the device, thereby maximising time between charging and battery life.

Generally, the mounting formation defines a mounting bore passing through opposing front and rear faces of the mounting formation, the mounting bore being sized to pass over a free end of a spout of the fuel pump nozzle thereby to position the rear face of the mounting formation into proximity with an opposing stem end of the spout of the fuel pump nozzle. Typically, the misfuelling prevention device includes one or more substantially tubular mount inserts having outer and inner diameters, as measured across a centre axis passing axially through the tubular mount inserts, respectively similar to that of the mounting bore and fuel pump nozzle spout such that the tubular mount insert acts as a spacer between the mounting bore and the fuel pump nozzle spout.

In this manner, the misfuelling prevention device becomes a retrofittable self-contained one-size-fits-all device, through the interchangeability of the tubular mount inserts.

Preferably, the mounting formation is split across the diameter of the mounting bore into a pair of connectable clamp mount formations capable of clamping over the tubular mount insert so as to clamp mount the misfuelling prevention device to the fuel pump nozzle spout.

The clamp mount formations may snap fit to one another along at least one of the diametrically opposing sides of the mounting formation, with the clamp mount formations being hinged or capable of snap fitting to one another along the other of the diametrically opposing sides of the mounting formation. It will be appreciated that the snap fit is enabled by corresponding snap fit formation on the clamp mount formations.

The sensor(s) may be positioned at or near a sensor location on the housing body lying proximately:

X millimetres along the centre axis measured from the rear face in the direction of the front face; and

Y millimetres perpendicularly from the centre axis in the direction of an operatively upper face of the misfuelling prevention device where the visual indicator is located; where X is between 10 millimetres and 65 millimetres, and Y is between 20 millimetres and 35 millimetres, so as to operatively locate the inlet as close as possible to a filler neck opening of the fuel tank during refuelling. Preferably, the sensor(s) is positioned inside a duct defined on the housing body, the duct having an inlet lying proximately:

X millimetres along the centre axis measured from the rear face in the direction of the front face; and

Y millimetres perpendicularly from the centre axis in the direction of an operatively upper face of the misfuelling prevention device where the visual indicator is located; where X is between 10 millimetres and 65 millimetres, and Y is between 20 millimetres and 35 millimetres, so as to operatively locate the inlet as close as possible to a filler neck opening of the fuel tank during refuelling.

Generally, the duct tapers from a housing body end thereof towards a duct inlet end thereof. Typically, the misfuelling prevention device includes a fan positioned inside the duct for operatively generating a suction at the duct inlet end thereby to draw a fume sample into the duct via the duct inlet and onto the sensor(s).

It will be appreciated that the duct acts as a splash guard for preventing fuel and other elements from coming into direct contact with the sensor(s) and the other components housed in the housing body (including other electronics housed therein) thereby to prevent their damage, their diminished functionality and/or their accuracy from being compromised.

Preferably, the fan remains operative following use to clear the duct and sensor(s) of the fume sample thereby to prevent contamination of a subsequent fume sample. More preferably, the controller switches off the fan immediately upon, or after the lapse of a predetermined amount of time, detection by the sensor of an allowable range of the ambient air parameter range.

Most preferably, the misfuelling prevention device is manufactured intrinsically safe and accordingly safe to operate in hazardous, flammable and/or explosive environments. Furthermore, the misfuelling prevention device incorporates a machine learning, artificial intelligence programming that continuously learns from data inputs from the sensor(s) during use, and works towards more accurate, reliable and predictable sensing capability. Typically, the programming includes optimisation coding that optimises the power utilisation of the misfuelling prevention device thereby to minimise its power consumption.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle comprising: a nozzle body including a fuel hose connecting end, a spout extending from an opposite end, an operating lever for actuating fuel dispensing, a latch for locking the operating lever and consequentially a fuel valve in an open condition, a fuel shut-off opening near a free end of the spout and a vacuum I pressure shut-off in fluid communication with the fuel shut-off opening; an indicator for providing a visual and/or audio indication of a status, event and/or warning; a sensor for in use detecting a contained fuel type contained in a fuel tank to be refuelled; a controller pre-set with a dispensable fuel type parameter range in respect of the fuel to be dispensed by a fuel pump nozzle, wherein on detection of a fuel mismatch between the contained fuel type and the dispensable fuel type parameter range, the indicator is triggerable by the controller to output a fuel mismatch event signal as a warning of the fuel mismatch, thereby to cause shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle; and a power source for powering at least the indicator, sensor and controller.

