Integrated Fuel Fill Vent Valve for Overfill and Vapor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine-driven systems face challenges with fuel tank overfilling and vapor loss during fueling, requiring user monitoring and resulting in engine performance issues due to liquid fuel entering the vent system.
Innovation Solution
A fluid container system with controlled vapor volumes and a controllable vent valve that maintains a desired fuel vapor volume, automatically preventing overfilling and vapor loss by redirecting vapor and liquid fuel through a fuel fill housing assembly and engine vapor port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a large fuel inlet opening is provided to allow vapor flow during fueling, then vapor can escape from the fuel inlet, but user must constantly monitor fuel level and fuel vapor is lost to the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring through the float mechanism that automatically detects fuel level and actuates the vent valve closure, eliminating the need for user monitoring. The float rises with fuel level and mechanically triggers vent closure when fuel reaches the inlet opening, making the system self-regulating.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism provides continuous feedback on fuel level to the vent valve control system. As fuel level changes, the float position changes, which directly controls the vent valve state, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically responds to fuel level conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a large fuel inlet opening is provided to allow vapor flow during fueling, then vapor can escape from the fuel inlet, but fuel vapor is lost to the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The vent valve transitions from a static always-open state to a dynamic controlled state that opens and closes based on fuel level. The valve is normally open to allow vapor flow during fueling, but automatically closes when fuel reaches the inlet opening, providing dynamic adaptation to operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The float acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fuel level condition and the vent valve control. The float converts fuel level position into mechanical motion that actuates the vent valve, serving as a mediator that translates one form of energy/motion into another to control the valve state.
3Device complexity
If conventional fuel tank design is used, then fueling is simple, but liquid fuel enters the vent system causing engine performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The vent valve closes in advance before liquid fuel can enter the vent system. By detecting the approaching fuel level through the float mechanism, the vent valve proactively closes to prevent liquid fuel from reaching the vent opening, eliminating the harmful effect before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harmful effect of liquid fuel entering the vent system into a beneficial automatic shutdown mechanism. The float mechanism that could potentially allow overfilling is instead used to trigger vent closure and fueling termination, turning a risk into a protective feature.
4Loss of substance
If automated vent control is implemented to prevent vapor loss, then vapor is contained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components (float, hinge, valve seat) rather than complex electronic control systems. The float mechanism is a basic mechanical element that provides reliable control without requiring sensors, controllers, or power sources, keeping the system simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is extracted from the vent valve itself and placed in the float mechanism. Rather than making the vent valve complex with embedded sensors and actuators, the control logic is separated into the simple float mechanism that mechanically actuates the valve, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 ensures efficient fueling without user intervention, preventing engine issues by maintaining a consistent vapor volume and automatically halting fueling when the container is full, while also preventing vapor buildup and ensuring safe engine shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
a controllable vent selectively connects one or more vapor volumes to balance pressure in the system
Data Source
AI summary
An example fluid container with multiple sections to receive a fluid as well as vapor displaced by addition of the fluid is disclosed. In some examples, a controllable vent selectively connects one or more vapor volumes to balance pressure in the system.