Multi-port Fuel Tank Fitting for CNG System Simplification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel systems for vehicles, such as CNG systems, face complexity and potential failures due to the need for additional conduits, connectors, and valves, which can lead to fuel leaks and safety risks if a shut-off valve or PRD fails to operate properly, especially when controlling fuel flow from multiple tanks.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of fuel tank fittings that facilitate direct fluid communication between fuel tanks and valves like PRDs or shut-off valves, reducing the need for additional conduits and valves, allowing for a single set of PRDs and shut-off valves to control all tanks, and incorporating a plug for testing without pressurizing the tank, with a burst pressure between 10,000 and 36,000 psi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional conduits, connectors, and valves are used to control fuel flow from multiple fuel tanks, then each fuel tank can be individually controlled, but the system complexity increases and the potential for fuel leaks and failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank fitting is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a shut-off valve control point and a PRD (pressure relief device) connection point. A single fitting with multiple ports allows one set of valves to control fuel flow from multiple fuel tanks, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each tank and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining individual tank control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional conduits, connectors, and valves are used to control fuel flow from multiple fuel tanks, then each fuel tank can be individually controlled, but the potential for fuel system failures and leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the fitting to handle multiple functions (shut-off control and pressure relief) through a single integrated component, the number of potential failure points is reduced. The multi-port fitting allows one set of valves to control multiple tanks, reducing the total number of valves and connectors in the system, thereby improving reliability while maintaining individual tank control.
3Device complexity
If a single set of PRDs and shut-off valves controls all fuel tanks, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to respond to events at various locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting incorporates multiple ports arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations. This allows a single set of valves to control fuel flow from multiple tanks while the PRDs can be positioned at various locations around the fuel system. The multi-port configuration enables strategic positioning of safety devices without requiring additional valve sets for each location.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional fuel tank connections are used, then fuel flow control is achieved, but testing and commissioning require pressurization of the fuel tank
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is designed with a separate test port that is isolated from the fuel tank interior. This allows testing and commissioning of the fuel lines and fitting components to be performed independently without requiring pressurization of the fuel tank itself. The segmented design enables separate access to different functional areas for maintenance and testing purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure includes fuel tank fittings, fuel systems and fueling stations having the same, and related methods. Some fuel tank fittings have a first end including a connector configured to be sealingly coupled to an outlet of a fuel tank, wherein the connector has a connection axis, a second end including two or more first ports, each positioned such that the connection axis does not extend therethrough, a first interior passageway extending from the connector, and two or more second interior passageways connecting the first interior passageway to the first ports such that, for each of the first ports, fluid is permitted to flow from the connector, through the first interior passageway, through one or more of the second interior passageways, and out of the first port without flowing through a valve.