Generally, the visual indicator includes a first light source, a second light source and/or a display. The first light source may be of a first colour for visually indicating a power on status of the device and/or a fuel match event, which fuel match event is triggerable by the output by the controller of a fuel match event signal.

The second light source may be a second colour for visually indicating the fuel mismatch event. The display may be for visually indicating the power status, the fuel match event, the fuel mismatch event and any other required information.

Typically, the audio indicator is a buzzer or speaker for audibly indicating the fuel mismatch event. Preferably, the first and second light sources are respective green and red light emitting diodes.

The sensor may be a gas sensor in the form of: a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensor for detecting the volatility of the contained fuel type from a fume sample thereof; a Multichannel Quartz Crystal Microbalance (MQCD) sensor for detecting the particle weight of the contained fuel type from a fume sample thereof; an Interdigitated Electrode (IDE) sensor for detecting the conductivity, temperature and/or dialectical properties of the contained fuel type from a fume sample thereof; or any other gas sensing technology.

Preferably, the controller is pre-set with an ambient air parameter range, and further wherein the controller monitors sensor inputs from the sensor such that on detection by the controller of a parameter change in the sensor inputs: from the ambient air parameter range to within the dispensable fuel type parameter range, the controller outputs the fuel match event signal; and from the ambient air parameter range to outside of an allowable range of the dispensable fuel type parameter range, the controller outputs the fuel mismatch event signal.

More preferably, the dispensable fuel type parameter range is a volatility parameter range.

Although the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle is workable with a single sensor, it is preferable that it incorporates at least two sensors to increase the sensitivity thereof and/or to act as a fail-safe. It will be appreciated that the number and type of sensors incorporated thereinto is largely dependent on the environment it is to be used.

Generally, the first of the multiple sensors is a MQCD or VOC or IDE sensor and the other of the multiple sensors is another of the MQCD, VOC or IDE sensors.

In a preferred embodiment, the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle further incorporates computer science algorithms (i.e. data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence and other computer science functionality) that continuously learn from previous data inputs, as well as prevented and prevailing misfuelling incidents to enhance and continuously improve detection accuracy, as well as optimise the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle’s interaction with other systems for optimised predictive analysis and automated decision making.

The algorithms preferably include but are not limited to incorporating a pattern detection and/or rate of change detection algorithm and an algorithm that optimises sensor functionality in different environmental situation (for example: cold, hot, windy, and/or humid environments; or environments with other gas concentrations) for optimised sensing for the situation.

In this manner, the fuel mismatch event signal is triggerable not only by the controller’s detection of a parameter change from the sensor inputs that falls outside of the allowable range, but also by a rate of such change that falls outside of an allowable rate change range. Generally, the controller is a Bluetooth and/or WiFi enabled microcontroller unit (MCU) for transmitting and/or receiving communications and/or updates. Typically, the microcontroller unit (MCU) is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled and/or incorporates an auto-sleep function such that the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle is a low power consumption device.

The misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle may further incorporate an on override such that the fuel pump nozzle is operable in the event of malfunction.

Preferably, the misfuelling prevention device includes a fuel pump unit being retrofittable to a fuel pump and comprising a secondary pump controller, wherein the secondary pump controller: is Bluetooth, BLE and/or WiFi enabled and operatively capable of receiving the fuel mismatch event signal transmittable by the controller; and comprises means for auto-shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.

The power source may be an intrinsically safe wired connection from the fuel pump or forecourt where the fuel pump is located.

