Gravity-Ball PV Valve for Durable Fuel Tank Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure-vacuum valves for fuel storage tanks are complex, requiring frequent replacement due to wear and tear of mechanical components, especially in harsh environments, and are difficult to service without specialized equipment.
Innovation Solution
A flow-through pressure-vacuum valve with minimal moving parts, utilizing gravity-driven spherical balls in conical indentations to open and close based on pressure differentials, allowing for easy installation and servicing at lower heights, reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pressure-vacuum valves with multiple mechanical components are used, then the valve can provide pressure and vacuum relief functions, but the valve requires frequent replacement due to wear and tear of mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical components such as springs, diaphragms, and moving parts from the pressure-vacuum valve. Instead, it uses a simple gravity-based mechanism where a ball sits in a conical seat to seal the valve, eliminating wear-prone elements and significantly improving durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes gravity as a natural force to automatically open and close the valve without requiring external power sources, actuators, or complex control mechanisms. The ball simply responds to pressure differential and gravity, making the system self-regulating and highly reliable.
2Ease of operation
If conventional pressure-vacuum valves are installed at higher positions on tanks, then the valve can function properly, but the valve is difficult to service without specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the valve to operate effectively at any installation height by using gravity-based operation rather than pressure-dependent mechanisms that require specific orientations. This allows the valve to be installed at convenient heights for maintenance while maintaining reliable performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional pressure-vacuum valves with multiple moving parts are used, then the valve can provide precise pressure control, but the valve requires frequent maintenance due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive ball and conical seat design that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than using complex precision mechanical components. The simplicity of the design means that even if replacement is necessary, it can be done quickly and cheaply without specialized tools or expertise.
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 provides a reliable, durable, and field-serviceable pressure-vacuum valve that withstands harsh conditions, minimizing maintenance frequency and eliminating the need for specialized equipment during servicing.
Implementation Method 1
The valve member is moved into the valve seat and is held therein by gravity to close the passageway. The valve member is moved from the valve seat to open the passageway when pressure at the tank-side opening of the valve body exceeds pressure at the vent-side opening of the valve body by a predetermined pressure differential.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow-through pressure-vacuum valve includes a valve body having a tank-side opening and a vent-side opening. A pressure relief valve (e.g., a ball held in a corresponding seat by gravity) is positioned within a first passageway through the body. The ball is moved from the first valve seat to open the first passageway when pressure at the tank-side opening exceeds pressure at the vent-side opening by a predetermined pressure differential. A vacuum relief valve is positioned within another passageway (e.g., a serpentine passageway). The vacuum relief valve (e.g., also a ball held in a corresponding seat by gravity) is positioned within the serpentine passageway. Analogously, the ball is moved from the valve seat to open the serpentine passageway when pressure at the tank-side opening is less than the pressure at the vent-side opening by a predetermined pressure differential.