Fuel Shut-Off Valve With Redundant Interlocking Flapper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel system shut-off valve assemblies in motor vehicles face issues with leakage due to aging and deterioration of seals, leading to fuel loss and environmental pollution, and are complex and costly to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A fuel shut-off valve assembly with a one-piece or two-piece housing made of different materials, featuring a flapper door and redundant interlocking components for secure sealing, which can be easily and quickly assembled using crimped collars and flanges, reducing the risk of leakage and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable damper and rubber seal are used to close the fuel system, then fuel loss is minimized, but leakage occurs through age and deterioration of the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rubber seal component entirely from the system. Instead of using a movable damper with a rubber seal, the invention employs a capless closure mechanism where the closure unit itself provides the seal through a different mechanism that does not rely on degradable rubber components, thereby eliminating the leakage problem associated with seal deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sealing mechanism from relying on elastic deformation of rubber seals to using a mechanical interference fit and friction-based sealing. The closure unit uses a friction fit between the carrier and housing, along with a friction fit between the nozzle and closure, to maintain sealing without degradable rubber components.
2Productivity
If a capless refueling closure unit is used, then refueling efficiency is improved, but assembly becomes difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the closure system into distinct modular components: a housing, a carrier that receives the nozzle, and a closure unit. These segments can be manufactured separately and assembled through a simplified process where the carrier is inserted into the housing and secured with a snap-fit or friction engagement, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining capless refueling functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a threaded fuel cap is used as the primary seal, then the fuel system can be closed, but significant fuel is released through evaporation if the cap is not properly tightened
Solution Approach 1:
The capless closure system is self-regulating through friction fits. The carrier friction-fits into the housing, and the nozzle friction-fits into the closure unit, creating automatic sealing pressure that maintains reliable sealing without requiring precise manual tightening operations. The system self-adjusts to maintain the seal through the friction-based mechanical connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle fuel inlet shut-off valve assembly includes a two-piece housing having inner and outer housing components secured to each other. The housing components can be provided of different materials, with a surface coating. A flapper door assembly is secured in the outer housing component and includes directionally biased interlocking components that facilitate installation and inhibit disconnection after assembly with redundant connections.