Fuel Container Flame Mitigation Structure for Flow and Flashback Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flame mitigation devices (FMDs) for portable fuel containers are ineffective in suppressing flames while maintaining fluid flow, as they often have uniform small perforations that can lead to obstacles and inefficiencies in fluid transfer.
Innovation Solution
A flame mitigation device with a rigid hollow body featuring a split end, varying perforation sizes, and cantilevered retention members that absorb heat to prevent flashback explosions, while allowing high fluid flow through non-uniform perforations and a lattice structure for enhanced fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform small perforations are used in flame mitigation devices, then flame suppression capability is improved, but fluid flow efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the size of perforations in different locations rather than using uniform sizes throughout. The body includes a first portion with first-sized perforations and a second portion with second-sized perforations, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function (flame suppression vs. fluid flow)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of perforation size from uniform to non-uniform distribution. By varying the size parameter across different portions of the body, the device achieves both flame suppression (through smaller perforations) and maintains fluid flow efficiency (through larger perforations in certain regions)
2Reliability
If multiple small perforations are used to suppress flames, then flame arrestor effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the body into distinct portions (first portion and second portion) with different perforation characteristics. This segmentation allows the complex flame suppression function to be distributed across multiple regions rather than requiring all perforations to be uniformly complex
3Reliability
If uniform small perforations are used, then flame suppression is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By allowing different perforation sizes in different portions of the body, the patent reduces the manufacturing precision requirement for maintaining exact uniformity across all perforations. Each portion can be manufactured with appropriate precision for its specific perforation size requirement
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 device effectively suppresses flames by maintaining fluid flow and preventing flashback explosions, ensuring durability and ease of implementation without obstructing the use of portable fuel containers.
Implementation Method 1
the flame mitigation device is configured to absorb enough heat to drop the burning air/fuel mixture below its autoignition temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A flame mitigation device (FMD) for use within a portable fuel container includes a substantially rigid body extending along a center axis and having a plurality of perforations configured to provide fluid communication therethrough. The body further includes a split end comprising at least two prongs that have interior facing prong sidewalls diverging at an angle.