Tank Filler Neck Venting With Liquid Separation and Filter Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank systems face challenges in efficiently separating liquid fuel from air-fuel mixtures during refueling while maintaining a compact design and protecting the filter device from refueling and venting gases.
Innovation Solution
A tank filler neck with a liquid separator featuring a pivoting closure cover that interrupts the flow connection to the filter device during refueling, combined with a vortex flow mechanism in the annular separation chamber for effective fuel separation and a roll-over valve to prevent leakage during vehicle rollover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional filler neck is used without integrated liquid separation, then the dispensing system is simpler, but liquid product leaks along the inside surface of the filler neck and contaminates the valve assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filler neck and liquid separator into a single integrated component. The liquid separator is formed as an integral part of the filler neck, with the separator's outlet directly connected to the filler neck's outlet. This merging eliminates the need for separate liquid separation and dispensing components, preventing liquid leakage while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated filler neck performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the filling conduit and the liquid separation device. The filler neck structure incorporates internal geometry that separates liquid from aerosol, allowing one component to fulfill both filling and liquid removal functions, thereby improving reliability without adding device complexity.
2Reliability
If separate liquid separator and filler neck components are used, then liquid can be removed from aerosol, but the system requires multiple parts that increase assembly complexity and potential leak points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filler neck and liquid separator into one integrated component, eliminating the interfaces between separate parts where leaks could occur. The integral construction ensures that the aerosol flow path from the separator outlet to the filler neck outlet is continuous and sealed, reducing leak points and contamination risk while maintaining the liquid separation function.
3Ease of manufacture
If the filler neck has smooth internal surfaces, then manufacturing is easier, but liquid product adheres to the walls and is dispensed with the aerosol
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different regions of the filler neck. The upper portion has a rough internal surface that promotes liquid adhesion and prevents liquid from reaching the outlet, while the lower portion maintains smoother surfaces for proper aerosol flow. This localized differentiation of surface quality allows the structure to be manufactured relatively easily while achieving the desired liquid retention effect.
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
Achieves high separation efficiency of liquid fuel from air-fuel mixtures with a compact design, protecting the filter device from refueling and venting gases, and preventing fuel leakage, thus optimizing the refueling process and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The filler neck is rotated during filling to generate a centrifugal force that forces liquid product against the outer surface of the filler neck
Implementation Method 2
The upper internal surface of the filler neck has a rough surface that adheres any liquid product that is present
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tank filler neck (100) located at the upper end of a filling pipe (110) that leads to a fuel tank, said tank filler neck comprising a liquid separator (140) which is attached to the upper end of the filling pipe (110) and which has: a separation chamber which is fluidically connected to the filling pipe (110) and to which a ventilation line of the fuel tank is connected; and an outlet chamber which is fluidically connected to the filling pipe (110) and to which a filter device is connected. According to the invention, a pivotally mounted closure cap (160) is provided by means of which an outlet region of the outlet chamber is closed when a nozzle (200) is inserted into the filling pipe (110), thereby interrupting the fluidic connection to the filter device.