Dual-Diameter Fuel Inlets With Three-Way Valve for Nozzle Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles are not compatible with both large-diameter and small-diameter fuel supply nozzles, leading to inefficiencies in fueling as fuel stations may only have one type of nozzle, resulting in longer fueling times.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle is designed with two fuel inlets of different diameters, connected via a three-way valve, allowing compatibility with both large-diameter and small-diameter fuel supply nozzles, and an optional attachment for vehicles with a single inlet to accommodate nozzles of varying sizes, including communication devices for secure connection and efficient fueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle is equipped with a single fuel inlet, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different fuel supply nozzles is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel inlet system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both a first fuel inlet with a large inner diameter and a second fuel inlet with a small inner diameter. This allows the same vehicle fueling system to accommodate both large-diameter and small-diameter fuel supply nozzles, achieving multi-functionality and broad compatibility without requiring different vehicles for different nozzle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel inlet system is segmented into two distinct inlets: a first fuel inlet with a large inner diameter for high-flow fuel supply, and a second fuel inlet with a small inner diameter for compatibility with smaller nozzles. This segmentation allows each inlet to be optimized for specific nozzle types while working together to provide universal compatibility.
2Productivity
If a large-diameter fuel supply nozzle is used, then the fueling speed is high, but the compatibility with conventional single-inlet vehicles is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The second fuel inlet with a small inner diameter acts as an intermediary component that enables compatibility between large-diameter fuel supply nozzles and conventional single-inlet vehicles. When a large-diameter nozzle is used with a vehicle equipped with only a second (small-diameter) inlet, the system maintains compatibility while still achieving efficient fueling through the first inlet when available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by providing two fuel inlets with different inner diameter parameters. The first fuel inlet has a large inner diameter parameter optimized for high-speed fueling with large nozzles, while the second fuel inlet has a small inner diameter parameter optimized for compatibility with smaller nozzles and conventional vehicles. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction between fueling speed and compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two fuel inlets are provided in the vehicle, then the compatibility with different nozzle sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first fuel inlet and the second fuel inlet are merged into a single integrated fuel inlet system that works together to provide universal compatibility. Both inlets are connected to the fuel tank and can operate independently or in conjunction, combining their different capabilities (large diameter for speed, small diameter for compatibility) into one unified system without requiring separate fueling infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may include: a fuel tank; a first fuel inlet connected to the fuel tank and configured to connect to a fuel supply nozzle; and a second fuel inlet connected to the fuel tank and configured to connect to the fuel supply nozzle. An inner diameter of the second fuel inlet may be smaller than an inner diameter of the first fuel inlet.