Refillable Propane Tank Valve Assembly for Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
One-pound propane tanks, commonly used for outdoor recreation, are typically single-use and contribute to waste, environmental harm, and high manufacturing and purchase costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for refilling one-pound propane tanks using a twenty-pound propane tank, which includes a refillable tank, a valve assembly with a fill valve and overfill valve, and a connection system with a manual valve and tubing, allowing for safe and efficient transfer of propane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one-pound propane tanks are used for outdoor recreation, then portability and convenience are improved, but waste and environmental harm increase due to single-use disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the propane tank by providing a refilling system that transfers propane from a larger source tank to the smaller one-pound tank, allowing multiple uses instead of single-use disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a refilling system with tubing and valve assembly as an intermediary mechanism to transfer propane between tanks, enabling the transition from single-use to reusable operation
2Weight of moving object
If one-pound propane tanks are used, then light-weight and compact size are improved, but manufacturing and purchase costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to refill their own one-pound tanks from a larger source tank using the provided refilling system, eliminating the need to purchase pre-filled tanks and reducing overall costs
3Loss of substance
If a refilling system is implemented, then tank reuse and waste reduction are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The refilling system is divided into separate functional components: a source tank, a one-pound refillable tank, tubing for fluid transfer, and a valve assembly with distinct fill and overfill valves, allowing modular assembly and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve assembly as an intermediary component that mediates the refilling process by controlling propane flow through fill and overfill valves, ensuring safe and controlled transfer
4Reliability
If overfill prevention mechanisms are added, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional valves and controls
Solution Approach 1:
The overfill valve is pre-configured in the valve assembly to automatically prevent overfilling before it becomes a safety issue, acting in advance to control propane flow and pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The overfill valve provides automatic safety control without requiring user intervention, self-regulating the refilling process to prevent dangerous overpressurization
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 refillable propane tank system reduces waste, lowers manufacturing and consumer costs, and minimizes environmental impact by allowing multiple uses of propane tanks.
Implementation Method 1
The source tank can be fluidly connected to the refillable tank via the fill valve such that fluid from the source tank is transferred from the source tank to the refillable tank through the fill valve
Implementation Method 2
a refillable tank comprising a valve assembly and an overpressure valve
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a system and method for refilling refillable pressurized fluid tanks. The system includes a source tank, having a source fluid, a target refillable tank, a valve assembly, and a fill hose. The valve assembly is affixed to the refillable fluid tank and is fluidly attached to the source fluid tank with the fill hose. The fluid from the source fluid tank is transferred to the target refillable fluid tank via the fill hose and the valve assembly. When the target refillable fluid tank is filled to capacity, excess propane is dispensed from the valve assembly through an overfill valve.