Electromechanically Operated Fuel Nozzle Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel nozzles have limited flow rate settings, which can lead to overfilling or slow refueling due to their mechanical operation and lack of adjustability, making them inefficient for different vehicle types.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanically operated fuel nozzle with multiple flow rate settings, including maximum, minimum, and intermediate flows, achieved through a plurality of electromechanically operated valves configured in parallel, controlled by an electronic board to selectively actuate the valves and provide precise flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical-manual operation with limited flow settings is used, then device complexity is reduced, but flow control precision and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel dispensing system is segmented into multiple independent electromechanically operated valves (first valve, second valve, third valve), each capable of independent actuation. This segmentation allows the electronic board to selectively open or close individual valves to achieve different flow rate settings (first, second, third, and fourth settings), providing precise flow control without requiring a single complex mechanical adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical-manual valve operation system with an electromechanical system. Instead of manually adjusting a single valve mechanism, the system uses electronic signals from the electronic board to actuate multiple electromechanical valves. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical flow adjustment mechanisms while providing superior adaptability through electronic control of multiple valves.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single electromechanical valve with continuous adjustment is used, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single electromechanical valve with continuous adjustment capability, the system segments the flow control function across multiple discrete electromechanical valves. Each valve can be independently actuated by the electronic board to provide specific flow rate settings. This approach achieves precise flow control through discrete valve combinations rather than requiring a single complex continuously adjustable valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures flow rates by selectively actuating different combinations of electromechanical valves based on the required flow setting. The electronic board controls which valves are open or closed to achieve the desired flow rate, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than relying on a single valve with fixed adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electromechanically operated valves are used, then flow control precision and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the flow control function across multiple electromechanical valves, each contributing to specific flow rate settings. By segmenting the valve system into discrete controllable units, the electronic board can achieve multiple flow rate settings through different valve combinations, providing adaptability without requiring each individual valve to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electromechanical valves are used to provide universal flow control capability across different flow rate settings. Each valve can serve multiple functions depending on which other valves are actuated, allowing the system to achieve various flow rates (first, second, third, and fourth settings) through different combinations of the same valve set, reducing the need for entirely separate valve systems for each setting.
4Ease of manufacture
If mechanical lever operation is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical lever operation with an electromechanical valve system controlled by an electronic board. Instead of requiring users to manually adjust mechanical levers to change flow rates, the system electronically actuates appropriate electromechanical valves based on selected flow rate settings, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized electromechanical components.
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 solution provides improved flow control, safety, reliability, and ease of operation, allowing for compact and economical design with reduced energy consumption, enabling seamless refueling of various vehicles without the limitations of traditional nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanically operated valve for opening and closing a fuel-dispensing pipe
Implementation Method 2
The fuel nozzle includes a plurality of electromechanically operated valves, each configured to, upon actuation, permit a predetermined portion of the maximum flow through a fuel-dispensing pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
An electromechanically operated fuel nozzle having at least four flow rate settings including maximum flow, minimum flow, and a plurality of intermediate flows. The fuel nozzle includes a plurality of solenoid valves, each configured to, upon actuation, permit a predetermined portion of the maximum flow through a fuel-dispensing pipe. The fuel nozzle also includes an electronic board configured to, in response to input indicating selection of a particular one of the flow rate settings, selectively actuate one or more of the solenoid valves such that the predetermined portions provide the particular one of the flow rate settings.