Modular Fuel Hose Nozzle With Interchangeable End Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of standardization in fuel hose nozzle fittings for liquefied petroleum gas tanks leads to complex manufacturing, increased safety risks due to varying operation methods, and leakage issues when nozzles are damaged or disconnected.
Innovation Solution
A modular fuel hose nozzle design with a tubular valve housing, axially shiftable valve guide, and interchangeable end fittings that allow for identical operation across different tank filler neck configurations, ensuring secure sealing and minimal gas escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently configured fuel hose nozzles with different connection fittings are manufactured to accommodate various tank filler neck types, then compatibility with different tanks is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel hose nozzle is divided into modular components: a universal valve body and interchangeable end fittings. The end fittings are segmented as separate parts that can be attached to the valve body, allowing different coupling types (ACME, DISH, bayonet, EURO) to be produced from the same base design without redesigning the entire nozzle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed with universal functionality that can work with multiple types of end fittings. The valve body includes a standardized valve mechanism and sealing system that remains unchanged across different nozzle configurations, while only the end fitting varies to match different tank filler neck types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manually operated fuel hose nozzles are designed with different connection fittings for various coupling types, then adaptability to different tanks is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to different operation methods required
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with universal functionality that can work with multiple types of end fittings. The valve body includes a standardized valve mechanism and sealing system that remains unchanged across different nozzle configurations, while only the end fitting varies to match different tank filler neck types.
3Reliability
If fuel hose nozzles are designed with standard sealing mechanisms, then sealing tightness is improved, but reliability deteriorates after mechanical damage to the valve insert
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is designed with redundant sealing elements and a robust valve body structure that can compensate for minor mechanical damages. The sealing system includes multiple sealing surfaces and elements that can maintain sealing functionality even if one element is damaged, providing a cushion against complete sealing failure.
4Productivity
If fuel hose nozzles are detached from tank filler necks quickly, then productivity is improved, but loss of substance increases due to gas escape in the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is designed to engage and seal automatically upon insertion of the end fitting into the tank filler neck. The valve closes automatically when the end fitting is inserted, preventing gas escape before the filling operation begins, and maintaining sealing during the entire filling process.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel hose nozzle for filling a tank having a filler the tank with liquefied petroleum gas has a tubular valve housing extending along an axis and having an outer end, a tubular valve guide axially shiftable in the valve housing between a front position and a rear position and forming an outlet port adjacent the outer end, and a valve in the housing movable between an open position permitting fluid flow into the valve guide toward the outlet end and a closed position preventing such flow. A valve piston in the valve guide and axially fixed in the valve housing is engaged in the front position of the valve guide with the port to block flow through same. A fitting sleeve surrounding and axially shiftable on the valve housing has at the outer end an end fitting complementary to the tank filler neck.