Fuel Tank Valve Assembly

Abstract

The valve assembly includes a housing having an inner chamber, a float assembly disposed within the inner chamber, and an elongated membrane. The inner chamber is provided with an exhaust orifice in fluid communication with the exhaust port. The float assembly is movable along the longitudinal axis of the housing and includes an angled platform disposed on an upper surface of the float assembly. The membrane includes a first end secured to a first mounting portion of the float assembly, a second end opposite the first end and secured to a second mounting portion of the float assembly, and a slack portion associated with the second end.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of Indian Patent Application No. 202311003998, filed January 20, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The field of the invention relates generally to vehicle fuel storage systems, and more particularly to devices that allow fuel vapors to be safely vented while preventing the unintentional leakage of liquid fuel. [Background technology]

[0003] Vehicle fuel tanks require systems and devices that allow for safe and consistent operation under a variety of conditions. Reliable performance of these safety systems is especially important given the high flammability and energy density of fuel.

[0004] For example, safety systems are needed to ensure that vapors released from liquid fuel stored in the tank are released safely without increasing pressure within the fuel tank. For example, increased ambient temperatures and / or intense solar radiation can increase the temperature of the fuel tank and its contents, increasing the rate at which fuel vapors are produced.

[0005] As another example, if a device or feature is provided to allow liquid fuel vapors to be safely released from a tank, an additional safety feature is required to prevent the vapor release path from functioning as a liquid fuel release path, i.e., to prevent unintended leakage. For example, if a tank is overfilled during refueling, liquid fuel levels could leak through a path intended for the release of fuel vapors unless the risk is anticipated and mitigated.

[0006] As a further example, if a fuel vapor release passage is sealed against leakage based on an overfill event, the design of the safety features described above must ensure that full functionality of the safety system (such as fuel vapor release) is quickly restored when the fuel level subsequently drops or returns to normal operating conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure relates to inventive features that enable and improve the safe venting of fuel vapors from a vehicle's fuel tank and sealing against liquid fuel leaks.

[0008] In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the valve assembly includes: a housing having an inner chamber, the inner chamber having an upper surface with an exhaust orifice in fluid communication with the exhaust port; a float assembly disposed within the inner chamber, the float assembly being movable along a longitudinal axis of the housing, the float assembly including a platform disposed on an upper surface of the float assembly, the platform being angled relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a float assembly elongated along the longitudinal axis and secured to a first mounting portion of the float assembly. a membrane having a first end fixed to the platform, a second end opposite the first end and secured to a second mounting portion of the float assembly, and a slack portion associated with the second end; wherein the membrane is configured to cover and seal the exhaust orifice corresponding to an uppermost position of the float assembly along the longitudinal axis, at least a portion of the membrane being supported by the platform, and the membrane is configured to reopen the exhaust orifice upon movement of the float assembly away from the uppermost position, the reopening associated with the first end initiating peeling of the membrane from the exhaust orifice, and at least a portion of the slack portion of the membrane including a curvature about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the membrane.

[0009] In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the exhaust orifice includes an elongated section aligned with the longitudinal axis of the membrane. In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, a slack portion of the membrane facilitates aligning and restraining the membrane relative to the exhaust orifice, thereby facilitating sealing of the exhaust orifice. In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the top surface of the platform includes a cavity.

[0010] In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the cavity includes an elongated section aligned with the longitudinal axis of the platform. In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the cavity includes protruding ridges oriented along the longitudinal axis of the platform.

[0011] In certain embodiments that may combine some or all of the features of the above embodiments, the platform includes a channel or groove disposed around the periphery of the cavity. In certain embodiments that may combine some or all of the features of the above embodiments, the float assembly further includes a hollow core section. In certain embodiments that may combine some or all of the features of the above embodiments, the hollow core section of the float assembly is slidably coupled to the housing of the valve assembly.

[0012] In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the first mounting portion is offset from the second mounting portion along the longitudinal axis, and the first mounting portion is offset relative to the second mounting portion toward the top surface of the inner chamber. In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the platform is angled at an angle between 5° and 30° relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the membrane comprises a fluoroelastomer. In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the fluoroelastomer is reinforced with one or more polymers. In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, corresponding to the uppermost position of the float assembly, at least a portion of the membrane is sandwiched between the platform and the exhaust orifice, sealing the exhaust orifice.

[0014] In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the valve assembly includes a clip-on fastener for securing at least one of the first end or the second end of the membrane to a respective mounting portion of the float assembly. In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the clip-on fastener includes a post configured to operatively couple with the float assembly.

[0015] In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the membrane includes at least one through-hole configured to engage with the post. In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the clip-on fastener includes one or more of a hook or notch configured to operatively couple with the float assembly.

[0016] In certain embodiments that may combine some or all of the features of the above embodiments, the valve assembly system includes: a first valve assembly; a second valve assembly in fluid communication with the first valve assembly; and an exhaust port in fluid communication with the first valve assembly, the first valve assembly including a housing having an inner chamber, the inner chamber having an exhaust orifice in an upper surface thereof in fluid communication with the exhaust port; and a float assembly disposed within the inner chamber, the float assembly movable along a longitudinal axis of the housing, the float assembly including a platform disposed on an upper surface of the float assembly, the platform being angled relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. and a membrane elongated along a longitudinal axis and including a first end secured to a first mounting portion of the float assembly, a second end opposite the first end secured to a second mounting portion of the float assembly, and a slack portion associated with the second end; wherein the membrane is configured to cover and seal the exhaust orifice corresponding to an uppermost position of the float assembly along the longitudinal axis, at least a portion of the membrane being supported by the platform, and the membrane is configured to reopen the exhaust orifice upon movement of the float assembly away from the uppermost position, the reopening associated with the first end initiating peeling of the membrane from the exhaust orifice, and at least a portion of the slack portion of the membrane including a curvature about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the membrane.

