Float-Activated Fill Cap for Spill-Free On-Demand Fueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel delivery systems are inefficient, prone to spills and leaks, and pose safety risks due to manual delivery methods, which can result in wasted time, resources, and potential hazards such as fires, especially in complex job sites with multiple fuel-consuming assets.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pressurized second tank fluidically coupled to a first tank, with a manifold and spigot mechanism that allows for on-demand fuel delivery to multiple fuel-consuming assets using a segmented hose and automated fill cap with a float-activated valve to prevent overfilling, ensuring continuous and safe fuel supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual fuel delivery method is used, then fuel can be delivered to fuel consuming assets, but the delivery process is time consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated fuel delivery where the fuel tank vehicle autonomously navigates to fuel consuming assets and the dispensing mechanism automatically transfers fuel without manual intervention, eliminating the time-consuming manual delivery process while maintaining productive fuel supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical delivery system with an automated system incorporating electronic controls, sensors, and automated dispensing mechanisms that can operate without human intervention, significantly improving fuel delivery efficiency and reducing time loss
2Reliability
If manual fuel delivery is performed, then fuel can be supplied to assets, but safety risks increase due to spills and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system self-regulates fuel transfer through controlled dispensing mechanisms and sensors that monitor fuel levels and flow rates, eliminating manual handling errors that cause spills and leaks while maintaining reliable fuel supply to assets
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and monitoring devices that provide real-time feedback on fuel levels, flow rates, and potential leak conditions, enabling automatic adjustment of dispensing parameters and immediate detection of safety issues before they result in spills or leaks
3Reliability
If manual monitoring of fuel levels is performed, then overfilling can be prevented, but personnel exposure to hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated sensors and control mechanisms that self-monitor fuel levels and automatically stop dispensing when the tank is full, eliminating the need for personnel to manually monitor fuel levels and reducing their exposure to hazardous environments while maintaining reliable overfill prevention
4Productivity
If multiple fuel consuming assets are serviced one at a time, then fuel can be delivered to each asset, but the process is inefficient and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank vehicle is designed with universal dispensing capabilities that can service multiple different fuel consuming assets using the same automated system, allowing efficient delivery to multiple assets in sequence or parallel without requiring separate manual operations for each asset
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 system enables efficient, safe, and automated fuel delivery to multiple assets simultaneously, reducing the risk of spills, improving operational efficiency, and minimizing exposure risks for personnel, while ensuring timely refueling without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a second tank pressurized and fluidically coupled to the manifold
Implementation Method 2
a fill cap with a float-activated valve to prevent overfilling
Data Source
AI summary
An improved fill cap for delivering a fluid from a fluid transporting mechanism to a fluid tank is disclosed. A connection plate is coupled to an opening of the fluid tank and a probe is disposed within the fluid tank and coupled to the connection plate at a first distal end. The fluid flows into the fluid tank through an outlet at a second distal end of the probe. A valve is disposed at the second distal end of the probe and is movable between an open position and a closed position to control fluid flow out of the probe outlet. An arm is coupled to the valve and moves the valve between the open and closed positions and a float is coupled to the arm that moves the arm depending on the level of fluid in the fluid tank.