Closed Loop Aviation Fuel Sampling System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing aviation fuel for free water contamination are messy and prone to introducing additional contamination, such as water from rain, when sampling fuel from an aircraft fuel handling system.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop system that allows aviation fuel to flow directly from the fuel handling system into an optically transparent vial containing a powdered chemical, which changes color upon contact with free water, using a collection vessel with a valve assembly to control fluid communication and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fuel is drawn from the fueling system into an open container for testing, then the sampling process is simple and accessible, but the fuel sample becomes contaminated by external sources such as rain water
Solution Approach 1:
A closed-loop sampling system with a needle inserted through a rubber stopper serves as an intermediary mechanism. The needle allows fuel to be drawn from the fueling system while the rubber stopper and closed container prevent external contaminants from entering the sample, thus mediating between accessibility and contamination prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a closed, isolated environment for fuel sampling. By maintaining a sealed system from the fueling source through the sampling container, the fuel sample is protected from external atmospheric contaminants such as rain water, creating an inert sampling environment
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed loop system with valve assembly and needle is used to prevent contamination, then contamination is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into distinct functional segments: a valve assembly for controlling fuel flow, a needle for penetrating the container stopper, a sampling container for holding the sample, and a hypodermic needle for transfer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls the opening and closing of the sampling system, directs fuel flow through the needle, and can be integrated with the container structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining contamination prevention
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 system effectively isolates the fuel sample from external contaminants, ensuring accurate testing by maintaining a sealed environment during sampling and reducing the risk of contamination, allowing for reliable detection of free water in aviation fuel.
Implementation Method 1
a spring having one end and a spaced apart other end, the spring surrounding at least a portion of the elongate shaft, the one end abutting an inner surface of the fluid chamber and the other end abutting the one end of the valve body, the spring urging the valve assembly to position wherein the fluid communication path is normally closed
Data Source
AI summary
A closed loop system for obtaining a sample of a fluid from a source of fluid is disclosed, the system including a collection vessel having a fluid chamber disposed therein. A valve assembly is disposed within the collection vessel and adapted to selectively open and close a fluid communication path between the fluid chamber and an associated fluid receptacle. An inlet provides a fluid communication path between the source of fluid and the fluid chamber, and an outlet provides a fluid communication path between the fluid chamber and a fluid recovery system.