Refillable Fuel Canister Transfer Station with Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel canisters fail to accommodate pressure and temperature changes, leading to overpressure or overfilling issues, and previous refillable systems are cumbersome or limited by power sources.
Innovation Solution
A refillable fuel canister system with a closed loop transfer station that includes check valves, a pressure relief valve, and a quick disconnect coupler, allowing for safe and efficient refilling of fuel canisters using a pump or thermal device to manage pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid fuel canister is used, then structural strength is maintained, but the canister cannot expand when pressure and temperature change, leading to overpressure or overfilling
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel canister incorporates a flexible diaphragm or bladder inside the rigid canister body. This flexible membrane allows the internal volume to expand and contract in response to pressure and temperature changes, accommodating fuel expansion while maintaining the structural integrity of the outer canister. The flexible element absorbs pressure variations without compromising the rigid structure's strength.
2Loss of substance
If a refillable fuel canister is implemented, then waste is reduced and cost-effectiveness is improved, but the system becomes more complex with additional components like check valves and pressure relief mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel canister system incorporates automatic refilling capability through integration with a fuel delivery system. The canister automatically receives fuel transfers when connected to a fuel source, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Check valves and pressure sensors automatically control the refilling process, reducing system complexity by automating what would otherwise require complex manual operations and monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a pressure relief valve and expansion space designed in advance to prevent overpressurization during refilling. These safety features are pre-integrated into the canister design, allowing the system to handle pressure variations automatically without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The expansion space acts as a buffer that absorbs pressure spikes before they become problematic.
3Duration of action of moving object
If frequent fuel canister replacements are required, then operational continuity is maintained, but user convenience is reduced and operational time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel canister is designed with a large capacity relative to tool fuel consumption rates, extending the duration between refills or replacements. The canister maintains a continuous fuel supply through its sealed design and integrated valve system, allowing the tool to operate continuously without interruption. The refilling process can be performed quickly when connected to a fuel source, maintaining operational continuity while minimizing user intervention.
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
Enables safe, efficient, and cost-effective refilling of fuel canisters, reducing waste and enhancing user convenience by allowing continuous operation of combustion-powered tools without the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
using a pump or thermal device to manage pressure differentials
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment, comprising: a canister body, wherein at least a portion of the canister body is translucent such that an interior of the fuel canister is visible through the translucent portion of the canister body; a cap portion coupled to an end portion of the canister body; a coupler in the cap portion, the coupler including a stop mechanism that selectively restricts the flow of fluid through the coupler.