[0017] In certain embodiments that may combine some or all of the features of the above embodiments, a method of assembling a valve assembly includes the steps of: providing a float assembly within a housing of the valve assembly by slidably coupling a core section of the float assembly to one or more guide structures of the housing; providing a platform on an upper surface of the float assembly, the platform being angled with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing; fixing a first end of a membrane to a first mounting portion of the float assembly, the membrane being elongated along the longitudinal axis and configured to cover and seal the exhaust orifice corresponding to the uppermost position of the float assembly along the longitudinal axis, and at least a portion of the membrane being supported by the platform; and fixing a second end of the membrane to a second mounting portion of the float assembly, a slack portion of the membrane being associated with the second end, and at least a portion of the slack portion of the membrane including a curvature about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the membrane.

[0018] In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, a flexible ribbon is provided, along with a sloped lower surface of the valve orifice and a corresponding sloped ramp on the float, to seal the valve orifice against leakage of liquid fuel.

[0019] In certain embodiments, which may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, both ends of the flexible ribbon are bonded to the float top surface at respective ribbon attachment points.

[0020] In certain embodiments that may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the upper ends of the ribbons are coupled to the upper ribbon attachment portion of the float and the lower ends of the ribbons are coupled to the lower ribbon attachment portion of the float.

[0021] In certain embodiments, which may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, ribbon slack is incorporated into the lower end of the ribbon.

[0022] In certain embodiments, which may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the ribbon slack includes a loop.

[0023] In certain embodiments, which may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the loops of the ribbon loop downward from the rest of the ribbon.

[0024] In certain embodiments, which may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the surface of the valve orifice that engages the ribbon is elliptical, oval, or racetrack shaped.

[0025] In certain embodiments, which may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the ribbon interface of the inclined ramp of the float includes a cavity.

[0026] In certain embodiments, which may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the cavity in the ribbon interface corresponds to the shape of the valve orifice surface that engages the ribbon.

[0027] In certain embodiments, which may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the ribbon interface on the inclined ramp of the float includes one or more ridges.

[0028] In certain embodiments, which may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the ribbon interface on the inclined ramp of the float includes one or more notches.

[0029] In certain embodiments, which may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the ribbon is made of a fluoroelastomer.

[0030] In certain embodiments, which may combine features of some or all of the above embodiments, the fluoroelastomer material of the ribbon is further reinforced with a polymer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary drawings, in which: The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments; Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrating a valve assembly system according to certain embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view illustrating certain components of a valve assembly according to certain embodiments. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic top perspective view of a valve assembly housing according to certain embodiments. FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a valve assembly housing according to certain embodiments. [Figure 3C] 1 is a schematic top view of an inner chamber of a valve assembly housing in accordance with certain embodiments. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a float assembly and ribbon according to certain embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional front view of a valve assembly according to certain embodiments, with a schematic view and enlarged inset showing the float assembly approaching its upper limit. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a valve assembly according to certain embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic top perspective view of a float assembly with the ribbon removed for illustrative purposes, in accordance with certain embodiments. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic, partially enlarged, front perspective view of a float assembly with the ribbon removed, according to certain embodiments; FIG. [Figure 9A]1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a float assembly with attached ribbons, according to certain embodiments. FIG. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a float assembly with attached ribbons, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 9C] FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view of a float assembly with attached ribbons, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 10A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a float assembly with attached ribbons, according to certain embodiments. FIG. [Figure 10B] FIG. 1 is a schematic rear view of a float assembly with attached ribbons, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 10C] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a float assembly with a ribbon attached, with an inset showing a perspective view of a ribbon attachment clip, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a float assembly with attached ribbons, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 11B] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a ribbon attachment clip, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a float assembly with attached ribbons, according to certain embodiments. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] To facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, the following examples of specific embodiments are provided. The following examples should not be construed as limiting or defining the scope of the present disclosure. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, various mechanisms, assemblies, arrangements, and methods of assembly, manufacture, and / or operation of exhaust valves for fuel tank systems are disclosed herein.

[0033] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrating a valve assembly system according to certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly system may include one or more valve assemblies. In certain embodiments, valve assembly system 10 may include valve assembly 100. In certain embodiments, valve assembly system 10 may include multiple valve assemblies, such as valve assembly 20 and valve assembly 100. By way of example and not limitation, the valve assembly system may include a compact combo valve. By way of example and not limitation, the valve assembly may include a grade exhaust valve (GVV). By way of example and not limitation, the valve assembly may include a fill limit valve (FLV).

