Float Valve Support Slit Structure to Suppress Noise and Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices for fuel tanks generate impact sounds when the float valve descends and are prone to floating due to fluid flow from the fuel tank, particularly during fuel filling, as the large opening areas in the elastic grooves allow air to pass through and push the float valve up.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a housing featuring a continuous slit over the peripheral and bottom walls, forming a deflectable and deformable elastic piece with a free end that supports the float valve, reducing the opening area and minimizing fluid flow through the bottom wall, thus suppressing impact sounds and preventing the float valve from floating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If arc-shaped split grooves are formed in the case to support the float body, then the float valve is supported, but the opening area is large causing fluid to pass through and the float valve to float
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic piece formed by a continuous slit that extends over the peripheral wall and bottom wall. This elastic piece acts as a flexible thin film structure that supports the float valve while minimizing fluid passage, resolving the contradiction between support stability and fluid flow prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The slit extends in multiple dimensions - over the peripheral wall and into the bottom wall - creating a three-dimensional elastic piece rather than a simple two-dimensional groove. This dimensional extension allows the structure to provide support while reducing the effective opening area for fluid passage.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the float valve is supported by an elastic piece with a slit, then impact sound is suppressed, but the opening area allows fluid to push the float valve up
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic piece formed by the continuous slit functions as a flexible thin film that provides impact sound suppression through elastic deformation while simultaneously reducing the opening area to prevent fluid from pushing the float valve upward.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the slit on the bottom wall is shortened to reduce opening area, then fluid flow is reduced, but the elastic piece becomes less deformable
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous slit extends over the peripheral wall and into the bottom wall, creating a three-dimensional elastic piece. This allows the bottom wall portion to be short (reducing fluid flow) while the overall elastic piece remains long and deformable due to its extension in multiple dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic piece is segmented into different functional regions: the portion extending over the peripheral wall provides deformability, while the portion extending into the bottom wall provides support with minimal fluid passage. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its function.
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 design enhances impact sound suppression and prevents the float valve from floating by allowing the elastic piece to be elongated and easily deflected, reducing fluid flow and maintaining effective deformation, thereby improving the valve's functionality as a cut valve or overfilling suppression valve.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable and deformable elastic piece is formed via the slit. The elastic piece has a free end on the bottom wall, and the free end is provided with a float valve support portion configured to support the float valve
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device includes: a housing including a peripheral wall, a bottom wall, and a partition wall; and a float valve accommodated in a valve chamber to be able to ascend and descend, thereby opening and closing an opening portion. A slit extends continuously over the peripheral wall and the bottom wall, and a deflectable and deformable elastic piece is formed via the slit. The elastic piece has a free end on the bottom wall, and the free end is provided with a float valve support portion configured to support the float valve.