Fuel Tank Vent Valve Segmented Pressure Vacuum Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank vent systems fail to effectively regulate fuel vapor pressure and vacuum conditions, leading to inefficient vapor recovery and potential fuel loss during refueling operations.
Innovation Solution
A tank venting system featuring a multi-stage valve and a single-stage valve, with an electronic valve mover, that independently controls the flow of fuel vapor and air between the fuel tank and vapor recovery canister, allowing for remote activation to manage pressure and vacuum conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-stage valve is used to regulate fuel vapor flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control pressure and vacuum conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system is divided into two independent single-stage valves: a pressure-regulating valve and a vacuum-relief valve. Each valve independently controls one aspect of pressure management, avoiding the complexity of a multi-stage valve while maintaining the ability to separately regulate pressurized vapor venting and vacuum condition relief.
2Device complexity
If manual operation of vacuum-relief valve is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Both the pressure-regulating valve and vacuum-relief valve are designed to operate automatically in response to pressure conditions within the fuel tank. The pressure-regulating valve automatically vents pressurized vapor when pressure exceeds a threshold, and the vacuum-relief valve automatically admits air when vacuum conditions occur, eliminating the need for manual operation and enabling immediate response to pressure changes.
3Device complexity
If existing vent systems are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fuel vapor pressure regulation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces two specialized single-stage valves as intermediary components between the fuel tank and the external environment. The pressure-regulating valve acts as an intermediary to control venting of pressurized vapor, while the vacuum-relief valve serves as an intermediary to manage air admission under vacuum conditions. This intermediary approach improves pressure regulation effectiveness compared to existing vent systems.
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 system ensures consistent fuel vapor pressure and prevents vacuum conditions by allowing controlled venting of pressurized vapor and admission of atmospheric air, enhancing fuel recovery efficiency and safety during refueling.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic valve mover that is coupled to the multi-stage valve and configured to move the multi-stage valve to the FIRST opened position by remote control. The electronic valve mover includes a stationary solenoid anchored to the body and a moveable armature mounted on a movable portion of the multi-stage valve
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel tank vent valve includes a venting apparatus for regulating discharge of fuel vapor from a fuel tank and admission of outside air into a fuel tank. The vent valve is used to regulate pressure in a fuel tank.