Fuel Coupling Vacuum Shutoff Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems for fuel fleet vehicles face challenges in preventing fuel leakage and efficiently shutting off fuel flow when the tank reaches full capacity, particularly in dry disconnect and vacuum shutoff systems.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with a housing that includes a nozzle chamber, valve chamber, intake chamber, outlet chamber, and vacuum chamber, featuring a main valve and poppet valve that opens and closes to control fuel flow, utilizing a venturi effect and air uptake conduit to seal the system when the tank is full, preventing further fuel dispensing and minimizing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a main valve and poppet valve system is used to control fuel flow, then fuel flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the main valve and poppet valve into a single integrated coupling assembly with unified housing and coordinated valve mechanisms. The main valve housing and poppet valve are mechanically linked through shared components such as the valve stem and actuation mechanism, reducing the number of separate assemblies while maintaining dual-valve functionality for reliable fuel flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly serves multiple functions through its valve system: the main valve provides primary fuel flow control and shut-off, the poppet valve provides secondary sealing and pressure regulation, and both valves work together to prevent fuel leakage during connection and disconnection operations. This multi-functional design achieves reliable fuel flow control without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If a vacuum chamber with air uptake conduit is used to prevent fuel leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by creating a vacuum chamber that utilizes pressure differential to achieve sealing. The air uptake conduit allows atmospheric pressure to balance the vacuum chamber during normal operation, while during shut-off, the vacuum seal prevents fuel leakage without requiring additional mechanical sealing components. This pneumatic sealing approach improves reliability while adding minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum chamber acts as an intermediary sealing mechanism between the fuel supply system and the external environment. Rather than relying solely on direct mechanical seals at the fuel interface, the vacuum chamber provides an intermediate sealed space that prevents fuel leakage through pressure differential, working in conjunction with the valve system to enhance overall sealing performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chambers (nozzle, valve, intake, outlet, vacuum) are integrated in the housing, then functional integration is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with distinct segmented chambers (nozzle chamber, valve chamber, intake chamber, outlet chamber, and vacuum chamber) that are clearly defined by internal walls and partitions. Each chamber is optimized for its specific function and can be manufactured using standardized molding or machining processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested chamber configuration where smaller chambers are positioned within or adjacent to larger chambers in the housing structure. The valve chamber is nested within the main housing body, the vacuum chamber is positioned to utilize available space around the valve mechanism, and the intake and outlet chambers are arranged in a compact nested layout, optimizing space utilization while simplifying manufacturing
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
Effectively prevents fuel leakage and ensures accurate shut-off of fuel flow when the tank is full, maintaining environmental safety and operational efficiency by using a venturi effect to manage air pressure and seal the system.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a venturi effect and air uptake conduit to seal the system when the tank is full
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling has a housing which defines a vacuum chamber and, at least in part, a nozzle chamber. The nozzle chamber forms a valve chamber, an intake chamber, and an outlet chamber. A main valve is in the valve chamber. The main valve is movable between an open and closed position. A poppet valve is in the outlet chamber. An air outlet opens from the vacuum chamber into the nozzle chamber. An opening of an air uptake conduit opens into the vacuum chamber. The air outlet opening is distinct from the opening of the uptake conduit. When the main valve is in the open position the valve chamber is open to the outlet chamber and the outlet chamber is open to the intake chamber. In the closed position, the valve chamber is sealed off from the outlet chamber and the intake chamber is sealed off from the outlet chamber.