Alternatively, the power source may be a replaceable or rechargeable battery. Where the power source is a rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery may be rechargeable by: the intrinsically safe wired connection; or a wireless charger including a wireless charging receiver, housed in the housing body of the misfuelling prevention device, being co-operative with a wireless charging transmitter included in the fuel pump unit, the wireless charging transmitter being connected to the intrinsically safe wired connection.

Typically, at least the sensor and the controller are housed in the nozzle body or a casing mounted or over-moulded onto the nozzle body. Preferably, the nozzle body or casing defines a duct in which the sensor(s) is positioned, wherein the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle further includes a means for generating a suction in the duct for operatively drawing a fume sample thereinto and onto the sensor(s).

The suction generating means may be: a vapour recovery line operatively connected between the duct defined in the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle and the fuel pump; or a fan positioned in the duct.

Generally, the suction generating means remains operative following use to clear the duct and sensor(s) of the fume sample thereby to prevent contamination of a subsequent fume sample.

Typically, the controller switches off the suction generating means immediately upon, or after the lapse of a predetermined amount of time, detection by the sensor of an allowable range of the ambient air parameter range.

Preferably, the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle includes a splash boot for in use sealing between the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle and about a filler neck opening of the fuel tank during refuelling, thereby to better direct the fume sample from the fuel tank into the duct and into the sensor(s).

It will be appreciated that the splash boot acts as a guard for preventing fuel and other elements from coming into direct contact with the sensor(s) and the other components housed in the housing body (including other electronics housed therein) thereby to prevent their damage, their diminished functionality and/or their accuracy from being compromised.

The misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle is manufactured intrinsically safe and accordingly safe to operate in hazardous, flammable and/or explosive environments. Furthermore, the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle incorporates a machine learning, artificial intelligence programming that continuously learns from data inputs from the sensor(s) during use, and works towards more accurate, reliable and predictable sensing capability. Typically, the programming includes optimisation coding that optimises the power utilisation of the misfuelling prevention device thereby to minimise its power consumption.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preventing misfuelling including the steps of:

(A) monitoring sensor inputs from one or more sensors;

(B) comparing the sensor inputs to ambient air parameter and dispensable fuel type parameter range pre-sets in a controller;

(C) on detection by the controller of a parameter change in the sensor inputs: from the ambient air parameter range to within the dispensable fuel type parameter range, outputting a fuel match event signal; or from the ambient air parameter range to outside of an allowable range of the dispensable fuel type parameter range, outputting a fuel mismatch event signal; and

(D) on the output of: the fuel match event signal, outputting a visual and/or audio indication of a fuel match event, and/or enabling fuel to be dispensed; or the fuel mismatch event signal, outputting a visual and/or audio warning of a fuel mismatch event, and/or preventing fuel from being dispensed.

Preferably, the dispensable fuel type parameter range is a volatility parameter range. Most preferably, and through patten detection and/or rate of change detection algorithm and an algorithm that optimises sensor functionality in different environmental situation (for example: cold, hot, windy, and/or humid environments; or environments with other gas concentrations) for optimised sensing for the situation, the fuel mismatch event signal is triggerable not only by the controller’s detection of a parameter change from the sensor inputs that falls outside of the allowable range, but also by a rate of such change that falls outside of an allowable rate change range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of a misfuelling prevention device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the misfuelling prevention device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3A are graphs showing test results of the algorithmic output of the misfuelling prevention device’s detection of petrol;

Figure 3B are graphs showing test results of the algorithmic output of the misfuelling prevention device’s detection of diesel;

Figure 3C is a graph showing test results of the algorithmic output of the misfuelling prevention device’s detection of petrol and diesel;

Figure 4 is a side view of the misfuelling prevention device of Figure 1 mounted on a fuel pump nozzle; Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of the misfuelling prevention device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of a misfuelling prevention device in the form of a misfuelling prevention fuel pump; and

Figure 7A is a top view of a third embodiment of a misfuelling prevention device in the form of a misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle;

Figure 7B is a side view of the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle of Figure 7A; and

Figure 7C is a front view of a fuel pump into which the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle of Figure 7A is docked.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A misfuelling prevention device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is designated generally in Figure 1 and Figure 2 with reference numeral 10. The misfuelling prevention device 10 includes housing body 20 for housing components therein and a mounting formation 30 for mounting the housing body 20 to a fuel pump nozzle, shown later in this description.