[0034] In certain embodiments, the base 30 of the valve assembly system 10 and / or valve assembly 100 may be fluidly connected to the fluid contents of the tank, such as the surface of the liquid contents of the tank. In certain embodiments, the tank may be configured as a fuel tank. In certain embodiments, the base 30 may allow fluid communication between the contents of the tank and the valve assembly system 10 and / or valve assembly 100. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly system 10 and / or valve assembly 100 may be provided with an outlet port 40. In certain embodiments, the outlet port 40 may be located at the top of the valve assembly system 10 and / or valve assembly 100, as shown as a non-limiting example in FIG. 1 . By way of example and not limitation, the outlet port 40 may be an outlet conduit for fuel vapors venting from the tank.

[0035] By way of example and not limitation, the present disclosure may describe details of a particular exhaust assembly (such as a grade exhaust valve) in the context of an exemplary valve assembly 100, although the present disclosure fully contemplates any suitable valve assembly 100 based on the disclosed structure and / or function. By way of example and not limitation, details of the internal structure of a fill limit valve or any other suitable valve are omitted herein for clarity, although it should be understood that the valve assembly 100 disclosed herein may be deployed alone or in combination with other suitable valve assemblies as part of a valve assembly system 10.

[0036] 2 is a schematic exploded view illustrating certain components of a valve assembly according to certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly 100 may include a housing 200 having a longitudinal axis LL. In certain embodiments, the housing 200 may include a valve orifice 220 at one end of the housing 200. In certain embodiments, the housing 200 may surround or contain an inner chamber 230. In certain embodiments, the inner chamber 230 may have an exhaust orifice 220 disposed in an upper surface thereof. In certain embodiments, the valve orifice 220 may be in fluid communication with the exhaust port 40.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the valve assembly 100 may include a float assembly 300. In certain embodiments, the float assembly 300 may be movable along the longitudinal axis LL. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly 100 may include an end cap 400 at a base end of the housing 200. In certain embodiments, the side of the housing 200 opposite the base end of the housing 200 may include the top side of the housing 200. In certain embodiments, the meaning of "top" in the context of this disclosure may be aligned with the direction of movement of the movable float assembly 300 within the housing 200 opposite the base end of the housing 200. In certain embodiments, the valve orifice 220 may be located at or near the top end of the housing 200 and / or the valve assembly 100. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly 100 may include one or more gaskets, O-rings, seals, labyrinths, and / or other suitable structures for sealing and / or containing fluid flow, such as an O-ring 410. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly 100 may include one or more biasing members, such as a spring 420. In certain embodiments, a membrane, such as a ribbon 320, may be attached to the float assembly 300, as described further herein.

[0038] 3A, 3B, and 3C are schematic top perspective views of a valve assembly housing, an inner chamber of the valve assembly housing, and a valve assembly housing, respectively, according to certain embodiments.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the outer end 222 of the valve orifice 220 on the housing 200 can have a circular or near-circular orifice shape. In certain embodiments, the baffle or surrounding enclosure of the valve orifice 220 on the exterior surface of the housing 200 may have a kidney-shaped shape. In certain embodiments, the valve orifice 220 on the exterior surface of the housing 200 can be configured to accommodate a valve, such as a ball valve or a disc valve. By way of example and not limitation, FIG. 1 shows a ball valve 50 assembled to the valve orifice 220 of the valve assembly 100. In certain embodiments, the inner end 224 of the valve orifice 220 on the housing 200, as viewed from within the interior chamber 230 of the housing 200, may have an elongated, elliptical, oval, and / or racetrack shape.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the shape of the outer end 222 of the valve orifice 220 may be designed to facilitate effective coupling and interaction with the valve mechanism described above. In certain embodiments, the shape of the inner end 224 of the valve orifice 220 may be designed to facilitate effective coupling and interaction with the ribbon 320. In certain embodiments, the valve orifice 220 disposed within the housing 200 may transition between different shapes of the outer end 222 and the inner end 224 within the upper section and / or along the longitudinal axis of the housing 200. In certain embodiments, the valve orifice 220 may transition within the housing 200 from a substantially circular outer end 222 to an elongated inner end 224. In certain embodiments, the valve orifice 220 may transition from a valve-facing opening at the upper surface of the valve orifice 220 that is substantially circular or other suitable shape to a ribbon-facing opening at the lower surface of the valve orifice 220 that is substantially elliptical, oval, racetrack, or other suitable shape. In certain embodiments, the valve orifice 220 may include an elongated section aligned with the longitudinal axis of the ribbon 320. In certain embodiments, the substantially circular and / or approximately circular shape may have a perimeter that includes a portion of a circle at least half of its perimeter length or extent.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the float assembly 300 is slidably connected to the housing 200, e.g., movable within the housing 200 along the longitudinal axis LL. In certain embodiments, one or both of the housing 200 and / or the float assembly 300 may be provided with suitable structure to facilitate interconnection, restraint, and / or relative movement of the float assembly 300 within the housing 200. In certain embodiments, the float assembly 300 and / or the housing 200 may be provided with guides, guide rails, and / or guide channels. In certain embodiments, the float assembly 300 may include a core, such as a central core, which may be hollow. In certain embodiments, such as those described and illustrated herein as non-limiting examples, such structure to facilitate interconnection, restraint, and / or relative movement of the float assembly 300 within the housing 200 may be provided at or near an interface section associated with the central core and / or inner core of the float assembly 300. Additionally or alternatively, such structure for facilitating interconnection, restraint, and / or relative movement of float assembly 300 within housing 200 may be provided at or near the outer peripheral interface. By way of example and not limitation, housing 200 may include one or more float guides 260. By way of example and not limitation, float assembly 300 may include one or more float guide channels 360. By way of example and not limitation, central core 305 of float assembly 300 may be configured to slidably engage central core 210 of housing 200.

