Anti-Siphon Obstruction Structure for Fuel Tank Backflow Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-siphon devices for fluid tanks, such as vehicle fuel tanks, often experience backflow and pressure buildup during fuel dispensation due to the obstruction design, which can impede fluid flow and lead to splashback or incomplete filling.
Innovation Solution
The anti-siphon device incorporates a chamber within the obstruction with an inlet aperture and multiple outlet apertures, creating a second flow passageway that allows fluid to flow from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture, reducing pressure buildup and enhancing fluid flow by directing it perpendicular to the main flow passageway, thereby minimizing backflow and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional obstruction design is used in anti-siphon devices, then the device structure is simple, but backflow and pressure buildup occur during fuel dispensation
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction is segmented into multiple functional zones: a conical portion for initial flow guidance, a cylindrical portion with circumferential outlets for pressure relief, and a flared outlet portion for flow expansion. This segmentation allows each zone to address specific flow control requirements, preventing backflow while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical portion with circumferential outlets acts as an intermediary element between the conical inlet and flared outlet. It mediates the fluid flow by providing multiple discharge paths that equalize pressure distribution, preventing the pressure buildup that would otherwise cause backflow in simpler obstruction designs
2Productivity
If the obstruction creates a direct flow path, then fluid flow rate is high, but pressure buildup causes backflow and turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the obstruction have different geometric properties optimized for their local function: the conical portion narrows to guide flow, the cylindrical portion provides uniform pressure distribution through circumferential outlets, and the flared outlet expands to reduce turbulence. This local optimization allows high flow rates without backflow
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential outlets in the cylindrical portion add a radial dimension to the flow path, distributing fluid discharge around the circumference rather than in a single direction. This dimensional change prevents pressure concentration and reduces backflow while maintaining overall productivity
3Reliability
If the obstruction has a large diameter to block siphon tubes, then anti-siphon effectiveness is improved, but pressure point formation increases backflow risk
Solution Approach 1:
The conical portion of the obstruction uses a curved, tapered geometry rather than a sharp edge or flat surface. This curvature gradually guides the fluid around the obstruction, preventing the formation of concentrated pressure points that would occur with abrupt geometric changes, thereby reducing backflow while maintaining anti-siphon effectiveness
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
This design reduces the risk and magnitude of backflow during fuel dispensation, ensuring smoother and faster filling of the tank by maintaining fluid flow rates and preventing the fuel dispensing nozzle from cutting off the supply.
Implementation Method 1
the inlet aperture, chamber, and outlet aperture defining a second flow passageway between the inlet aperture and the outlet aperture
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an anti-siphon device for securing in a fluid tank inlet. The anti-siphon device comprises a housing, an inlet to the housing adapted to receive a fluid dispensing nozzle, the inlet at a proximal end of the hosing, and an outlet at a distal end of the housing. The anti-siphon device further comprises an obstruction disposed within the housing, where an outer surface of the obstruction and an inner wall of the housing define a first flow passageway. The obstruction comprises, a chamber disposed within the obstruction and configured to receive fluid, an inlet aperture in a first portion of the obstruction, and an outlet aperture in a second portion of the obstruction, where the inlet aperture, chamber, and outlet aperture define a second flow passageway, the second flow passageway being configured such that, in use, fluid can flow from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture via the second flow passageway, whilst flows from the inlet to the outlet via the first flow passageway.