The housing body 20 includes a housing end cap 21 , housing lid 22 and a duct 24. The misfuelling prevention device 10 further comprises one or more indicators 40; 41 , at least one sensor 42, a controller 44 (need to add controller to drawings) and a power source 46 located on and/or electronically connected to a printed circuit board 48 (PCB).

The indicators 40; 41 are made up of visual indicators 40 and audio indicators 41 (need to add a speaker to the drawings) for provide a visual and/or audio indication of a status, event or warning. The visual indicators include a plurality of light sources 40 in the form of differently colours light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a display 43. It will be appreciated that although the colours of the LEDs may be configured in many difference ways, in the preferred illustrated embodiment a green light visually indicates a power on status and/or a fuel match event status, which fuel match event is triggerable by the output by the controller of a fuel match event signal.

A red light preferably visually indicates a fuel mismatch event. The fuel mismatch event also triggers a speaker or buzzer audio indicator 41 to better warn of such fuel mismatch event. The display 43 can be configured to visually display the power status, the fuel match event, the fuel mismatch event and any other required information.

The at least one sensor 42 is configured to in use detect the fuel type contained in, for example, a fuel tank of a vehicle and will hereinafter be referred to as the contained fuel type. The sensor is a gas sensor 42 in the form of: a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensor for detecting the volatility of the contained fuel type from a fume sample thereof; a Multichannel Quartz Crystal Microbalance (MQCD) sensor for detecting the particle weight of the contained fuel type from a fume sample thereof; or an Interdigitated Electrode (IDE) sensor for detecting the conductivity, temperature and/or dialectical properties of the contained fuel type from a fume sample thereof.

Although the misfuelling prevention device 10 is workable with a single sensor 42, it is preferable that it incorporates at least two sensors to increase the sensitivity of the device 10, further acting as a fail-safe should one of the sensors malfunction. The first of the multiple sensors is one of the aforementioned sensors, with the other of the multiple sensors being another of the MQCD, VOC or IDE sensors.

The controller 44 is pre-set with a dispensable fuel type parameter range matching the fuel to be dispensed by a fuel pump nozzle. In use, and on detection of a fuel mismatch between the contained fuel type and the dispensable fuel type parameter range, the indicators 40; 41 , 43 are triggerable by the controller 44 to output a fuel mismatch event signal as a warning of the fuel mismatch, thereby to cause shut-off of the fuel pump nozzle.

More specifically, the controller 44 is also pre-set with an ambient air parameter range. On detection by the controller 44 of a parameter change in the sensor inputs, from the ambient air parameter range to within the dispensable fuel type parameter range, the controller 44 outputs the fuel match event signal, thereby to cause illumination of the green LED signalling that fuel dispensing is allowable.

On detection by the controller 44 of a parameter change in the sensor inputs, from the ambient air parameter range to outside of an allowable range of the dispensable fuel type parameter range, the controller 44 outputs the fuel mismatch event signal, thereby to cause illumination of the red LED and the sounding of the speaker or buzzer 41 signalling that fuel dispensing is not allowable and should be immediately shut-off.

It will be appreciated that the shut-off of the fuel pump nozzle may be automated or reliant on a user to manually shut the fuel pump nozzle when warned by the indicators 40; 41 , 43 during the fuel mismatch event.

The dispensable fuel type parameter range is generally a volatility parameter range. Through incorporation of computer science algorithms (i.e. data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence and other computer science functionality) that continuously learn from previous data inputs, as well as prevented and prevailing misfuelling incidents, the accuracy of the misfuelling prevention device 10 is continually enhanced and improved, and optimised so as to better interact with other systems for optimised predictive analysis and automated decision making.

