Fuel Dispensing Nozzle with Recapture Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel dispensing nozzles often waste fuel and cause environmental issues due to fuel dripping onto the handle and surrounding areas when stored vertically, as the fuel on the nozzle's exterior flows downward, and existing solutions do not effectively recapture this fuel.
Innovation Solution
A fuel dispensing nozzle with a liquid recapture feature that includes a dispensing path, a suction path creating negative pressure, and a recapture path in communication with both, allowing fuel on the nozzle's exterior to be directed into the dispensing path during storage, preventing waste and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nozzle is stored in a vertical configuration, then the nozzle is compact and easy to store, but fuel on the outside of the spout flows downward causing waste and environmental harm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the harmful fuel that flows down the exterior of the nozzle during vertical storage and redirects it through a recapture path back into the dispensing path, converting the waste problem into a beneficial fuel recovery system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary recapture path with a suction port and positive displacement pump that mediates between the fuel on the nozzle exterior and the dispensing path, enabling fuel transfer without direct contact between the exterior fuel and the clean dispensing system
2Area of stationary object
If the nozzle is stored vertically, then storage space is optimized, but fuel drips onto the handle making it slippery and potentially transferring to the operator's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of fuel dripping onto the handle by capturing it through the recapture path before it can reach the handle surface, preventing the slippery condition while maintaining vertical storage benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fuel from the problematic location on the nozzle exterior using the suction port and recapture path, removing it from the area where it would cause slipping hazards before it reaches the handle
3Loss of substance
If a recapture system is added to the nozzle, then fuel waste is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the recapture path with the existing dispensing path, allowing the same pump and control systems to serve dual purposes - dispensing fuel during operation and recapturing fuel during storage - thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added recapture functionality
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 nozzle effectively recaptures fuel on its exterior, reducing waste and environmental impact by reintroducing it into the dispensing path, preventing fuel from coating the handle and other parts, and maintaining nozzle integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a suction path configured such that a negative pressure is created therein when fluid flows through the dispensing path
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A nozzle including a dispensing path configured such that fluid is dispensable therethrough. The nozzle further includes a suction path configured such that a negative pressure is created therein when fluid flows through the dispensing path. The nozzle has a fluid recapture path configured to capture therein fluid positioned on an outside of the nozzle. The fluid recapture path is in fluid communication with the dispensing path and the suction path such that fluid in the fluid recapture path is directable into the dispensing path by the negative pressure.