Fuel Fill Apparatus Nozzle Positioning for Marine Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel fill apparatuses for marine vehicles often expel liquid fuel during refueling, violating environmental regulations by allowing liquid fuel to spill onto the vehicle or into the environment, and they can experience premature shut-off issues during fueling.
Innovation Solution
A fuel fill apparatus that includes a nozzle positioning apparatus to maintain the fuel nozzle parallel to the fuel fill passageway, an aspirator positioned adjacent to the inner surface to prevent premature shut-off, and a nozzle retention mechanism for hands-free operation, which reduces liquid fuel expulsion and ensures compliance with regulatory standards by preventing any liquid fuel expulsion during refueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fuel is dispensed through the fuel fill apparatus, then the fuel tank is filled efficiently, but liquid fuel may be expelled onto the vehicle or overboard
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel fill apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a fuel fill passageway for fuel entry, a fuel vapor space above the liquid fuel, and a venting system with separate vapor and liquid pathways. This segmentation allows fuel vapors to be vented through dedicated vapor vents while liquid fuel is contained through separate liquid fuel vents positioned at the lowest point, preventing expulsion during filling
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system acts as an intermediary between the fuel tank interior and exterior environment. It provides controlled pathways for both vapor and liquid fuel to exit the tank safely, mediating the pressure equalization process while preventing uncontrolled expulsion of liquid fuel onto the vehicle or overboard
2Ease of operation
If the fuel nozzle is positioned directly in the fuel tank opening, then fueling is simple, but fuel vapors cannot be properly vented and liquid fuel may expel
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into multiple functional zones: a fuel fill passageway for nozzle insertion and fuel delivery, vapor vents for vapor escape, and liquid fuel vents for liquid fuel drainage. This segmentation maintains operational simplicity while ensuring reliable venting of both vapor and liquid fuel through dedicated pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system utilizes vertical positioning within the fuel tank to create functional differentiation. Vapor vents are positioned at higher elevations to capture rising fuel vapors, while liquid fuel vents are positioned at the lowest point to drain liquid fuel by gravity, adding a vertical dimension to the venting functionality
3Loss of time
If the fuel tank pressure is equalized rapidly, then fueling time is reduced, but liquid fuel may be forced out through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system segments the pressure equalization process into two independent pathways: vapor vents for gas-phase fuel venting and liquid fuel vents for liquid-phase fuel drainage. This allows simultaneous operation of both pathways, enabling rapid pressure equalization without forcing liquid fuel out through the main opening, thus reducing fueling time while preventing expulsion
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid fuel vents are pre-positioned at the lowest point of the fuel tank before fueling begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that when pressure equalization occurs during rapid fueling, any liquid fuel is already directed to the appropriate drainage point, preventing expulsion through the opening while maintaining fast fueling speeds
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 solution effectively prevents liquid fuel expulsion during refueling, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and maintaining accurate fuel flow without premature shut-off, allowing for efficient and compliant refueling operations.
Implementation Method 1
an aspirator positioned adjacent to the inner surface to prevent premature shut-off
Data Source
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AI summary
Fuel fill apparatus for use with fuel tanks are described. An example fuel fill apparatus includes a body to removably couple to a neck of a fuel tank. The body has an opening to receive a fuel nozzle and guide liquid fuel from the fuel nozzle to a cavity of the fuel tank. A nozzle retainer retains the fuel nozzle in the opening. A positioner in the opening offsets the fuel nozzle relative to a central axis of the opening such that an aspirator of the fuel nozzle is positioned adjacent an inner wall of the opening when the fuel nozzle is inserted in the opening. The positioner maintains a fuel nozzle outlet opening substantially parallel relative to a central axis of the opening during a fueling event.