Over and above the aforementioned continuously learning algorithms, the misfuelling prevention device 10 further incorporates environmental adjustment algorithms, pattern detection and/or rate of change detection algorithms. The environmental adjustment algorithms adjust and optimise the sensor inputs and/or functionality for different environmental conditions such as cold, hot, windy, and/or humid environments, or environments with other gas concentrations.

The pattern detection and/or rate of change detection algorithms enhance the triggering of the fuel mismatch event signal such that the fuel mismatch event signal is triggerable by the controller’s detection of a parameter change from the sensor inputs that falls outside of the allowable range, and by a rate of such change that falls outside of an allowable rate change range. Figures 3A to 3C illustrate test results of the algorithmic output of the misfuelling prevention device’s detection of diesel and petrol fuels. As can be seen from the test results, the volatility parameter range of diesel is far lower and narrower than that of petrol. What can also be seen is that the rate of change from the ambient air parameter range to the dispensable fuel type parameter range for diesel is less steep and shorter than that of petrol.

Furthermore, what is also noticeable is the distinct patterns associated with ambient air, petrol and diesel detection. Accordingly, sensing patterns, the rate of change, independently or together with the pre-set ranges, can be used to accurately detect the contained fuel type. Accordingly, the rate of change, independently or together with the pre-set ranges, can be used to accurately detected the contained fuel type.

The controller 44 is a Bluetooth and/or WiFi enabled microcontroller unit (MCU) for transmitting and/or receiving communications and/or updates. The MCU is preferably Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled and/or incorporates an auto-sleep function such that the device 10 is a low power consumption device.

In a preferred embodiment, and with reference to the application to vehicle re-fuelling, the misfuelling prevention device 10 further includes a fuel pump unit being retrofittable to a fuel pump on a forecourt of a fuel station. The fuel pump unit comprises a secondary pump controller, wherein the secondary pump controller is Bluetooth, BLE and/or WiFi enabled and operatively capable of receiving the fuel mismatch event signal transmittable by the controller 44. On receipt of the fuel mismatch event signal transmitted by the controller 44, the secondary pump controller automatically shuts-off the fuel pump nozzle via an automatic shut-off means.

It will be appreciated that the misfuelling prevention device 10 must be manufactured intrinsically safe and accordingly safe to operate in hazardous, flammable and/or explosive environments. The power source 46 may take many forms. For example, the power source 46 may be an intrinsically safe wired connection from the fuel pump or forecourt where the fuel pump is located. Alternatively, the power source 46 may be a replaceable or rechargeable battery. Where the power source 46 is a rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery may be rechargeable by the intrinsically safe wired connection, or via a wireless charger (not shown).

It is envisaged that the wireless charger would include a wireless charging receiver, housed in the housing body 20 of the misfuelling prevention device 10, being cooperative with a wireless charging transmitter included in the fuel pump unit, which wireless charging transmitter would be connected to the intrinsically safe wired connection for power supply thereto. It will be appreciated that the power source 46 is sufficient to power the indicators, sensors, controllers and any other electric or electronic components housed in the housing body 20.

The mounting formation 30 extends from the housing body 20 and is configured so as to in use place the sensor 42 in proximity with a fuelling inlet of the fuel tank being refuelled. The mounting formation 30 defines a mounting bore 32 passing through opposing front and rear faces 34A, 34B of the mounting formation 30.

With reference now also to Figure 4, the mounting bore 32 is sized to pass over a free end of a spout 70 of the fuel pump nozzle 72 thereby to position the rear face 34B of the mounting formation 30 into proximity with an opposing stem end 73 of the spout 70 of the fuel pump nozzle 72.

The mounting formation 30 of the preferred, illustrated embodiment is split across the diameter of the mounting bore 32 into a pair of connectable clamp mount formations 36A, 36B capable of clamping over the fuel pump nozzle spout 70, so as to clamp mount the misfuelling prevention device 10 to the fuel pump nozzle spout 70.

With reference again to Figure 1 and Figure 2, and to accommodate fuel pump nozzle spouts of different diameters, the mounting formation 30 includes one or more substantially tubular and interchangeable mount inserts 38.

