Fuel Tank Valve Device with Partition Wall and Float Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel tank valve devices fail to effectively prevent liquid fuel from entering the fuel vapor discharge port, especially during vehicle vibrations, leading to potential fuel leakage and inefficient vapor discharge.
Innovation Solution
A fuel tank valve device with a housing featuring a partition wall, first and second float valves, and a recess portion, where the second opening is closed by the second float valve and fuel vapors are directed through a groove and gap to a fuel vapor discharge port, preventing liquid fuel from entering the discharge port while allowing vapor discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the relief valve is used to close the second opening, then fuel vapor discharge is enabled, but liquid fuel can forcibly lift the relief valve against spring biasing during violent oscillation or splashing, causing fuel to enter the upper space
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is segmented into multiple functional regions: a shelf wall portion extending from the second opening, a recess portion at the bottom with the first opening, and a first groove portion on the shelf wall. This segmentation creates distinct zones that guide liquid fuel away from the fuel vapor discharge path while maintaining vapor discharge capability through the second opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The first groove portion acts as an intermediary structure that intercepts liquid fuel flowing through the second opening and redirects it into the recess portion. This groove serves as a mediator between the second opening and the fuel vapor discharge port, preventing direct liquid fuel entry while allowing vapor passage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the second opening is closed to prevent liquid fuel entry, then fuel leakage is prevented, but fuel vapors cannot be discharged efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the partition wall are given different functional qualities: the shelf wall portion and first groove portion are designed to intercept and redirect liquid fuel, while the second opening remains open to allow fuel vapor passage. The recess portion provides a collection area for liquid fuel, creating localized functional zones that simultaneously prevent liquid leakage and enable vapor discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a vertical dimension with the shelf wall extending downward and the recess portion at the bottom, creating a three-dimensional structure that separates liquid and vapor flow paths. Liquid fuel is directed downward into the recess portion, while fuel vapors can pass horizontally through the second opening, utilizing spatial separation in multiple dimensions.
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 device effectively prevents liquid fuel from entering the fuel vapor discharge port, ensuring it does not flow into the piping while allowing fuel vapors to be discharged efficiently, thereby preventing leakage and ensuring proper fuel tank operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first float valve that is accommodated in the valve chamber so as to rise and fall and closes the first opening when a fuel level in a fuel tank nearly reaches a set full fuel level
Implementation Method 2
a second float valve that is accommodated in the valve chamber so as to rise and fall and that closes the second opening when the fuel level in the fuel tank rises abnormally
Implementation Method 3
a relief valve that is disposed to an upper portion of the second opening and closes normally the second opening, and opens the second opening when an internal pressure in the fuel tank becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel tank valve device includes a housing in which a partition wall defines a lower valve chamber and an upper ventilation chamber, and a first opening and a second opening are provided to establish a communication between the lower valve chamber and the upper ventilation chamber, a first float valve that is accommodated in a first valve chamber of the lower valve chamber so as to rise and fall and that closes the first opening when a fuel level in a fuel tank nearly reaches a set full fuel level, and a second float valve that is accommodated in a second valve chamber of the lower valve chamber so as to rise and fall and that closes the second opening when the fuel level in the fuel tank rises abnormally.