AdBlue Dispensing Nozzle with Sensor-Controlled Dual Flow Rates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fueling nozzles for motor vehicles, particularly diesel cars, face challenges in efficiently dispensing AdBlue due to varying tank sizes and filler neck designs, leading to either underfilled tanks or overflow issues, especially with stricter emission standards requiring higher AdBlue volumes.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing valve with adjustable maximum volume flows, controlled by a sensor device interacting with a signal generator, allows for adaptable flow rates based on the tank design, enabling efficient filling of both small and large AdBlue tanks without external energy sources, ensuring safe and quick refueling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standard nozzle with fixed flow rate is used, then the nozzle structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different tank sizes leading to underfilled or overflowed tanks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different tank sizesVSAvoidnozzle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle employs a main valve with variable opening degree controlled by an actuating lever, transforming a fixed flow rate system into a dynamic one. The valve opening can be adjusted continuously from fully closed to fully open positions, allowing the flow rate to adapt to different tank capacities while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure without complex electronic controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the flow rate is increased to reduce refueling time, then productivity improves, but the risk of overflow in small tanks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefueling speedVSAvoidoverflow prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle incorporates a sensor line connected to the tank that detects liquid level changes and provides feedback to the control mechanism. When the tank reaches its capacity, the feedback signal automatically closes the main valve, stopping the flow. This feedback mechanism enables high flow rates during the filling process while reliably preventing overflow, resolving the contradiction between productivity and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If a high flow rate nozzle is used for large tanks, then refueling time is reduced, but small tanks cannot be filled properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefueling timeVSAvoidcompatibility with different tank types
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle is designed with a universal applicability through its variable flow rate capability. The same nozzle can serve both large trucks and small cars by adjusting the main valve opening degree. The actuating lever allows the operator to control the flow rate according to the tank size, making the nozzle multi-functional and compatible with different vehicle types without requiring separate nozzles for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The valve ensures efficient and time-saving refueling by adjusting flow rates according to tank size, preventing overflow and ensuring compatibility with different tank designs, thus addressing the inefficiencies of standard nozzles and meeting stringent emission requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor device which is designed to interact with a signal generator assigned to the tank of the motor vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3369700B1Dispensing nozzle for two maximum flow-rates
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 ELAFLEX HIBY GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3369700B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3369700B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3369700B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a liquid into the tank of a motor vehicle. According to the invention, the following is provided: a) the dispensing nozzle has a first adjustable maximum flow rate, b) the dispensing nozzle has a second adjustable maximum flow rate, which is higher than the first adjustable maximum flow rate, c) a control device (24, 25) by means of which either the first or the second maximum flow rate can be selected, d) a sensor device (20, 21) which is designed to interact with a signal transmitter (29) associated with the tank of the motor vehicle and which controls the control device.