Float-Actuated Check Valve Assembly for Overfill Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves for propane tanks face challenges in overcoming frictional forces, leading to reduced effectiveness, slow responsiveness, or complete inhibition of fluid flow during the sealing process, which complicates the prevention of accidental overfilling.
Innovation Solution
A check valve assembly with a dual-force mechanism, featuring a cam with a lobe and valley profile and concentric biasing members that provide distinct force components to overcome frictional forces, ensuring quick and efficient sealing and opening of the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single biasing member is used in existing check valves, then the device complexity is reduced, but the valve cannot overcome frictional forces effectively, leading to reduced reliability and slow responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The single biasing member is segmented into two separate biasing members (first and second biasing members) that can provide distinct force components. This segmentation allows each biasing member to be optimized for specific functions: one for overcoming static friction to initiate movement, and another for maintaining sealing force, thereby improving reliability without requiring excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dual biasing member system creates a dynamic force application mechanism where forces are applied at different stages of valve operation. The first biasing member provides initial force to overcome friction and initiate piston movement, while the second biasing member provides additional force during the sealing process, creating a dynamic response that adapts to operational requirements
2Reliability
If frictional forces are increased for better sealing, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the valve responsiveness and flow control are inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system uses dynamic force application through two biasing members that activate at different operational stages. The first biasing member overcomes static friction to enable rapid response, while the second biasing member enhances sealing force during the sealing phase, creating a dynamic balance between responsiveness and sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the force parameter dynamically by using two separate biasing members that can be designed with different spring rates and pre-loads. This allows optimization of force characteristics for different operational phases: low force for rapid opening response, and high force for effective sealing, thereby resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and sealing effectiveness
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 dual-force mechanism effectively addresses the issue of frictional forces, enabling the check valve to automatically close and reopen efficiently, preventing overfilling while ensuring reliable fluid flow control.
Implementation Method 1
a float-based check is provided internally within the container, similar to a toilet. As the tank is filled or charged, the float rises
Implementation Method 2
In some check valves, a spring biases the piston toward the open position and the pressure of the fluid is sufficient to overcome this biasing force
Implementation Method 3
In still other examples, the piston is free-floating within the valve and pressure differentials above and below the piston may be used to control between the open and closed positions
Implementation Method 4
When the float reaches the upper limit of travel, the cam is rotated such that the cam extension moves away from the piston and the cam valley is now aligned therewith. As the cam extension moves away, the piston slips off the cam and into the cam valley by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve assembly includes a valve, cam and arm with float rotatably connected to the valve for insertion into a fluid storage container for filling of the container without overfilling. The valve includes a channel of narrowing diameter and restricting member movably retained within the channel. One end of the restricting member rides along the cam profile as the arm rotates the cam with the changing fluid levels. When the fluid reaches maximum fill level, the restricting member contacting the cam drops into the cam valley, driving the restricting member head into engagement with the channel neck walls and automatically sealing off the valve. First and second biasing members are disposed in the channel, preferably around the stem, and collectively provide counter force sufficient to overcome the frictional forces of the seal to open valve and move the restricting member upward.