CNG Dispensing Nozzle Integrated Actuator Valve Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzles for dispensing compressed natural gas (CNG) lack a robust and intuitive valve arrangement, making them difficult to operate quickly and easily, which can lead to inadvertent dispersal and pressure build-up issues.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring a robust valve arrangement with an inlet valve, vent valve, and a slide component, actuated by a manually movable lever, allowing for intuitive operation by directly opening the inlet valve and closing the vent valve when the actuator is moved from a lower to an upper position, ensuring secure fluid dispensing and controlled venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple valves are included to prevent inadvertent dispersal and pressure build-up, then safety and reliability are improved, but the valve arrangement becomes complex and difficult to operate intuitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (inlet valve, vent valve, and filler valve control) into a single integrated actuator mechanism. Moving the actuator between first and second positions simultaneously opens the inlet valve, closes the vent valve, and controls the filler valve, eliminating the need for separate manual operations for each valve while maintaining safety functions
Solution Approach 2:
The valve arrangement is configured so that the vent valve is automatically closed before the inlet valve opens during actuator movement. This preliminary action ensures pressure equalization occurs before fluid dispensing begins, preventing pressure build-up issues while maintaining a simple single-handed operation sequence
2Reliability
If a robust valve arrangement is implemented to ensure safe dispensing, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve control functions are merged into a single actuator mechanism that operates the inlet valve, vent valve, and filler valve through one integrated movement sequence, reducing device complexity while maintaining robust safety functions
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it opens the inlet valve, closes the vent valve, and controls the filler valve. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for each valve, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring reliable safe dispensing operation
3Ease of operation
If quick and easy operation is enabled through simplified valve control, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of inadvertent dispersal may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vent valve closes automatically as a preliminary action before the inlet valve opens during actuator movement. This ensures pressure equalization occurs first, preventing inadvertent dispersal caused by pressure differentials, while the entire sequence remains controllable through a single actuator movement
Solution Approach 2:
The valve arrangement provides inherent feedback through the sequential operation mechanism: the vent valve must close before the inlet valve can open, creating a built-in safety interlock that prevents inadvertent dispersal while maintaining quick single-handed operation
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing nozzle including a nozzle body defining a fluid path therein and configured such that fluid is flowable through the fluid path in a downstream direction. The nozzle includes an inlet valve in the fluid path and a vent valve in the fluid path positioned downstream of the inlet valve. The nozzle further includes a slide component positioned between the vent valve and the inlet valve, and an actuator that is manually movable between a first position and a second position. The actuator is operatively coupled to the slide component and configured such that operation of the actuator from the first position to the second position directly or indirectly causes the inlet valve to open and directly or indirectly causes the vent valve to close.