[0042] 4 is a schematic perspective view of a float assembly and ribbon according to certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the float assembly 300 may be provided or disposed within the housing 200 of the valve assembly 100, such that the float assembly 300 can translate along a longitudinal axis LL of the housing 200 and the valve assembly 100. By way of example and not limitation, the float assembly 300 may translate or move within the housing 200 in response to the level of liquid fuel in a tank, such as a fuel tank. In certain embodiments, the respective materials of the housing 200 and the float assembly 300 may be selected so that their relative interfaces have desired characteristics of low friction and / or adequate clearance under various operating conditions.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the longitudinal axis LL of the valve assembly 100 and / or the housing 200 may be substantially perpendicular to a tank (such as a vehicle fuel tank) located on a horizontal surface; however, when the tank is located on an inclined or non-horizontal surface, the longitudinal axis LL may not be aligned with the vertical vector (i.e., parallel to the gravity vector). As a non-limiting example, when a vehicle including the tank is parked on or traversing an inclined surface, or when the vehicle rolls over, the longitudinal axis LL traversing the float assembly 300 may not be aligned with the vertical vector. By way of example and not limitation, in such situations, the float assembly 300 may remain constrained within the housing 200. In certain embodiments, the float assembly 300 may be guided by float guides, such as one or more float guides 260 and / or one or more float guide channels 360, and may translate along the longitudinal axis LL of the housing 200 based on, for example, the component of buoyancy acting on the float assembly 300. In certain embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 3C, 7, and 9C by way of non-limiting example, float guides 260 are located on the housing 200 and may engage with corresponding float guide channels 360 located on the float assembly 300 to facilitate and selectively restrain movement of the float assembly 300 within the housing 200.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional front view of a valve assembly according to certain embodiments, showing a perspective view and a close-up inset showing the float assembly approaching its upper limit.

[0045] By way of example and not limitation, an approximate path 250 for releasing fuel vapor from the tank through the valve assembly 100 is also shown. By way of example and not limitation, the position of the float assembly 300 along the longitudinal axis LL may be determined by the liquid level (e.g., in a fuel tank), as discussed above, but a small clearance (e.g., a radial clearance along the approximate path 250) may exist at the relative interface between the float assembly 300 and the housing 200. By way of example and not limitation, fuel vapor from the tank may flow through the float assembly 300 via such small clearance and occupy the volume above the float assembly 300 within the inner chamber 230 of the housing 200. In certain embodiments, a valve mechanism, such as a disk head valve or ball valve, may be located at the outlet of the valve orifice 220 in the housing 200, as previously described. In certain embodiments, such a valve mechanism may be designed and adjusted to open at a predetermined pressure level, such as to release accumulated fuel vapor through the outlet port 40. By way of example and not limitation, a disc or ball valve may be designed to open at a vapor pressure above 5 kPa to prevent a buildup of pressure above the designed opening pressure.

[0046] In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to close and seal valve orifice 220 to prevent leakage of a liquid, such as liquid fuel. By way of non-limiting example, overfilling with liquid fuel, tilting the fuel tank on a grade, and / or vehicle rollover may necessitate sealing valve orifice 220 to prevent leakage of liquid fuel. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, it may be desirable to quickly restore functionality of the vapor release passage through valve orifice 220 after sealing valve orifice 220. In certain embodiments, reopening valve orifice 220 may restore fluid flow through valve orifice 220 after, for example, the risk of liquid fuel leakage has subsided. By way of non-limiting example, it may be desirable for valve orifice 220 to be ready to release fuel vapor again after the liquid fuel level has dropped to a safe lower limit.

[0047] In certain embodiments, a membrane such as ribbon 320 may be provided to seal the valve orifice. In certain embodiments, the membrane such as ribbon 320 may be elongated along a longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the membrane such as ribbon 320 may include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a slack portion associated with the second end. By way of example and not limitation, ribbon 320 may be actuated based on float assembly 300 rising and / or moving within float assembly 300, causing ribbon 320 to abut valve orifice 220 within housing 200. By way of example and not limitation, ribbon 320 may be provided to seal valve orifice 220, but may also be designed to effectively and / or quickly open (“unseal”) and restore an opening to valve orifice 220 (e.g., inner end 224), thereby restoring normal fluid discharge (e.g., fuel vapor discharge) function. For example, in some such embodiments, effective opening and / or reopening of ribbon 320 may depend on equalizing fluid pressure differences that may exist (e.g., across ribbon 320), which may prevent the ribbon 320 from reopening. Thus, in certain embodiments, the interplay between the design and features of ribbon 320, float assembly 300, and / or valve orifice 220 can control the sealing and reopening effectiveness and performance of valve assembly 100. Related structural and functional aspects are discussed further below.

[0048] According to certain embodiments, ribbon 320 may comprise a relatively flexible and durable member, membrane, or sheet necessary to ensure effective sealing and rapid reopening. In certain embodiments, ribbon 320 may be relatively thin. By way of non-limiting example, in certain embodiments, ribbon 320 may comprise one or more materials including synthetic rubber, fluoropolymer, fluorosilicone, and / or silicone rubber. In certain embodiments, the base material of ribbon 320 may optionally be reinforced with additional materials, such as polyester or other polymers.

