Float Probe Shutoff for Spill-Free On-Demand Fuel Filling
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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 lead to environmental hazards and operator injuries, and they often fail to manage fuel consumption rates effectively, resulting in wasted resources and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pressurized tank, manifold, and segmented hoses with pressure relief valves and automated fill caps that allow for on-demand fuel delivery to multiple fuel-consuming assets, ensuring efficient fuel distribution and preventing spills through recirculation of excess fuel and automated shut-off mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual fuel delivery is used, then simplicity of system is maintained, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service fuel delivery where the automated fuel delivery system monitors fuel levels and delivers fuel automatically without requiring manual intervention. The system includes automated sensors, control units, and delivery mechanisms that operate independently to monitor and replenish fuel in containers, eliminating the need for continuous human oversight while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If manual fuel delivery is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but safety risks increase due to spills and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor fuel levels, flow rates, and potential leakage conditions. This feedback is transmitted to a control unit that automatically adjusts delivery parameters or shuts off flow to prevent spills and leaks, maintaining operational simplicity while enhancing safety through automated monitoring and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation of fuel delivery parameters, automatically detecting and responding to potential safety issues without requiring human intervention. The automated control system manages fuel flow, monitors container conditions, and prevents safety hazards while maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring of fuel levels is required, then system simplicity is maintained, but operator exposure to harmful elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring of fuel levels through automated sensors and control mechanisms, eliminating the need for operators to physically check fuel levels or expose themselves to harsh environmental conditions. The automated system continuously tracks fuel consumption and triggers delivery operations without human presence at the fuel storage or delivery sites.
4Reliability
If continuous monitoring of fuel levels is implemented, then fuel safety is improved, but time and resources for manual monitoring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical monitoring with automated electronic sensors, control units, and digital monitoring systems. These automated components continuously track fuel levels and provide real-time data without requiring human intervention, thereby maintaining high monitoring accuracy while eliminating the time and resources that would otherwise be consumed by manual checking procedures.
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 safe, efficient, and continuous fuel delivery to multiple assets without manual intervention, reducing the risk of spills, operator exposure, and equipment damage, while optimizing fuel consumption based on individual asset needs.
Implementation Method 1
A first pressure relief valve is disposed on the fuel delivery coupling between the outlet of the tank and the first inlet of the manifold. The first pressure relief valve is set at a first predetermined pressure threshold. The first pressure relief valve opens when the back-pressure in the fuel delivery coupling exceeds the first predetermined pressure threshold and the first fluid is directed back to the tank through a first re-circulation inlet
Implementation Method 2
The probe comprises an inlet at a first distal end coupled to the connection plate and an outlet at a second distal end within the fluid tank. The inlet of the probe is fluidically coupled to the hydraulic connector and the fluid flows from the fluid transporting mechanism, through the hydraulic connector and into the probe through the probe inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A float probe configured to regulate fluid flow into a fluid container is disclosed. The float probe comprises an upper assembly having one or more outlets, a plurality of rods extending from the upper assembly to a lower assembly and a float assembly disposed between the upper assembly and the lower assembly. A first distal end of the rods is coupled to the upper assembly and a second distal end of the rods is coupled to the lower assembly. The rods extend along an outer surface of the float assembly and the float assembly is movable along the rods between a first position proximate to the upper assembly and a second position proximate to the lower assembly. The float assembly prevents fluid flow out of the outlets when disposed in the first position.