Liquid Delivery Nozzle Anti-Drip Valve for Consistent Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid delivery nozzles suffer from poor drip-reducing performance, inconsistent sealing due to imprecise motion of the sealing assembly, and a short lifespan due to corrosion from volatile and corrosive liquids, as well as issues with the primary valve latch over-rotation.
Innovation Solution
A delivery nozzle with a secondary valve that automatically closes when liquid pressure drops below a threshold, using a spring-biased valve seal to form a consistent seal and prevent drips, and a latch mechanism to prevent over-rotation of the primary valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a primary valve is used to shut off flow, then the valve can be manually operated between open and closed positions, but fuel continues to drip from the nozzle after closing
Solution Approach 1:
An anti-drip valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the primary valve and the nozzle outlet. This secondary valve automatically closes when the primary valve shuts off flow, preventing fuel drips without interfering with manual operation of the primary valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-drip valve is designed to automatically open and close in response to pressure changes caused by primary valve operation. It self-regulates the sealing function without requiring manual intervention, thereby preventing drips while maintaining ease of primary valve operation.
2Device complexity
If the sealing assembly motion is imprecise, then the structure can be simpler, but sealing consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with a pressure-driven automatic valve system. The anti-drip valve uses pressure differential to achieve precise sealing motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guides while improving sealing consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve operation is controlled by changing pressure parameters rather than relying on precise mechanical motion control. When pressure drops below a threshold after primary valve closure, the anti-drip valve automatically activates, providing consistent sealing through pressure-based control rather than mechanical precision.
3Productivity
If the nozzle is exposed to volatile and corrosive liquids, then the delivery function is maintained, but the lifespan decreases due to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-drip valve and sealing components are constructed from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or chemically resistant alloys. This composite material approach maintains delivery functionality while significantly extending nozzle lifespan by resisting degradation from volatile and corrosive liquids.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-drip valve is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily swapped when worn or corroded. This allows the main nozzle body to have extended lifespan while the disposable valve component protects against corrosion damage from harsh liquids.
4Ease of operation
If the primary valve latch allows over-rotation, then the valve can be easily operated, but the latch mechanism reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates a preliminary anti-action feature that prevents over-rotation before it can cause damage. A mechanical stop or detent is positioned to engage before excessive rotation occurs, protecting the latch mechanism while still allowing full operational range for valve control.
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 secondary valve ensures consistent sealing and reduces drips and noise, while the latch mechanism prevents over-rotation, improving performance and extending the nozzle's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged to bias the valve seal toward the closed position
Implementation Method 2
the valve seal is made of an elastomer configured for use with corrosive liquids
Implementation Method 3
the secondary valve is configured to move to the open position in response to liquid in the fluid pathway exerting a force on the valve seal that exceeds a pre-defined threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery nozzle includes a housing with a handle portion defining an inlet and a transverse portion defining an outlet, where the transverse portion extends transversely to the handle portion and the housing defines a fluid pathway between the inlet and the outlet. A primary valve is in the handle portion and is operable between an open position and a closed position. A secondary valve in the housing is positioned downstream of the primary valve and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The secondary valve includes a shaft fixedly retained in the transverse portion of the housing, a valve seal movable along the shaft, and a spring arranged to bias the valve seal toward the closed position.