Magnetic Vapor Return Valve for Fuel Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor recovery fuel dispensing nozzles face challenges in maintaining a consistent and durable vapor return valve operation, as they often rely on degradable components like springs and diaphragms, which fail to provide reliable sealing and sensing of vapor flow over the nozzle's lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically controlled vapor return valve using a ferrous disc and a permanent magnet, which remains closed under normal conditions but opens fully in response to low pressure differentials of return vapors, ensuring unobstructed vapor flow without relying on springs or diaphragms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If springs and diaphragms are used in the vapor return valve, then the valve can sense vapor flow and control opening, but the components degrade over time reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring and diaphragm system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A permanent magnet positioned in the vapor return passage generates a magnetic field that directly actuates the valve disc, eliminating mechanical components that degrade over time. This substitution resolves the contradiction by using a more durable magnetic field instead of mechanically degrading springs and diaphragms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation parameter from mechanical force (springs and diaphragms) to magnetic field strength. The permanent magnet creates a magnetic field that can be modulated by vapor flow pressure differentials, allowing the valve to sense and respond to vapor flow conditions without relying on mechanical components. This parameter change enables consistent operation throughout the nozzle's service life.
2Reliability
If a magnetic valve is used, then component durability is improved, but the complexity of the valve mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing and actuation mechanisms with a simpler magnetic field-based system. The permanent magnet and valve disc configuration allows vapor flow to directly modulate the magnetic field and actuate the valve without requiring separate sensing mechanisms or complex mechanical linkages. This substitution reduces overall system complexity while improving durability.
3Ease of operation
If the vapor return valve restricts vapor flow, then vapor management is controlled, but vapor flow restriction increases resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve mechanism where the valve disc position is continuously adjusted based on real-time vapor flow conditions. The magnetic field actuation allows the valve to transition between restricted and open states in response to changing vapor pressure differentials, enabling optimal vapor flow control that minimizes resistance while maintaining effective vapor management.
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 magnetic valve provides consistent operation and minimizes vapor flow restriction, maintaining efficiency throughout the nozzle's life while avoiding degradation issues associated with traditional components, ensuring effective vapor management during fuel dispensing and ORVR system interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a circular permanent magnet space below the disc and which normally holds the disc in its closed position seated on the annular seat member
Implementation Method 2
the disc is supported by retainers for axial movement in response to vapor flow from a lower closed position resting on an annular plastic seat member and an upper open position engaging the plastic retainers
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum-assist fuel dispensing nozzle has a body defining a fuel supply passage and a vapor return passage each having a control valve operated simultaneously by a hand actuated lever pivotally connected to an axially movable tubular member retained by a diaphragm actuated clutch. A fuel dispensing spout extends from the body and a fuel responsive poppet valve, and the spout encloses an air bleed passage which actuates the clutch. The housing supports a vapor flow responsive valve within the vapor passage and includes a ferrous valve member or disc movable within retainers between a closed position contacting an annular seat to block the flow of vapor and an open position permitting a free flow of vapor through the vapor passage. A circular magnet is supported by the retainers and magnetically attracts the valve disc to the closed position in response to no flow of vapor through the vapor passage.