Plastic Fuel Tank UV Inhibitor Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic fuel tanks face issues with fuel seepage and degradation due to exposure to ultraviolet light, leading to environmental concerns and reduced weather resistance.
Innovation Solution
A plastic fuel tank design featuring an ethylene/vinyl alcohol layer laminated with high-density polyethylene layers on both sides, where the outermost polyethylene layer is compounded with titanium oxide as an ultraviolet inhibitor, minimizing light transmission and enhancing weather resistance, while also allowing visibility of remaining fuel through a light-colored layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer barrier layer is used to prevent fuel seepage, then fuel permeation resistance is improved, but the layer degrades when exposed to ultraviolet light for long periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an outermost polyethylene layer containing titanium oxide as an intermediary between the ultraviolet environment and the ethylene/vinyl alcohol barrier layer. The titanium oxide absorbs and blocks ultraviolet light, preventing it from reaching and degrading the barrier layer, thus protecting the fuel seepage prevention function while maintaining long-term weather resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining polyethylene with titanium oxide particles to form the outermost layer. This composite material provides both the structural integrity of polyethylene and the ultraviolet-blocking properties of titanium oxide, solving the degradation issue of the barrier layer while maintaining fuel seepage prevention
2Duration of action of stationary object
If carbon black is added to the polyethylene layer to prevent aging from sunlight, then weather resistance is improved, but the layer is colored black and fuel inside the tank cannot be discerned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the colorant from carbon black (black) to titanium oxide (white), fundamentally altering the optical properties of the polyethylene layer. The white coloration provides ultraviolet protection while maintaining light transmission in the visible range, allowing fuel visibility. This color change resolves the contradiction between weather resistance and fuel detectability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compounding ratio of titanium oxide to achieve the optimal balance between ultraviolet protection and fuel visibility. By controlling the concentration parameter of titanium oxide within specific ranges, the layer provides sufficient weather resistance while maintaining adequate light transmission for observing fuel levels
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 solution effectively prevents fuel seepage and maintains weather resistance for five years or more, while ensuring the remaining fuel can be visually discerned from the outside, reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
the outermost polyethylene layer comprises a high-density polyethylene layer admixed with an ultraviolet inhibitor for minimizing transmission of ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
an ethylene/vinyl alcohol layer for preventing fuel seepage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A plastic fuel tank (16) having polyethylene layers (35, 38) is disclosed. The polyethylene layer (35) positioned as the outermost layer of the plastic fuel tank is a high-density polyethylene layer admixed with an ultraviolet inhibitor for minimizing transmission of ultraviolet light.