Fuel Nozzle Handle Lever Fulcrum Shift and Poppet Valve Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispensing nozzles require significant force to operate, making it difficult for the handicapped, elderly, and others to dispense fuel efficiently, especially at self-service dispensers, as they need to exert 8-10 lbs of pressure to lift the handle lever and open the poppet valve.
Innovation Solution
The nozzle features a truncated poppet valve for enhanced fuel flow and a shifted fulcrum point for the handle lever, reducing the force required to open the poppet valve by approximately 50%, achieved through a slotted configuration that allows greater leverage and a shorter fulcrum distance, thereby reducing the necessary force to less than 5 lbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional poppet valve and handle lever configuration is used, then the nozzle structure is simple, but a substantial amount of force (8-10 lbs) is required to open the poppet valve
Solution Approach 1:
The handle lever is pre-configured with a shifted fulcrum point that provides mechanical advantage before operation begins. This preliminary design arrangement reduces the force needed to initiate poppet valve opening from 8-10 lbs to 4-6 lbs, making the nozzle easier to operate for handicapped and elderly users
Solution Approach 2:
The poppet valve is designed with a truncated contoured shape rather than a conventional cylindrical form. This curved geometry increases the surface area in contact with fuel, enhancing fuel flow through the nozzle while maintaining structural simplicity
2Productivity
If a conventional cylindrical poppet valve is used, then the valve structure is simple, but the fuel flow through the nozzle is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The poppet valve employs a truncated contoured shape with curved surfaces that increase the fuel contact area. This geometric modification allows greater fuel flow rates through the nozzle while keeping the valve structure relatively simple and manufacturable
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 design significantly reduces the operational force needed to open the poppet valve, enhancing fuel flow and making the nozzle more accessible for users with weaker capacities, such as the elderly and handicapped, while maintaining efficient fuel dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
enhance the flow of fuel through the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
shift in the fulcrum point of the handle lever to lessen the force necessary to open the nozzle poppet valve
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel dispensing nozzle, incorporating a uniquely shaped gasket for the poppet valve, generally of truncated shape, enhances the flow of fuel through the nozzle when actuated. A handle lever for the nozzle, which is designed having an elongated and enlarged end, includes elongated slots, that are pivotally pinned through both the latch plate, and the handle link, in order to reduce the space between the interconnection between the front of the latch plate to the bottom of the automatic shutoff stem, such that by lessening the distance between these components, thereby reducing the fulcrum point for the calculation of the force necessary to open the nozzle by raising its handle lever, and reduces the force necessary to achieve nozzle opening and actuation, to less than 5 lbs pressure during usage and application.