[0049] 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a valve assembly according to certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, a platform such as a ramp 330 may be provided on the float assembly 300, for example, on an upper surface of the float assembly 300. In certain embodiments, the ramp 330 may support the ribbon 320 in the seated and / or sealed position.

[0050] Figures 7 and 8 are schematic top and partial enlarged front perspective views of a float assembly with the ribbon removed for illustrative purposes, according to certain embodiments.

[0051] In certain embodiments, ribbon 320 may be coupled to float assembly 300 at one or more ribbon attachment points provided on float assembly 300. Additionally or alternatively, external attachment structures, such as one or more fasteners and / or clips 356, may be used to couple one or more respective ends of ribbon 320 to float assembly 300 and / or housing 200.

[0052] By way of example and not limitation, the ends of ribbon 320 may be configured to be secured to two ribbon attachment points on float assembly 300. According to a specific embodiment (not shown), one or both of the ribbon attachment points may be provided on the housing rather than the float. By way of example and not limitation, one or more ends of ribbon 320 may be provided with respective through-holes (e.g., through-hole 326) for securing ribbon 320 to ribbon attachment points on float assembly 300 and / or housing 200.

[0053] 9A-9C schematically illustrate a float assembly with a ribbon attached, according to certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, as shown by way of non-limiting example in FIGS. 7 and 9, the float assembly 300 may include a first ribbon attachment portion 352 and / or a second ribbon attachment portion 354. In certain embodiments, the first ribbon attachment portion 352 may be offset from the second ribbon attachment portion 354 along the longitudinal axis LL. In certain embodiments, the first ribbon attachment portion 352 may be offset relative to the second ribbon attachment portion 354 toward the top surface of the inner chamber 230 and / or the housing 200.

[0054] 6 and 10A , in certain embodiments, an interface portion (e.g., inner end 224) of valve orifice 220 located on housing 200 can interface and engage with ribbon 320 when valve orifice 220 is sealed by ribbon 320. In certain embodiments, such interface portion (e.g., inner end 224) of valve orifice 220 can also have a slope or bevel. By way of example and not limitation, inner end 224 of valve orifice 220, ribbon 320, and / or ramp 330 may be angled or sloped such that some or all of them are aligned with one another in the sealed configuration. In certain embodiments, such mutual alignment can be configured such that ribbon 320 is sandwiched and / or tightly held between a corresponding angled surface of valve orifice 220 and angled ramp 330 of float assembly 300 in an angled, beveled, and / or tilted orientation.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the lamps 330 are angled relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LL. In certain embodiments, the lamps 330 are angled at an angle between 5° and 30° relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LL. In certain embodiments, the lamps 330 are angled at an angle between 10° and 15° relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LL.

[0056] Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C are schematic cross-sectional side and rear views, respectively, of a float assembly with a ribbon attached, according to certain embodiments, with a perspective view of the ribbon attachment clip shown in the inset, according to certain embodiments.

[0057] 6, 9A, 10A, and 11A, a first end of ribbon 320 may be coupled or otherwise secured to first ribbon mount 352 such that the first end is held in a relatively taut or stretched state at that position. In certain embodiments, ribbon 320 may include a portion having ribbon slack 324 at or near a second end of ribbon 320 opposite the first end of ribbon 320. In certain embodiments, the second end of ribbon 320 may be coupled or otherwise secured to second ribbon mount 354 such that ribbon slack 324 is located at or near second ribbon mount 354.

[0058] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of ribbon slack 324 may be disposed as a bend and / or loop of available ribbon length at or near a ribbon attachment, such as second ribbon attachment 354. In certain embodiments, as shown by non-limiting example in Figures 6, 9A, 11A, and 12, the loop or bend associated with ribbon slack 324 may curl or spiral downward from the main or remaining extent of the ribbon or away from valve orifice 220 before coupling to second ribbon attachment 354. In certain embodiments, the loop may curl upward from the main or remaining extent of the ribbon (not shown here) and / or toward valve orifice 220 before coupling to second ribbon attachment 354.

[0059] As shown by way of non-limiting example in at least FIGS. 7 and 8 , in certain embodiments, the ramp 330 of the float assembly 300 may include a ribbon interface 310 for supporting the ribbon 320 in a seated and / or sealed position. By way of example and not limitation, the ribbon interface 310 may have a shape or configuration corresponding to the shape of the ribbon-facing opening of the valve orifice 220 (e.g., inner end 224). In certain embodiments, the ribbon interface 310 of the float assembly 300 may include a cavity 312. In certain embodiments, one or more protruding ridges, such as ridge 340, may be provided in or near the ribbon interface 310. By way of example and not limitation, the ridge 340 may provide rigidity to the ribbon 320 in the event that the ribbon 320 seats on the ramp 330 and / or seals the valve orifice 220. In certain embodiments, ridge 340 can thus inhibit wrinkling, sagging, folding, and / or misalignment of ribbon 320 relative to ribbon interface 310 based on the desired configuration and interface of ribbon 320. By way of example and not limitation, ridge 340 can facilitate supporting and / or holding ribbon 320 in alignment with valve orifice 220 and prevent fluid leakage through valve orifice 220 when valve orifice 220 is sealed by ribbon 320, and ribbon 320 may be sandwiched or held in place between valve orifice 220 and ribbon interface 310. By way of example and not limitation, a central ridge 340 corresponding to the above description is shown at least in FIGS. 7 and 8. In certain embodiments, the ridges 340 may be oriented along the longitudinal direction and / or axis of the ribbon 320, and / or the longitudinal direction and / or axis of the lamp 330, and / or the longitudinal direction and / or axis of the inner end 224 of the valve orifice 220.

