Aircraft Fuel Additive Container Valve for Precise Portable Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for introducing additives into aircraft fuel are complex, require significant volume and weight, and involve high costs due to the need for large tanks and precise electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact, ergonomic container with a innovative valve system for storing, dispensing, and transporting aircraft additives, featuring a pressurization and containment bag, recyclable materials, and a user-friendly design that eliminates the need for specialized operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large capacity tanks (2-3 liters) are used to store additive reserve, then the additive can be introduced into the fuel tank, but the weight increases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additive storage system is segmented into multiple smaller containers (e.g., several 500ml containers instead of one 2-3 liter tank). This reduces the weight of any single container while maintaining the total additive reserve capacity, thereby reducing overall mixer weight and fuel consumption without compromising the quantity of additive available.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing storage capacity in a single dimension (larger tank), the system transitions to a multi-dimensional approach by using multiple smaller containers that can be distributed and managed separately. This dimensional change allows the same total volume of additive to be stored with reduced individual container weight and improved system flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If high precision dosing pumps and electronic units are used to maintain constant additive-fuel ratio, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the additive containers are designed to automatically dose the correct amount of additive through passive flow control features (such as calibrated orifices, capillary action, or pressure-balanced designs). This eliminates the need for complex electronic dosing units and high-precision pumps, maintaining dosing precision while significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes disposable or easily replaceable additive containers with built-in dosing mechanisms. These simple, low-cost containers are designed for single-use or limited-use cycles, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, and maintenance-intensive electronic dosing systems. The containers themselves perform the dosing function, making the overall system simpler and more cost-effective.
3Quantity of substance
If large capacity tanks are used for additive storage, then additive reserve is sufficient, but the volume and transport difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The additive storage is segmented into multiple smaller containers that can be distributed within the fuel system or transported separately. This segmentation reduces the volume of any single container while maintaining the total additive reserve, making the system more compact and easier to transport and maneuver in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The smaller additive containers are designed to be nested within each other or within the fuel tank structure when not in use. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume occupied by the additive storage system, allowing sufficient additive reserve to be maintained while reducing the space required for transport and storage.
Data Source
AI summary
Container (100) with valve for storing, dispensing and transporting aircraft fuel additives, which allows speeding up and simplifying the mixing and refueling process, through numerous smart functions and an innovative valve system (40). The invention uses recyclable materials, reduces the mixing action time and/or the need to mix large quantities of liquids, guarantees the safety of things and people in the work area and is easily transportable due to its ergonomic and compact shape. The device comprises a body (10) capable of resisting impacts; a hermetic sealing system (12) to protect the contents; a coupling system (16); a sensor or a level gauge (17) connected, possibly where the working environment allows it, to an alarm system (14), suitable to warn the operator of the exhaustion of the additive by means of a luminous LED signal.