Fuel Shutoff Valve Positioning in Flattened Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flattened vehicle fuel tanks experience a reduction in fuel capacity due to increased dead space, and existing solutions to reduce this space can cause fuel shutoff valves to become submerged in fuel when the vehicle is inclined, leading to fuel outflow into a canister.
Innovation Solution
A fuel shutoff structure is designed with a fuel shutoff valve in one section of the fuel tank and a canister across from it, connected via an in-tank passage and external passage at a different location, ensuring that even if the valve becomes submerged, the fuel does not flow into the canister due to the inclined passage configuration, and the valve is positioned to allow for sufficient clearance and capacity for automatic shutoff during refueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the fuel tank is flattened to reduce dead space, then the substantial filling amount is improved, but the fuel shutoff valve may become submerged in fuel when the vehicle is inclined, causing fuel outflow to the canister
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical height dimension to resolve the contradiction. By making the rear section of the fuel tank higher than the front section, and positioning the fuel shutoff valve in the elevated rear section, the system creates a gravitational barrier that prevents fuel from reaching the valve even when the vehicle is inclined. This dimensional change allows the valve to remain above the fuel level while maintaining large fuel capacity in the flattened tank design.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-tank passage serves as an intermediary element that connects the fuel shutoff valve to the external passage. By routing the passage through the fuel tank structure and positioning its connection point to the external passage at a higher location than the valve, the system creates a gravitational checkpoint that blocks fuel flow to the canister while still allowing vapor and fuel transfer during normal operation.
2Reliability
If the fuel shutoff valve is positioned to prevent submersion, then fuel outflow is prevented, but the tank capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing the vertical height dimension. The rear section is configured to be higher than the front section, creating an elevated zone where the fuel shutoff valve is positioned above the maximum fuel level even during vehicle inclination. This dimensional approach allows the tank to maintain full fuel capacity in the lower front section while ensuring the valve remains in a dry, reliable position in the elevated rear section.
3Length of stationary object
If the in-tank passage is connected close to the fuel shutoff valve, then the passage length is reduced, but fuel may flow directly into the canister when the valve is submerged
Solution Approach 1:
The in-tank passage acts as an intermediary that strategically bridges the fuel shutoff valve and the external passage. The passage is routed through the fuel tank structure to connect these two points, and its connection to the external passage is positioned at a higher elevation than the valve. This intermediary routing creates a gravitational barrier that prevents direct fuel flow to the canister during submersion while maintaining efficient fuel and vapor transfer during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical height dimension to the passage routing. By positioning the connection point between the in-tank passage and external passage at a higher location than the fuel shutoff valve, the system creates a gravitational checkpoint. This dimensional elevation difference blocks fuel flow during inclination while allowing the passage to remain relatively short for efficient normal operation.
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
Prevents fuel outflow to the canister during vehicle inclinations, maintains sufficient tank capacity for automatic shutoff, and increases full-tank capacity by optimizing passage connections on the fuel tank.
Implementation Method 1
the in-tank passage is inclined upward toward the front of the vehicle... the fuel of the fuel tank can be prevented from flowing into the canister since the in-tank passage is inclined upward
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel shutoff structure that prevents a fuel outflow to an external fuel line of a fuel tank mounted on a vehicle includes a fuel shutoff valve provided in the rear section of the fuel tank and a canister that is provided so as to be located across the front section of the fuel tank from the fuel shutoff valve and that is connected to the external fuel line, in which an in-tank fuel line extending from the fuel shutoff valve and the external fuel line are connected to each other at a location that is different from the fuel shutoff valve.