[0060] As discussed, in certain embodiments, the function of ribbon 320 may be to cover and / or seal the vapor release passage through valve orifice 220. By way of example and not limitation, ribbon 320 may be configured to seal valve orifice 220 when the level of liquid fuel causes float assembly 300 to move to an upper limit of float assembly 300, thereby preventing unintended leakage of liquid fuel through valve orifice 220. By way of example and not limitation, during operation, float assembly 300 rises in response to an increasing level of liquid fuel, thereby allowing the upper surface of ribbon 320 to engage inner end 224 of valve orifice 220 located in housing 200. FIG. 6 shows, by way of example and not limitation, the float assembly 300 with the ribbon 320 attached approaching the top of the float assembly 300's movable range, with the top surface of the ribbon 320 seated and the float assembly 300 gradually rising along the longitudinal axis LL to its topmost position, thereby closing the sealing valve orifice 220.

[0061] In certain embodiments, a relatively flexible and deformable membrane shape and / or material (e.g., ribbon 320) may be further compressed as the float assembly 300 moves along the LL to the top, compared to a more rigid, hard, and / or stiff material, to improve the seal around the inner end 224 of the valve orifice 220.

[0062] As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, ribbon 320 may be designed to quickly restore the fluid flow function of valve orifice 220 for fuel vapor release, e.g., when the liquid fuel level drops, thereby allowing float assembly 300 to move below its previous peak or limit. In certain embodiments, in such non-limiting scenarios, it may be desirable for the longitudinal movement of float assembly 300 to quickly follow the now-decreasing liquid level (e.g., liquid fuel) closely, thereby effectively and quickly exposing valve orifice 220 (e.g., vapor release valve passage) and restoring its ability to release unwanted fuel vapor. However, without the specific features discussed and disclosed herein, float assembly 300 may not be able to easily retract (e.g., downward) from its peak position based on a drop in liquid level (e.g., liquid fuel level in a tank). By way of example and not limitation, potential difficulty or resistance to downward movement of float assembly 300 may arise in certain cases and embodiments. This is because the instantaneous fluid pressure within the inner chamber 230 of the housing 200 located above the float assembly 300 tends to decrease based on the initial volumetric expansion of the inner chamber 230. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, the corresponding pressure drop above the float assembly 300 may prevent the float assembly 300 from moving away from its top (e.g., downward) based on the relative pressure differential created across the top surface of the float assembly 300 (i.e., between the top and bottom). Alternatively or additionally, relative pressure conditions within the valve orifice 220 (e.g., within the fuel vapor release passage) may tend to hold the ribbon 320 closed after it initially closes and seals against the valve orifice 220.In such circumstances, it may be desirable, for example, to deliberately (i.e., by design) and quickly reopen ribbon 320 in particular to equalize pressure above and below ribbon 320 and / or across float assembly 300, causing float assembly 300 to move in conjunction with the drop in liquid level, thereby exposing valve orifice 220 and the corresponding vapor release passage.

[0063] In certain embodiments, based on the seating and / or sealing position of the ribbon 320, the lower surface of the ribbon 320 may rest completely against the angled ramp 330 of the float assembly 300. In certain embodiments, separately or additionally, the upper surface of the ribbon 320 may be held in a sealing relationship against the similarly angled or inclined inner end 224 of the valve orifice 220. In certain embodiments, as shown in at least FIGS. 7 and 8 , air venting or other gas venting within the cavity 312 located at the ribbon interface 310 of the ramp 330 allows the ribbon 320 to better conform to the ribbon interface 310 and / or the valve orifice 220, e.g., for a tighter seating and / or sealing. In certain embodiments, one or more ridges, such as ridge 340, may prevent the ribbon 320 from collapsing, such as into the cavity 312 of the ribbon interface 310. In certain embodiments, cavity 312 may include an elongated section aligned with the longitudinal direction or axis of lamp 330 and / or ribbon 320 .

[0064] In certain embodiments, a first end of ribbon 320 may be associated with an upper attachment (e.g., first ribbon attachment 352). In certain embodiments, a second end of ribbon 320 may be associated with a lower attachment (e.g., second ribbon attachment 354). Further, in certain embodiments, ribbon 320 may be provided with ribbon slack 324 at the second end. In certain embodiments, ribbon slack 324 may spiral or loop (upward or downward) along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated extent of ribbon 320.

