Fuel Tank Flame Arrestor Nesting for Splash Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel tanks for ethanol-fueled vehicles experience fuel splashing issues due to the design of the flame arrestor, where the injected fuel hits the inner surface, leading to inefficiencies in fuel retention and attachment of the flame arrestor.
Innovation Solution
A fuel tank design featuring a flame arrestor with a smaller inner diameter than the tank filler, allowing for easier fuel retention and attachment, with specific configurations such as a calathiform shape, flange parts, and inflow ports to minimize splashing and facilitate easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flame arrestor is attached to the outside of the tank filler as in conventional designs, then sparks are prevented from entering the fuel tank, but fuel splashing occurs when injected fuel hits the inner surface of the flame arrestor
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrestor is nested inside the tank filler rather than being attached to the outside. The flame arrestor is inserted through the filler opening and positioned within the tank filler's internal space, allowing it to prevent sparks while being surrounded by the tank filler structure that prevents fuel splashing
Solution Approach 2:
The tank filler acts as an intermediary structure between the flame arrestor and the external environment. It provides a protective cavity that contains the flame arrestor while preventing fuel splashing, thus mediating between the spark prevention function and the fuel containment requirement
2Ease of operation
If the flame arrestor has a large inner diameter to allow fueling gun insertion, then fueling is easier, but fuel retention becomes difficult and splashing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner diameter of the flame arrestor is optimized to a specific range (50mm to 70mm) that balances fueling gun insertion ease with fuel retention capability. This parameter optimization allows the flame arrestor to be large enough for practical fueling operations while maintaining sufficient fuel retention to prevent splashing
3Reliability
If the flame arrestor is securely attached to prevent vibration, then reliability improves, but attachment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrestor utilizes the existing tank filler structure for support and attachment rather than requiring separate mounting brackets or complex fastening systems. The flame arrestor is simply inserted into and supported by the tank filler's internal geometry, allowing it to suppress vibration while maintaining simple attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The tank filler structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the fuel filling conduit, provides structural support for the flame arrestor, and serves as the attachment mechanism to prevent vibration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate attachment components
Data Source
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AI summary
A fuel tank (7) has a tank body (71), a tank filler (72) formed in a tubular shape, and a flame arrestor (73) formed in a calathiform. The tank filler has a first opening (72S) and a second opening (72T). The flame arrester is attached to the tank filler so as to cover the second opening. The inner diameter of the flame arrester is smaller than the inner diameter of the tank filler.