The tubular mount inserts 38 have outer and inner diameters, as measured across a centre axis A-A passing axially therethrough, respectively similar to that of the mounting bore 32 and fuel pump nozzle spout 70 such that the tubular mount insert acts as a spacer between the mounting bore 32 and the fuel pump nozzle spout 70.

The clamp mount formations 36A, 36B preferably snap fit to one another along their diametrically opposing sides 39A, 39B. In an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the clamp mount formations 36A, 36B may be hinged to one another along one of the diametrically opposing sides and snap fit to one another along the other of the diametrically opposing sides. It will be appreciated further that the snap fit is enabled by corresponding snap fit formation 50A, 50B on the clamp mount formations 36A, 36B.

In this manner, the misfuelling prevention device 10 is a retrofittable self-contained one- size-fits-all device, through the interchangeability of the tubular mount inserts 38.

With reference to Figure 2 and Figure 5, the sensor 42 is positioned inside the duct 24 of the housing body 20, with the duct 24 having an inlet 26 lying proximately: (i) X millimetres along the centre axis B-B measured from the rear face 34B in the direction of the front face 36A; and (ii) Y millimetres perpendicularly from the centre axis B-B in the direction of an operatively upper face 27 of the misfuelling prevention device, where X is between 10 millimetres and 65 millimetres, and Y is between 20 millimetres and 35 millimetres.

In this manner, the inlet 26 of the duct 24 is operatively locatable as close as possible to a filler neck opening of the fuel tank during refuelling. The duct 24 tapers from a housing body end 28 thereof towards the duct inlet 26. The misfuelling prevention device 10 preferably includes a fan 52 positioned inside the duct 24 for operatively generating a suction at the duct inlet 26 thereby to draw a fume sample into the duct 24 via the duct inlet 26 and onto the sensor(s) 42.

The duct 24 acts as a splash guard for preventing fuel and other elements from coming into direct contact with the sensor(s) 42, as well as other components housed in the housing body 20, thereby to prevent their damage, their diminished functionality and/or their accuracy from being compromised. In use, the fan 52 preferably remains operative following use to clear the duct 24 and sensor(s) 42 of the fume sample thereby to prevent contamination of a subsequent fume sample. The controller 44 switches off the fan 52 immediately upon, or after the lapse of a predetermined amount of time, following detection by the sensor of the ambient air parameter range.

The misfuelling prevention device 10 further incorporates an on override, in the form of switches 54, such that the fuel pump nozzle 72 is operable even if the misfuelling prevention device 10 is malfunctioning.

It will be appreciated that according to a second embodiment of this invention, and instead of being a retrofittable self-contained one-size-fits-all device, the components, functionality and workings of such device could be built into a nozzle or nozzle casing of a misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle.

With reference to Figure 6, and with like parts designated by like reference numerals, the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 110 includes a nozzle body 120 for housing components therein and a mounting formation 130 for mounting the housing body 120 to a fuel pump nozzle 72, for example, with a plurality of screws 131 . It will be appreciated that unless specifically described as different, the components, functionality and workings of the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 110 will be understood to be the same or similar to that of the misfuelling prevention device 10.

The nozzle body 120 includes a fuel hose connecting end 74, a spout 70 extending from an opposite end, an operating lever 76 for actuating fuel dispensing, a latch 78 for locking the operating lever and consequentially a fuel valve in an open condition.

The nozzle body 120 further includes, a fuel shut-off opening 79 near a free end of the spout and a vacuum I pressure shut-off (not shown) in fluid communication with the fuel shut-off opening 79.

The misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 110 includes, housed within the nozzle body 120, one or more indicators 140 and/or displays 143, at least one sensor 142, a controller and a power source 146 located on and/or electronically connected to a printed circuit board 148 (PCB).

The sensor 142 and the controller are housed in the nozzle body 120 or a casing mounted or over-moulded onto the nozzle body 120. The nozzle body 120 or casing defines a duct 124 in which the sensor 142 is positioned, with the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 110 further including a means 152 for generating a suction in the duct 124 for operatively drawing a fume sample thereinto and onto the sensor 142.