[0065] In certain embodiments, when a liquid level associated with the valve assembly 100, such as the liquid level in a fuel tank, initially drops below a level corresponding to the top of the float assembly 300, a resultant force acting on the float assembly 300 (e.g., a downward force and / or a force in a direction away from the top) may act on the ribbon 320 first at a relatively taut first end of the ribbon 320 secured to the first ribbon attachment 352. In certain embodiments, ribbon slack 324 provided at or near a relatively lower ribbon attachment (e.g., the second ribbon attachment 354) may prevent the resultant force from acting on the ribbon 320 first at the second end of the ribbon 320. As a result, in certain embodiments, the resulting peeling action or effect effectively and quickly pulls the first (upper) end of the tilted-seated ribbon 320 away from the valve orifice 220, thereby quickly neutralizing pressure differentials that may be preventing effective movement of the float assembly 300 away from its top (e.g., downward movement) along the longitudinal axis of motion LL. In certain embodiments, as the float assembly 300 continues to move away from the top, the second (lower) end of the ribbon may temporarily lose some of its slack, represented by ribbon slack 324, as the ribbon 320 temporarily lifts from above the ramp 330 of the float assembly 300.

[0066] While, in certain embodiments, ribbon slack 324 may facilitate rapid and effective reopening of valve orifice 220, as discussed above, providing ribbon slack 324 at the second end of ribbon 320 configured as one or more appropriately formed ribbon loops may, in certain embodiments, provide additional or alternative benefits related to sealing of valve orifice 220 by ribbon 320. By way of example and not limitation, based on the disclosed shape and / or material of ribbon 320 and the shape of the loop(s), ribbon slack 324 may function as a tensioned spring that stiffens ribbon 320 as ribbon 320 lifts inclined ramp 330 of float assembly 300, thereby preventing wrinkles, sagging, folding, or other undesirable deformation or misalignment of float assembly 300. By way of example and not limitation, high fluid flow rates near ribbon 320 can create significant pressures and / or forces based on their interactions and / or dynamics, which can displace, misalign, and / or otherwise prevent ribbon 320 from being effectively positioned relative to valve orifice 220. In certain embodiments, the beneficial aspects of ribbon slack 324 discussed above, including but not limited to the shape of one or more loops, can provide stiffness to ribbon 320. In certain embodiments, the beneficial aspects of ribbon slack 324 discussed above facilitate the ability to restrain and / or present ribbon 320 flat and aligned relative to valve orifice 220, thereby improving the sealing ability of ribbon 320 relative to valve orifice 220.

[0067] In certain embodiments, one or more channels, grooves, and / or notches, such as notch 314, may be provided in ribbon-interface 310. By way of example and not limitation, notch 314 may prevent air and / or other gases from being trapped within cavity 312 of ribbon-interface 310. By way of non-limiting example, without notch 314, a suction force or vacuum may form under ribbon 320 seated within ribbon-interface cavity 312, which may prevent ribbon 320 from being quickly and effectively peeled when the sealed configuration needs to be reopened.

[0068] Figure 11A is a schematic perspective view of a float assembly with a ribbon attached, Figure 11B is a schematic perspective view of a ribbon attachment clip, and Figure 12 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a float assembly with a ribbon attached, according to certain embodiments.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the ribbon attachments may have a structure and shape to appropriately secure and restrain the ribbons, as described herein. In certain embodiments, the ribbon attachments may be configured separately or additionally for durability, ease of manufacture, and / or ease of assembly. In certain embodiments, the ribbon attachments may include, by way of non-limiting example, one or more levers, clips, buttons, posts, split posts, notches, hinges, and / or snap fits. By way of non-limiting example, FIGS. 7 and 9A illustrate buttons on float assembly 300 as first ribbon attachment 352 and second ribbon attachment 354 configured to engage and secure respective through-holes 326 of ribbon 320. By way of example and not limitation, FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a particular embodiment of clip 356. By way of example and not limitation, FIGS. 11A-11B and 12 illustrate a particular embodiment of clip 356.

[0070] In certain embodiments, clip 356 may include one or more posts, such as post 358. In certain embodiments, one or more posts of clip 356 may be configured to pass through one or more through-holes 326 in ribbon 320. In certain embodiments, clip 356 may include one or more features including hooks or latches 357 that may be configured to engage with float assembly 300. In certain embodiments, float assembly 300 may be provided with an appropriate feature for engaging each hook or latch 357 of each clip 356. In certain embodiments, clip 356 may include one or more notch features, such as notch 359.

[0071] It is believed that the benefits and advantages of the inventive concept have been fully demonstrated in view of the disclosed exemplary embodiments.

[0072] others The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment and, where applicable, may be compatible and used in selected embodiments even if not specifically shown or described. For example, each feature described in one of the example embodiments may be combined with one or more other desired features of other embodiments to yield other embodiments that are not described in words or with reference to drawings, but are nonetheless fully contemplated. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure, illustrations, and / or claims. Such variations are fully contemplated herein and should not be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such variations are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0073] The terms used in the claims should be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner consistent with the foregoing description. For example, when the article "a" or "the" is used to introduce an element, it should not be construed as excluding a plurality of elements. Similarly, "or" should be interpreted as inclusive, and a reference to "A or B" does not exclude "A and B" unless it is clear from the context or the preceding description that only A and B are intended. Furthermore, a reference to "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as one or more of the group of elements consisting of A, B, and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B, and C, regardless of whether A, B, and C are categorically related. Furthermore, a reference to "A, B, and / or C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" should be interpreted as including any single entity of the listed elements (e.g., A), any subset of the listed elements (e.g., A and B), or the entire list of elements A, B, and C.

