Flame Mitigation Device Stepped Ribs Fuel Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame arrestors in portable fuel containers, especially those made of metal, obstruct fuel flow and can cause static sparks, while those made of plastic lack effective grounding, leading to user dissatisfaction and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A flame mitigation device with a cylindrical body featuring stepped ribs to center fuel nozzles, reduce turbulence, and prevent splash, along with cantilevered retention members to secure the device within the container, and perforations for optimized fuel flow, all fabricated from synthetic resin to minimize static buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal flame arrestor is used in a portable fuel container, then flame and spark prevention is improved, but fuel flow obstruction and static spark generation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrestor uses a porous material structure with controlled pore sizes that allow fuel to pass through while blocking flame propagation. The porous structure provides sufficient open area to maintain fuel flow rates without obstruction, unlike traditional metal screen designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters of the flame arrestor from metal to a non-conductive porous material, which eliminates static spark generation while maintaining flame arrestment capability. The pore size and distribution are optimized to balance flame blocking effectiveness with fuel flow performance.
2Reliability
If a metal flame arrestor is used in a portable fuel container, then flame and spark prevention is improved, but user ease of operation worsens due to difficult insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrestor is designed as a segmented or modular component that can be easily inserted into and removed from the fuel container opening. The structure is divided into sections that facilitate handling and installation by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame arrestor incorporates flexible or movable elements that adapt to the container opening dimensions, allowing easy insertion and removal while maintaining a secure fit during operation. The dynamic design accommodates user handling requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a synthetic resin portable fuel container is used, then static buildup is reduced, but effective grounding for flame arrestor is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrestor serves as an intermediary component that provides a grounding path between the fuel nozzle and the container, even when the container is made of non-conductive synthetic resin. This mediator function allows static dissipation without requiring the container itself to be conductive.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional reliance on container grounding (mechanical/electrical system) with a self-contained grounding mechanism within the flame arrestor itself, using non-conductive materials that still provide static control through alternative mechanisms.
4Reliability
If a flame arrestor screen is used in the pouring nozzle, then explosion prevention is improved, but fuel splash back worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrestor screen uses a porous material structure with optimized pore geometry that allows fuel to pass through smoothly while blocking flame propagation. The pore structure is designed to minimize turbulence and prevent fuel splash back, unlike traditional solid screen designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame arrestor incorporates curved or rounded surface geometries that guide fuel flow smoothly through the device, reducing turbulence and preventing splash back. The curved surfaces eliminate sharp edges that would cause fuel to deflect and splash.
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 enhances fuel flow rates, reduces turbulence and splash, prevents accidental removal, and mitigates flame and vapor ignition risks, providing a user-friendly and safe fuel dispensing experience without the drawbacks of traditional metal flame arrestors.
Implementation Method 1
The stepped ribs are used to reduce turbulence of fuel passing through the body
Implementation Method 2
At least one indented fuel flow member extends from the interior of the annual rim and is used for decreasing the cyclonic effect of fuel flowing into the body
Implementation Method 3
The body and bottom wall of the FMD both include a plurality of substantially rectangular perforations or holes sized to provide at least a predetermined minimum volumetric flow rate
Implementation Method 4
all fabricated from synthetic resin to minimize static buildup
Data Source
AI summary
A flame mitigation device (FMD) for use within a portable fuel container includes a generally cylindrical body having an interior sidewall and exterior sidewall. An annular rim is configured at an upper end of the body and a bottom wall is further configured at a lower end of the body. The FMD includes one or more indented fuel flow members extending from the interior of the annual rim for decreasing cyclonic effect of fuel flowing into the body and a plurality of stepped ribs configured on the interior sidewall of the body for centering diesel and gasoline fuel pump nozzles when inserted into the body. A reverse domed shaped bottom help to disperse fuel though a plurality of substantially rectangular shaped holes through the side wall and bottom wall.