Fuel Dispensing Nozzle Expansion Chamber Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid dispensing nozzles often result in dripping after dispensing operations, leading to wasted fuel and potential environmental issues due to the inability to effectively prevent fluid from accumulating and draining properly.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing nozzle with a suction path and expansion chamber that utilizes a venturi poppet to create suction, combined with a self-draining design featuring a two-part eccentric spout, spout seal, self-venting suction path, and self-draining vacuum shut-off cap to minimize fluid retention and promote free draining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional nozzle design is used, then the structure is simple, but fluid dripping and accumulation occur after dispensing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into distinct functional segments: a dispensing chamber for fluid delivery, a separate suction path with expansion chamber for fluid recovery, and a suction generator for creating negative pressure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, preventing fluid accumulation while maintaining a manageable overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An expansion chamber is introduced as an intermediary component in the suction path. This chamber provides a transition zone where fluid can be collected and managed before being drawn into the suction generator, acting as a buffer that prevents direct dripping while enabling controlled fluid recovery.
2Productivity
If fluid flow is stopped abruptly, then dispensing is efficient, but fluid accumulates and drips from the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The suction generator continuously creates negative pressure in the suction path during dispensing operations. This preliminary action ensures that when fluid flow stops, the negative pressure immediately draws any accumulated fluid back through the expansion chamber and into the fuel tank, preventing dripping and fuel waste without interrupting the dispensing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction generator operates continuously or in conjunction with the dispensing operation, maintaining negative pressure throughout the process. This continuous useful action ensures that fluid accumulation is constantly counteracted, allowing abrupt flow cessation while preventing subsequent dripping and fuel loss.
3Reliability
If a suction path without expansion chamber is used, then the device is simpler, but fluid cannot be effectively recovered
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion chamber serves as an intermediary volume in the suction path, providing a space where fluid can be collected and managed before being drawn into the suction generator. This intermediate structure enhances fluid recovery effectiveness by allowing gradual suction and preventing direct high-velocity flow that would cause turbulence and incomplete recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion chamber changes the flow parameters by increasing the volume and reducing the velocity of fluid in the suction path. This parameter transformation allows for more effective fluid recovery by reducing kinetic energy and increasing the time available for fluid to be drawn back into the tank, while the overall structure remains 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 significantly reduces dripping and fluid retention, minimizing waste and environmental impact by ensuring efficient drainage and shut-off during dispensing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a suction generator configured to apply a suction force in the suction path at a suction location
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispensing nozzle including a nozzle body having a fluid path and a suction path therein. The nozzle has a valve positioned in the fluid path and configured to selectively prevent or allow a flow of fluid through the fluid path, and a manually operable actuator operatively connectable to the valve. The nozzle also includes a suction generator configured to apply a suction force in the suction path at a suction location. The suction path includes an expansion chamber located upstream of the suction location with respect to a direction of flow in the suction path. A bottom surface of the expansion chamber and a bottom surface of a portion of the suction path positioned immediately upstream of the expansion chamber are generally aligned.