[0074] It should be noted that the figures provided herein may be diagrammatic, rather than literal or accurate. Components and aspects of the figures may not necessarily be drawn to scale. Furthermore, while similar reference labels or numbers often indicate corresponding parts throughout the different figures, similar parts are not necessarily labeled with similar reference numbers or labels in each figure. Furthermore, similar parts may not be labeled in all figures or drawings. Numerical ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as including the endpoints of the stated range. Specific axes, such as one or more rotational, lateral, and / or longitudinal axes, which may be omitted in some figures herein, should be interpreted as being present in all figures or situations to which they are referenced or to which they reasonably correspond.

Claims

1. 1. A valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising: a housing having an inner chamber, the inner chamber having an exhaust orifice in a top surface thereof in fluid communication with the exhaust port; a float assembly disposed within the inner chamber, the float assembly being movable along a longitudinal axis of the housing, the float assembly including a platform disposed on an upper surface of the float assembly, the platform being angled relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a membrane elongated along a longitudinal axis, the membrane including a first end secured to a first mounting portion of the float assembly, a second end opposite the first end secured to a second mounting portion of the float assembly, and a slack portion associated with the second end; the membrane is configured to cover and seal the exhaust orifice corresponding to an uppermost position of the float assembly along the longitudinal axis, and at least a portion of the membrane is supported by the platform; the membrane is configured to reopen the exhaust orifice upon movement of the float assembly away from the uppermost position, the reopening associated with the first end initiating peeling of the membrane from the exhaust orifice; at least a portion of the sagging portion of the membrane includes a curvature about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the membrane; Valve assembly.

2. The valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the exhaust orifice includes an elongated section aligned with a longitudinal axis of the membrane.

3. 2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the slack portion of the membrane facilitates aligning and restraining the membrane against an exhaust orifice, thereby facilitating sealing of the exhaust orifice.

4. The valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the top surface of the platform includes a cavity.

5. The valve assembly of claim 4 , wherein the cavity includes an elongated section aligned with a longitudinal axis of the platform.

6. The valve assembly of claim 4 , wherein the cavity includes protruding ridges oriented along a longitudinal axis of the platform.

7. The valve assembly of claim 4 , wherein the platform includes a channel or groove disposed around the periphery of the cavity.

8. The valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the float assembly further includes a hollow core section.

9. The valve assembly of claim 8 , wherein the hollow core section of the float assembly is slidably coupled to the housing of the valve assembly.

10. 2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting portion is offset from the second mounting portion along the longitudinal axis, and the first mounting portion is offset relative to the second mounting portion toward the upper surface of the inner chamber.

11. The valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the platform is angled at an angle between 5° and 30° relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

12. The valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the membrane comprises a fluoroelastomer.

13. The valve assembly of claim 12 , wherein the fluoroelastomer is reinforced with one or more polymers.

14. 2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein, corresponding to the uppermost position of the float assembly, at least a portion of the membrane is sandwiched between the platform and the exhaust orifice to seal the exhaust orifice.

15. 10. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a clip-on fastener for securing at least one of the first end or the second end of the membrane to a respective mounting portion of the float assembly.

16. 16. The valve assembly of claim 15, wherein the clip fastener includes a post configured to operatively couple to one or more of the membrane or the float assembly.

17. The valve assembly of claim 16 , wherein the membrane includes at least one through hole configured to engage the post.

18. 16. The valve assembly of claim 15, wherein the clip fastener includes one or more of a hook or a notch configured to operatively couple to the float assembly.

19. 1. A valve assembly system, comprising: a first valve assembly; a second valve assembly in fluid communication with the first valve assembly; an exhaust port in fluid communication with the first valve assembly; The first valve assembly includes: a housing having an inner chamber, the inner chamber having an exhaust orifice in a top surface thereof in fluid communication with the exhaust port; a float assembly disposed within the inner chamber, the float assembly being movable along a longitudinal axis of the housing, the float assembly including a platform disposed on an upper surface of the float assembly, the platform being angled relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a membrane elongated along a longitudinal axis, the membrane including a first end secured to a first mounting portion of the float assembly, a second end opposite the first end secured to a second mounting portion of the float assembly, and a slack portion associated with the second end; the membrane is configured to cover and seal the exhaust orifice corresponding to an uppermost position of the float assembly along the longitudinal axis, and at least a portion of the membrane is supported by the platform; the membrane is configured to reopen the exhaust orifice upon movement of the float assembly away from the uppermost position, the reopening associated with the first end initiating peeling of the membrane from the exhaust orifice; at least a portion of the sagging portion of the membrane includes a curvature about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the membrane; Valve assembly system.

20. 1. A method of assembling a valve assembly, the method comprising: providing a float assembly within the housing of the valve assembly by slidably coupling a core section of the float assembly to one or more guide structures of the housing; providing a platform on an upper surface of the float assembly, the platform being angled relative to a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing; securing a first end of a membrane to a first mounting portion of the float assembly, the membrane being elongated along a longitudinal axis and configured to cover and seal an exhaust orifice corresponding to an uppermost position of the float assembly along the longitudinal axis, at least a portion of the membrane being supported by the platform; and securing a second end of the membrane to a second mounting portion of the float assembly, wherein a slack portion of the membrane is associated with the second end, and at least a portion of the slack portion of the membrane includes a curvature about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the membrane. method.

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