Auto-Shutoff Fuel Dispensing Container with Venturi Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refueling containers for vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, and PWCs often result in overfilling and environmental contamination due to the difficulty in controlling fuel flow, especially when refueling larger vehicles, as existing no-spill systems are inadequate and require multiple containers, leading to increased spill risks.
Innovation Solution
A portable overflow prevention dispensing container equipped with an auto-shutoff sensor, integrated handles, and a nozzle that uses the Venturi effect to automatically stop fuel flow once the tank is full, preventing spills and environmental contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual fuel flow control is used in refueling containers, then the user can control the fuel dispensing process, but overfilling occurs and fuel spills contaminate the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic shutoff mechanism that uses a float indicator or sensor to detect fuel level in the vehicle tank and provides feedback to stop fuel flow when the tank is full, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and preventing overfilling spills
Solution Approach 2:
The refueling system performs self-monitoring and self-shutoff functions through automatic fuel level detection mechanisms, allowing the system to regulate its own operation without continuous human intervention and prevent contamination
2Reliability
If small no-spill containers with button control are used, then fuel spill is prevented for small tanks, but multiple containers are required for larger vehicles increasing spill risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a large-capacity refueling container (5-25 gallons) that can refill entire vehicle tanks in one operation, making the system universal for various vehicle sizes and eliminating the need for multiple containers or refueling operations
3Temperature
If small no-spill containers are used for large vehicles, then the container size is manageable, but manipulating the control button becomes difficult increasing spill risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual button operation with automatic shutoff functionality that monitors fuel level and stops flow autonomously, eliminating the need for users to manipulate small controls under difficult conditions
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
Enables efficient and safe refueling of larger vehicles by preventing overfilling and minimizing environmental contamination through precise control of fuel flow, ensuring easy handling and secure operation in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
an auto-shutoff sensor that allows the user to position the nozzle inside the fuel tank, began filling the fuel tank, and have the apparatus automatically stop the refueling operations before fuel is spilled
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus may utilize a Venturi to autosense when the fuel tank is full and prevent further flow into the fuel tank
Implementation Method 3
The Venturi creates a low-pressure area that then starts sucking air in through the auto shutoff sensor 114 and as long as this air flow continues through the auto shutoff sensor 114 fuel will then be drawn into the valve mechanism 202
Data Source
AI summary
An overflow prevention dispensing container comprising a portable container having at least one handle means, a nozzle, at least one air vent, at least one liquid fill aperture, and fill aperture cover; a dispensing handle having a valve mechanism; and at least one release; an automatic shutoff sensing means for sensing the level of fluid in a receiving tank and stopping the flow of liquid into the receiving tank when it is full, whereby the container is placed in a position to dispense liquid to the receiving tank, the operator activates the dispensing handle allowing liquid to freely flow into the receiving tank until the apparatus senses the level of the liquid in the receiving tank to be desired level at which time the flow will automatically be stopped.