Latchable Refueling Valve with Rounded Cam Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank isolation valve systems in vehicle fuel systems consume excessive power due to constant voltage supply, leading to increased maintenance costs and undesirable noise from the latchable refueling valve mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A latchable refueling valve design featuring an armature with offset rounded cam elements, a rotation sleeve, and a solenoid actuator, which reduces the number of moving components and uses a single spring to control axial motion, minimizing noise and maintenance costs by reducing the area of contact and number of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a constant voltage supply is provided to energize the FTIV to open, then the fuel tank can be depressurized, but power consumption increases and maintenance costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuator is energized periodically with voltage pulses to transition the valve between closed and open positions, rather than maintaining constant power. The valve maintains its position through the latching mechanism (cams and cam guides) without continuous energy input, reducing power consumption while ensuring reliable operation through controlled periodic actuation.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If a latchable refueling valve with traditional mechanism is used, then power consumption is reduced, but undesirable noises occur when adjusting between valve positions
Solution Approach 1:
The cam elements feature rounded ends instead of sharp edges, and the cam guides have corresponding curved surfaces. This curvature allows for smooth, gradual contact during valve transitions, eliminating sudden impacts and mechanical noise while maintaining the latching functionality that reduces power consumption.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If a traditional latchable refueling valve mechanism is used, then power consumption is reduced, but the number of components increases leading to higher maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The cam elements are formed integrally with the armature as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate cam components and their associated fasteners. This merging reduces the total component count and assembly complexity while preserving the latching refueling valve's low power consumption characteristics.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If rounded cam elements are used, then noise is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded cam elements use simple radial curvature that can be efficiently produced through conventional casting or molding processes. The integral formation with the armature allows the curved geometry to be created in a single manufacturing step, avoiding complex multi-step machining operations and keeping precision requirements manageable.
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 reduces power consumption and noise associated with the fuel tank isolation valve operations, while lowering maintenance costs through a simplified mechanism with fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid actuator, a valve core attached to the armature and configured to transmit electromagnetic force into motion against a spring
Implementation Method 2
first and second springs to achieve the adjusting between valve positions
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a latchable refueling valve designed to reduce noise associated with opening and closing the valve. In one example, a system may include a valve armature with first and second latch indices formed on an outer diameter of the armature. The latch indices may be rounded and configured to engage with a latch guide to enable rotation between the armature and the latch guide.