Refueling Assembly for Simultaneous Multi-Tank Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable fuel canisters are not refillable and require specialized equipment, leading to waste and inconvenience, while existing refilling stations are not compatible with smaller tanks, necessitating multiple refills and increased hassle.
Innovation Solution
A refueling assembly comprising a chassis with docking ports, fuel conduits, and a fuel-source valve assembly that allows simultaneous refilling of multiple fuel tanks using conventional refilling stations, compatible with both larger and smaller tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional portable fuel canisters are used, then portability and convenience are improved, but refillability is lost leading to waste and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel canister is designed with an integrated valve assembly and connector that enable it to refill itself at standard propane stations without requiring specialized equipment or manual intervention. The canister serves its own refilling needs through its built-in components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly incorporates a pressure-sensing mechanism that automatically regulates fuel flow based on the canister's fill level. When the canister reaches its maximum capacity, the pressure differential closes the valve, preventing overfilling and enabling precise control of the refilling process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional refilling stations are used for smaller tanks, then compatibility is improved, but specialized equipment and training are required
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed with a connector that interfaces with standard propane station dispensers, allowing the same refilling infrastructure to serve both large stationary tanks and small portable canisters. This universal design eliminates the need for separate refilling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly acts as an intermediary device that bridges the connection between standard propane station dispensers and the fuel canister. It includes adaptive sealing mechanisms and pressure regulation that accommodate variations in connector types and fuel pressures.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple small fuel canisters are used to meet fuel requirements, then fuel capacity is improved, but time and hassle for individual refilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The canister's automated valve system performs the refilling operation without requiring user intervention for each canister. Users simply connect the canister to the station and the system handles the entire refilling process automatically, eliminating manual pouring and sealing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-regulated valve maintains continuous controlled fuel flow throughout the refilling process, preventing interruptions from overpressure conditions or premature disconnection. This ensures efficient, uninterrupted refilling that minimizes time loss.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If refillable fuel tanks are designed, then environmental impact is improved, but compatibility with existing refilling infrastructure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates universal interfacing elements that work with both old and new propane station dispensers. The valve assembly adapts to different connector types and pressure regimes, allowing the refillable canister to operate across the entire spectrum of existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly includes adjustable pressure regulation and flow control mechanisms that can accommodate variations in station dispenser pressure and flow rates. This parameter adaptability ensures compatibility across different infrastructure configurations while maintaining safe and efficient refilling.
Data Source
AI summary
Refueling assemblies comprise a chassis, at least one fuel conduit, a plurality of docking-port valve assemblies, and a fuel-source valve assembly. Refueling assemblies may be configured to simultaneously refill a plurality of fuel tanks. Fuel tanks comprise a fuel-receiving tank chamber and may include a fuel-tank male threaded member configured to be operatively coupled to a fuel-receiving device to deliver fuel from the tank to the fuel-receiving device. The fuel tanks may include a coupling member configured to be operatively coupled to a docking-port valve assembly of the refueling assembly but not to the fuel-receiving device. Methods of refilling a plurality of fuel tanks comprise operatively coupling each fuel tank to a refueling assembly, operatively coupling a fuel-source valve assembly of the refueling assembly to a fuel source, and opening a main valve of the fuel-source valve assembly to permit fuel to flow simultaneously to the plurality of fuel tanks.