Multiple Sump Fuel Sampler with Gravity-Driven Catch Can
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel sampling containers are inefficient for sampling multiple fuel sumps on aircraft, as they require excessive time and effort, especially in modern aircraft with numerous fuel sumps.
Innovation Solution
A multiple sump fuel sampler with a catch can system, featuring an upper reservoir for individual sample collection and a larger lower reservoir with a self-closing valve, allowing easy transfer of samples from the upper to the lower reservoir, along with a special pour spout to prevent spilling, facilitating efficient sampling and inspection of multiple fuel sumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fuel sampling containers are used, then each fuel sump can be sampled, but the process becomes very time-consuming when checking multiple fuel sumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sampling functions into a single integrated device. The fuel sampler includes an upper reservoir for active sampling and a lower catch can reservoir for storing multiple samples, allowing operators to collect samples from multiple sumps sequentially without changing containers. This merging of functions directly addresses the time loss problem by eliminating the need to handle multiple separate containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling device is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper reservoir for active sampling operations and a lower catch can reservoir for sample storage. This segmentation allows the sampling process to be divided into efficient sequential steps - sampling in the upper reservoir, then transferring to the lower reservoir - enabling rapid collection from multiple sumps without contamination or container changes.
2Ease of operation
If samples are transferred between containers for multiple sumps, then individual inspection is possible, but the process requires excessive time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The upper reservoir and lower catch can reservoir are positioned at different heights to create a gravity-driven flow system. The self-closing valve is positioned at the juncture between the two reservoirs, allowing fuel to drain automatically from the upper to the lower reservoir through gravity alone. This eliminates the need for pumping or manual transfer operations, significantly reducing the time and effort required for sample transfer while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-closing valve automatically closes after fuel transfer, eliminating the need for manual intervention to seal the connection between reservoirs. The gravity-driven drainage system self-regulates the transfer process, requiring minimal operator input. This self-service mechanism reduces operational complexity and time while maintaining the ability to perform individual sample inspection.
3Device complexity
If a single container is used for multiple samples, then fewer containers are needed, but samples may mix together and individual inspection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sampling system into an upper reservoir for active sampling and a lower catch can reservoir for sample storage. Each reservoir functions as a separate compartment, allowing samples to be collected in the upper reservoir, inspected individually if needed, and then transferred to the lower reservoir. This segmentation maintains sample separation while using a single integrated device, reducing the number of separate containers needed without compromising inspection quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper reservoir serves as a preliminary holding and inspection chamber before samples enter the lower catch can reservoir. Samples can be inspected in the upper reservoir before transfer, ensuring quality control is maintained. The self-closing valve at the juncture prevents premature mixing, allowing preliminary inspection to occur before samples are combined in the lower reservoir.
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 enables rapid and efficient sampling of multiple fuel sumps, allowing for individual inspection before mixing, with the lower reservoir holding multiple samples until emptied, reducing the need for separate containers and minimizing spillage during disposal.
Implementation Method 1
a self-closing valve attached at the juncture of the upper and lower reservoirs. In an embodiment of the invention, the self-closing valve is configured to, when open, allow liquid in the upper reservoir to drain into the lower reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple sump fuel sampler with catch can that includes an upper fuel sampling and testing reservoir with integral lower catch can reservoir arranged such that a self-closing valve is placed between the upper sampling reservoir and the lower catch can. This self-closing valve can be easily opened and closed by a user to allow fuel in the upper sampling reservoir to drain down into the lower catch can reservoir. Embodiments of the invention include a means of spill-free dumping of fuel accumulated in the lower catch can reservoir via an integral no-drip pour spout.