Pressure Vacuum Vent Assembly for Fast Tank Pressure Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure vacuum vents for fuel storage tanks struggle with inadequate air flow and slow pressure stabilization, particularly when multiple pumps are in use, due to their reliance on a single pressure differential and direct-acting poppet valves that are prone to leakage and inefficiency in managing both over-pressure and vacuum conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pressure vacuum vent design featuring a pressure plate, diaphragm, sealing ring, sealing plate, retaining ring, and spring configuration that allows for increased air flow and separate control of pressure settings, enabling efficient release of both excess pressure and vacuum, and is simpler to manufacture and operate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a direct-acting poppet valve is used to respond to pressure differential, then the valve can release excess pressure, but the same valve cannot effectively handle both over-pressure and vacuum conditions with different pressure differential settings
Solution Approach 1:
The single poppet valve is segmented into two separate valves: a first poppet valve for over-pressure conditions and a second poppet valve for vacuum conditions. Each valve has its own pressure differential setting, allowing independent optimization for respective functions. The first valve responds to positive pressure differentials while the second valve responds to negative pressure differentials, eliminating the conflict of using one valve for both conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both over-pressure and vacuum relief capabilities in a single integrated assembly. The first and second poppet valves work together to provide comprehensive pressure management, with each valve specialized for its specific function while contributing to the overall universal performance of the vent device.
2Reliability
If the pressure at which valves open is set to a lower pressure to ensure sealing, then the seal is tighter, but vibrations or minor imperfections on the sealing surface will open or create leakage paths
Solution Approach 1:
Different sealing qualities are applied to different valves based on their specific functions. The first poppet valve for over-pressure conditions has sealing characteristics optimized for positive pressure, while the second poppet valve for vacuum conditions has sealing characteristics optimized for negative pressure. This local quality approach allows each sealing surface to be designed for its specific operational conditions, reducing the impact of manufacturing imperfections.
3Device complexity
If a single poppet valve is used for both over-pressure and vacuum relief, then the device is simpler, but the air flow is insufficient and pressure stabilization is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve is segmented into two separate poppet valves, each dedicated to specific pressure conditions. This segmentation increases the total air flow capacity by providing two independent flow paths instead of one, thereby accelerating pressure stabilization while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular design.
4Ease of operation
If the same pressure differential setting is used for both over-pressure and vacuum conditions, then the valve response is consistent, but the vent cannot draw enough vacuum when all pumps are being used
Solution Approach 1:
The unified pressure differential setting is segmented into two separate settings: one for over-pressure conditions and one for vacuum conditions. This allows each valve to be optimized for its specific operational context, enabling the vacuum valve to draw sufficient vacuum even under high-demand conditions when all pumps are in use, while the over-pressure valve maintains consistent response for positive pressure events.
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 provides enhanced air flow and rapid pressure stabilization within fuel storage tanks, effectively managing pressure differentials and preventing leakage, even under high-demand conditions at gas stations.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure setting or differential to release excess pressure and a second pressure differential to release or dissipate a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
a spring positioned between the cap and the sealing plate
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure vacuum vent is disclosed which has a pressure plate having an opening, a diaphragm positioned on the pressure plate, a sealing ring for holding the diaphragm to the pressure plate, a sealing plate positioned on the diaphragm, a retaining ring for retaining the sealing ring, a screw having a cap having a vent opening, and a spring positioned between the cap and the sealing plate.