Integrated Non-Return Valve and Flow Restrictor for Rupture Outflow Limiting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tank valve assemblies require separate components for non-return valves and flow restrictors, which occupy a large volume and are not optimized for compact integration.

Innovation Solution

A fluidic device that integrates a non-return valve and a flow restrictor within a compact body, utilizing a non-return piston and restrictor piston with complementary ends to control fluid flow based on differential pressure thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate non-return valve and flow restrictor components are used, then each component can perform its function independently, but the overall device volume increases and compact integration is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a non-return valve and a flow restrictor into a single integrated device with a unified body (4). The non-return piston (5) and restrictor piston (13) share the same housing space, with their respective seats (6, 14) formed in the body. This merging eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining both functions within one compact unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-return piston (5) and restrictor piston (13) are arranged telescopically, with one piston nested within or alongside the other in the same axial space. This nested arrangement allows both moving components to occupy overlapping spatial envelopes, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the overall device length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of stationary object

If a compact integrated design is used, then device volume is reduced, but the complexity of coordinating multiple piston movements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidpiston coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the single body (4) are optimized for different functions: the non-return seat area (6) is designed for bidirectional sealing with the non-return piston (5), while the restrictor seat area (14) is designed for unidirectional flow control with the restrictor piston (13). This local differentiation simplifies the overall design by allowing each zone to be optimized independently within the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The internal flow path is segmented into distinct zones: a non-return valve chamber and a flow restrictor chamber. Each chamber has its own piston, seat, and biasing member (7, 15), allowing independent operation and simplifying the coordination logic by separating the control mechanisms spatially and functionally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the restrictor piston closes the restrictor hole completely, then flow restriction is maximized, but no leakage flow occurs which may be needed for safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control efficiencyVSAvoidsafety leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A calibrated leak (22) is introduced as an intermediary element in the restrictor piston (13). This leak provides a controlled bypass path that allows minimal flow even when the restrictor piston is pressed against the restrictor seat (14). The leak acts as a mediator between the sealing function and the safety leakage requirement, ensuring both objectives are met simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device effectively prevents backflow while allowing a nominal flow rate under normal conditions and drastically limiting outflow when a critical pressure drop is detected, indicating a potential line rupture.

Implementation Method 1

the non-return piston is adapted to be pushed towards the non-return seat by a fluid flowing from the outlet to the inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the restrictor piston is adapted to be pushed towards the restrictor seat by a fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250075816A1Fluidic device combining a non-return valve and a dual-flow flow restrictor

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 FAURECIA HYDROGEN SOLUTIONS FRANCE

AI summary

A fluidic device comprises an inlet and an outlet connected by a body forming a channel between the inlet and the outlet. The fluidic device further comprises a non-return valve shaped to prevent a fluid from passing from the outlet to the inlet, and a flow restrictor shaped to allow a fluid to pass from the inlet to the outlet at a first flow rate when the differential pressure between the outlet and the inlet is below a threshold(S). Fluid passes from the inlet to the outlet at a second flow rate, significantly lower than the first flow rate, when the differential pressure between the outlet and the inlet is above the threshold.