High Pressure Fluid Drain Tool for Fuel Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure fuel systems in vehicles pose challenges for maintenance, particularly in removing liquid contaminants without depressurizing the system, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination, as existing methods require depressurization and often result in messy spills.
Innovation Solution
A fluid drain system comprising a fluid filter drain valve and a drain tool with an elongate flexible hose and bleed valve, allowing for the removal of liquid contaminants under pressure without depressurizing the system, using quick-connect fittings and a collection bowl to contain and transfer the fluid to a remote container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid contaminants are removed by depressurizing the system, then liquid can be drained from the fuel system, but the system must be depressurized and refueled which is time-consuming and messy
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a fuel system portion and a drain tool portion that can be separately connected and disconnected. The drain tool includes a collection container that receives liquid contaminants through a fluid flow path, allowing liquid removal without depressurizing the main fuel system. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to drain contaminants efficiently while the fuel system remains pressurized and operational.
2Ease of operation
If the system is depressurized to remove liquid, then liquid drainage is possible, but the fuel system becomes contaminated and requires refueling
Solution Approach 1:
The drain tool serves as an intermediary device between the fuel system and the external environment. It includes a sealed collection container that receives liquid contaminants through a controlled fluid flow path, preventing contaminants from entering the fuel system. The intermediary design allows liquid removal while maintaining system integrity and preventing contamination, eliminating the need for refueling.
3Productivity
If traditional drain methods are used, then liquid can be removed, but the process is messy and spills occur
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid contaminants are extracted directly from the fuel system into a sealed collection container on the drain tool. The fluid flow path channels liquid contaminants away from the fuel system components, and the collection container prevents spills by containing the extracted liquid. This extraction approach eliminates mess and spills while improving maintenance efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If the fuel system is opened for maintenance, then liquid can be drained, but the system loses pressure and requires repressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains dynamic operation by allowing the fuel system to remain pressurized during the draining process. The drain tool connects to the pressurized fuel system through a quick-connect fitting, and the fluid flow path utilizes the existing system pressure to drive liquid contaminants into the collection container. This dynamic approach eliminates the need to depressurize and repressurize the system, saving energy and maintaining operational readiness.
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
Enables efficient and clean removal of liquid contaminants, extending the life of fuel system components, reducing waste, and facilitating regular maintenance, thus preventing engine damage and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the lumen of the elongate flexible hose and the collection cavity of the drain bowl are capable of containing fluid pressurized to at least 4,500 psi without failure
Implementation Method 2
the selectively openable bleed valve having a first end in fluid communication with the collection cavity of the drain bowl, and a second end in fluid communication with an atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
The second fitting may be a second quick-connect fitting configured for removable coupling to the first quick-connect fitting of the first body of the fluid filter drain valve
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid drain system for pressurized fuel systems includes a fluid drain tool that includes: an enclosure including a collection cavity; a fitting configured for removable coupling to a fluid filter drain valve to fluidly couple the fluid drain tool to the fluid filter drain valve; a tube that fluidly couples the fitting to the enclosure, such that fluid collected from the fluid filter drain valve can be transferred through the tube to the collection cavity of the enclosure; and a selectively openable valve having a first end in fluid communication with the collection cavity of the enclosure, and a second end in fluid communication with an atmosphere.