Refueling Adapter With Restrictor and Anti-Sealing Rib
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refueling systems are prone to electrostatic charge build-up during refueling, which can lead to fires and explosions, and are limited in their ability to accept nozzles of different sizes and geometries, reducing their applicability and increasing the risk of mis-fueling.
Innovation Solution
A refueling adapter with a restrictor element and an anti-sealing rib is introduced, which reduces fuel flowrate and electrostatic charge build-up by preventing nozzle sealing, and can be made from non-conductive materials to minimize cost and risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a refueling funnel is used to enable refueling from portable fuel cans, then the refueling port's applicability is improved, but electrostatic charge build-up increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary device between the refueling nozzle and the fuel tank. It includes a non-conductive housing that mediates the refueling process by preventing electrostatic charge build-up while still allowing fuel flow. The adapter's design with specific flow passages and sealing features enables it to bridge the connection between different refueling sources and the vehicle's fuel system without generating harmful electrostatic charges.
2Reliability
If the refueling port is configured to receive only certain standardized nozzles with mis-fueling inhibitors, then mis-fueling risk is reduced, but the refueling port's applicability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter segments the refueling system into distinct functional components: a non-conductive housing, flow passages, sealing features, and compatibility features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the housing prevents electrostatic build-up, the flow passages control fuel flow, the sealing features ensure proper connection, and the compatibility features enable acceptance of various nozzle types while maintaining safety standards.
3Reliability
If a refueling funnel geometry is used that enables nozzle sealing during refueling, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but electrostatic charge build-up increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter changes the physical parameters of the refueling interface by using a non-conductive material for the housing, which fundamentally alters the electrostatic properties of the system. Additionally, the adapter modifies the flow passage geometry and sealing surface characteristics to achieve effective sealing while maintaining controlled fuel flow that prevents excessive electrostatic charge generation during the refueling process.
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 adapter effectively decreases the likelihood of electrostatic discharges and allows for the use of nozzles of various sizes, enhancing safety and versatility while potentially lowering production costs by using non-conductive materials.
Implementation Method 1
The restrictor element increases losses in the adapter, thereby decreasing the flowrate of the fuel through the refueling adapter
Implementation Method 2
The refueling adapter may build up a large amount of electrostatic charge during refueling. The refueling adapter may be particularly susceptible to electrostatic charge build-up when the flowrate of the fuel through the funnel is high.
Data Source
AI summary
A refueling adapter is provided. The refueling adapter includes a nozzle section and an inlet section coupled to and positioned upstream of the nozzle section, the inlet section including a restrictor element extending across an inlet section flow passage and an anti-sealing rib coupled to an inlet section housing and axially extending along the inlet section flow passage.