Balanced Poppet Float Vent Valve for Fuel Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Float operated vent valves require significant force to open against internal pressure in fuel tanks due to high pressure forces acting on the poppet member, leading to increased size and weight in existing designs.
Innovation Solution
The vent valve design includes a poppet member with a sealing portion and a float member connected to it, where the sealing portion moves perpendicular to the internal pressure forces, allowing the valve to open with minimal additional force required, using a spring member to assist in operation and reducing size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the weight of the poppet member and/or float member is increased to achieve sufficient release force against internal pressure, then the valve can open against high internal pressure, but the size and weight of the vent valve increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by positioning the float member on the poppet member such that the float's weight acts as a counterbalancing force against the internal pressure forces. The float member is positioned to create a moment that opposes the force pressing the seal against the valve seat, allowing the valve to open with minimal additional force rather than requiring excessive weight in the poppet member itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the float member to a distal end of the poppet member along its longitudinal axis, utilizing the length dimension of the poppet member to create a lever arm effect. This dimensional arrangement allows the float's weight to generate sufficient counterbalancing moment without increasing the cross-sectional area or overall bulk of the valve components.
2Force
If the float member is provided on a distal end of a lever arm that extends from the poppet member to increase release force, then the valve can open against internal pressure, but the size of the vent valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the poppet member multi-functional by having it serve both as the sealing element (with seal and valve seat engagement) and as the lever arm structure that supports the float member at its distal end. This eliminates the need for a separate lever arm component, achieving the required mechanical advantage without increasing the number of parts or overall valve size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of the lever arm with the poppet member itself. The poppet member's longitudinal structure is utilized to position the float member at its distal end, combining the sealing function and the moment-generating lever function into a single integrated component, thereby avoiding additional size increase from separate lever arm structures.
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 design allows the vent valve to open with little to no additional force beyond the weight of the poppet and float members, effectively managing internal pressure without increasing the valve's size or weight, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
when fuel in the tank rises above a predetermined level, the float member may rise with the fuel
Implementation Method 2
using a spring member to assist in operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vent valve may include, among other things, a valve body having an inlet opening and an outlet opening forming a flow path. The inlet opening may be oriented in a first direction and the outlet opening may be oriented in a second direction. A poppet member may be provided on or about the valve body and can be configured for movement between an opened position and a closed position relative to the inlet opening. The poppet member may be movable along the valve body in a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction of the inlet opening. A float member may be attached or operatively connected to the poppet member, the float member configured to move the poppet member between the first and second positions.