Fuel Container System with Gravitational Collection Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable fuel containers are prone to spilling and inefficient in dispensing fuel due to imprecise human operation and the difficulty in handling heavy containers, often resulting in wasted fuel.
Innovation Solution
A fuel container system with a flexible dispenser and a collection channel in the base section that allows gravitational drainage without tilting, featuring a one-way valve and flexible conduit for controlled fuel flow, minimizing spills and facilitating complete fuel extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional portable fuel containers are used with separate spouts, then fuel can be dispensed, but fuel spills occur due to imprecise human operation and difficulty in handling heavy containers
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible dispenser with a collection channel acts as an intermediary between the fuel container and the receiving vessel. The collection channel is positioned vertically lower than the rest of the fluid cavity, creating a gravitational pathway that guides fuel flow and prevents spills during dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection channel is designed to be vertically lower than the main fluid cavity, creating a gravitational potential difference that naturally directs fuel flow toward the dispensing outlet. This gravitational gradient ensures complete drainage without requiring the container to be tilted or manually manipulated.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional portable fuel containers are tilted to drain fuel, then more fuel can be dispensed, but the heavy container becomes difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The collection channel is designed to be vertically lower than the main fluid cavity, creating a gravitational potential difference that naturally directs fuel flow toward the dispensing outlet. This gravitational gradient ensures complete drainage without requiring the container to be tilted or manually manipulated.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravitational design of the collection channel enables the fuel container to drain itself automatically. The system uses its own weight and gravitational force to move fuel from the fluid cavity through the collection channel to the dispensing outlet, eliminating the need for manual tilting or external assistance.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional portable fuel containers are used, then fuel can be stored, but incomplete drainage results in wasted fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The collection channel is designed to be vertically lower than the main fluid cavity, creating a gravitational potential difference that naturally directs fuel flow toward the dispensing outlet. This gravitational gradient ensures complete drainage without requiring the container to be tilted or manually manipulated.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel container is segmented into two distinct regions: the main fluid cavity for storage and the vertically lower collection channel for complete drainage. This segmentation allows the container to maintain its storage capacity while ensuring that even the last remnants of fuel can be efficiently dispensed through the gravitational pathway.
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 effectively reduces fuel spills and allows for complete drainage of fuel without tilting, enhancing operational ease and efficiency in dispensing fuel into desired vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The collection channel can be configured to gravitationally draw fuel toward a low end of the collection channel when the fuel container is in an upright position
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a portable fuel container system which can facilitate extracting substantially all of the contents contained therein, without having to physically manipulate the container to do so, thereby minimizing spillage and waste. Embodiments of the fuel container system can include a fuel container enclosing a fluid cavity and a fluid dispenser. A collection channel may be recessed in the base section of the container and configured to gravitationally draw fluid to an end of the channel having an aperture, which forms a low point of the fluid cavity. A fluid dispenser can be coupled to the aperture and be in fluid communication with the cavity. The dispenser can include a valve and flexible conduit, allowing the user to position the dispenser to a desired location before activating the flow of fluid.