Compact Hydrogen Tank Valve Assembly for Small Tank Necks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing OTV valves are difficult or impossible to apply to smaller hydrogen tanks due to the reduction in tank neck size, which is required for using multiple small tanks instead of a single large tank in fuel cell automotive systems.
Innovation Solution
The design of a compact OTV valve with an ejector body that integrates the ejector tube, stop element, and fixing holes, allowing for reduced space occupation and easier installation on smaller tank necks, while maintaining safety features like thermal safety devices and temperature sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing OTV valves are applied to smaller hydrogen tanks, then safety functions and hydrogen management capabilities are maintained, but the reduction in tank neck size makes application difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector tube, stop element, and fixing holes are integrated into a single ejector body component. This merging of previously separate parts into one unified component significantly reduces the overall space required for installation, enabling the OTV valve to be applied to smaller hydrogen tanks with reduced neck sizes while maintaining all necessary functions including safety features and hydrogen management capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple small tanks are used instead of a single large tank, then flexibility and space distribution in the vehicle are improved, but the reduced tank neck size creates installation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple functional elements (ejector tube, stop element, fixing holes) into a single compact ejector body reduces the volume occupied by the valve assembly, making it suitable for installation on smaller tank necks required when using multiple small tanks instead of one large tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector body is designed with a compact geometry that optimizes space utilization in multiple dimensions, allowing the valve to fit within the constrained space of reduced tank neck volumes while maintaining all necessary functional clearances and pathways.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A multifunction valve (4) for a high pressure hydrogen tank (2) for a fuel cell automotive system (1) comprises a one-piece ejector body (120), which is applicable to the head surface (17) of the valve body.