The suction generating means 152 may be a vapour recovery line 153 operatively connected between the duct 124 defined in the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 110 and the fuel pump. Alternatively, the suction generating means 152 may be a fan.

Generally, the suction generating means 152 remains operative following use to clear the duct 124 and sensors 142 of the fume sample thereby to prevent contamination of a subsequent fume sample.

The misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 110 includes a splash boot 156 for in use sealing between the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 110 and about a filler neck opening of the fuel tank during refuelling, thereby to better direct the fume sample from the fuel tank into the duct 124 and onto the sensors 142. The splash boot doubles up as a guard for preventing fuel and other elements from coming into direct contact with the sensor(s) and the other components housed in the housing body (including other electronics housed therein) thereby to prevent their damage, their diminished functionality and/or their accuracy from being compromised.

It will be appreciated that according to a third embodiment of this invention, with reference to Figure 7A and Figure 7B and with like parts designated by like reference numerals, the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 210 includes a nozzle body 220 for housing components therein and a mounting formation 230 for mounting the housing body 220 to a fuel pump nozzle 72. It will be appreciated that unless specifically described as different, the components, functionality and workings of the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 210 will be understood to be the same or similar to that of the misfuelling prevention device 10 and the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 110.

The nozzle body 220 includes a fuel hose connecting end 74, a spout 70 extending from an opposite end, an operating lever 76 for actuating fuel dispensing, a latch 78 for locking the operating lever and consequentially a fuel valve in an open condition.

The nozzle body 220 further includes, a fuel shut-off opening 79 near a free end of the spout and a vacuum I pressure shut-off (not shown) in fluid communication with the fuel shut-off opening 79.

The misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 210 includes, housed within the nozzle body 220, one or more indicators 240, at least one sensor 242, a controller and a power source 246 located on and/or electronically connected to a printed circuit board 148 (PCB).

The sensor 242 and the controller are housed in the nozzle body 220 or a casing mounted or over-moulded onto the nozzle body 220. The nozzle body 220 or casing defines a duct 224 in which the sensor 242 and a fan 252 are positioned, the fan being operative to generate a suction in the duct 224 for operatively drawing a fume sample thereinto and onto the sensor 242.

With reference now also to Figure 7C, the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 210 includes a wireless charging receiver 280 housed in the nozzle body 220 and being electrically connected to the power source 246 in the form of a rechargeable battery.

The wireless charging receiver 280 is co-operative with a wireless charging transmitter 282 housed in the fuel pump 79 and powered by the fuel pump 79. Co-operatively, the wireless charging receiver 280 and the wireless charging transmitter 282 form a wireless charger for recharging the rechargeable battery 246 when the receiver and transmitter 280, 282 lie proximate one another when the fuel pump nozzle 72 is docked in the fuel pump 79. It will be appreciated that the wireless charging is achievable via radio, inductive or resonance wireless charging. In use, the methodology of preventing misfuelling includes firstly monitoring sensor inputs from one or more sensors. Secondly, is comparing the sensor inputs to ambient air parameter and dispensable fuel type parameter range pre-sets in a controller.

Thirdly, and on detection by the controller of a parameter change in the sensor inputs, outputting either a fuel match even signal or a fuel mismatch event signal.

Where the controller detects a parameter change in the sensor inputs from the ambient air parameter range to within the dispensable fuel type parameter range, a fuel match event signal is outputted.

Where the controller detects a parameter change in the sensor inputs from the ambient air parameter to outside of an allowable range of the dispensable fuel type parameter range, a fuel mismatch event signal is outputted.

Fourthly, and on the output of:

• the fuel match event signal, outputting a visual and/or audio indication of a fuel match event, and/or enabling fuel to be dispensed; or

• the fuel mismatch event signal, outputting a visual and/or audio warning of a fuel mismatch event, and/or preventing fuel from being dispensed.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications or variations of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

For example, the misfuelling prevention device 10 and the misfuelling prevention fuel pump nozzle 110, 210 may include air vents to assist in clearing the duct and the sensor between samples.