Fuel Container Valve Linkage for Controlled No-Tilt Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable fuel containers face challenges in controlling the flow rate and amount of fuel dispensed, leading to potential overfilling, which can be hazardous, wasteful, and damaging to equipment and the environment.
Innovation Solution
A fuel container design featuring a spout, outlet valve, air intake valve, and actuator that allows concurrent operation to control fluid flow, with a flow valve rod connecting the air intake and outlet valves, enabling precise control of fuel dispensing without the need to tilt the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple pour spout is used for fuel dispensing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision over fuel flow rate and amount deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air intake valve and fuel outlet valve into a single integrated valve assembly that operates together. When the outlet valve opens to dispense fuel, the air intake valve simultaneously opens to allow air entry, preventing vacuum formation and enabling controlled, complete drainage without requiring complex separate control mechanisms for each valve
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an air intake valve as an intermediary element that mediates the fuel dispensing process. By controlling air entry into the container, this valve indirectly regulates fuel flow rate and prevents overfilling, achieving precise flow control without complex direct measurement and control systems on the fuel outlet
2Ease of operation
If the gas can is tipped to pour fuel out, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of controlled dispensing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tipping-based pouring system with a valve-controlled dispensing system. Instead of relying on gravity and tilt angle to control fuel flow, the system uses an outlet valve that can be opened or closed to precisely control fuel dispensing, eliminating the unreliability of tilt-dependent flow control while maintaining simple operation through a single actuator
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated air intake valve provides implicit feedback control by regulating air entry based on fuel dispensing rate. As fuel flows out, air enters through the air intake valve to replace the displaced volume, automatically adjusting to maintain steady flow and prevent vacuum conditions that would disrupt dispensing reliability
3Productivity
If the nozzle opening size is increased to improve flow rate, then the productivity is improved, but the control precision over fuel amount deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the outlet valve that allows the valve opening to adjust during dispensing. The valve can be fully opened for rapid dispensing when needed, then partially closed or closed completely to stop flow precisely at the desired amount, enabling both high productivity during main dispensing and precise control at the end of the process
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
This design allows for controlled and efficient fuel dispensing, reducing the risk of overfilling and environmental damage by enabling precise management of fluid flow, making the process safer and more efficient.
Implementation Method 1
The outlet valve is positioned at the bottom end portion and operable to control fluid flow into the spout. The outlet valve may include a stopper plug that moves between a first position sealing closed a fluid path between the hollow interior and the spout, and a second position permitting fluid flow between the hollow interior and the spout.
Implementation Method 2
An air inlet is sometimes provided along the top side of the gas can to equalize pressure within the gas can for improved outflow of fuel through the nozzle. The air intake valve is positioned at the top end portion of the container.
Implementation Method 3
The actuator is operable to open both the outlet valve and the air intake valve. The actuator may be operable to concurrently open the outlet valve and the air intake valve.
Implementation Method 4
The container may also include a flow valve rod coupled between the air intake valve and the outlet valve. Operation of the air intake valve with the actuator moves the flow valve rod to operate the outlet valve.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel container includes a container, a spout, an outlet valve, an air intake valve, and an actuator. The spout is coupled to the container at a bottom end portion of the container. The outlet valve is positioned at the bottom end portion and operable to control fluid flow into the spout. The air intake valve is positioned at a top end portion of the container. The actuator is operable to open both the outlet valve and the air intake valve concurrently.