Refueling Apparatus Float Valve Piston Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refueling systems lack an efficient mechanism to automatically stop fluid flow into a container when a predetermined level is reached, leading to potential overfilling and spillage.
Innovation Solution
A refueling apparatus comprising a fluid flow control valve and a float valve that work together to shut off fluid flow by using a piston mechanism and a float control module, which senses the fluid level and triggers the piston to move, blocking the flow when the desired level is reached, eliminating the need for a spring and ensuring precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid filling is achieved by pumping fluid under pressure into the container, then filling speed is improved, but overfilling and spillage occur due to lack of automatic shut-off
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve is pre-positioned at a predetermined height within the container. Before filling occurs, the float is positioned to block the fluid passage. When fluid level reaches the float, automatic shut-off occurs without requiring active control during the filling process, enabling rapid filling with built-in safety
Solution Approach 2:
The float acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fluid flow and the container level. The float valve translates fluid level position into automatic shut-off action, mediating between the high-speed pump and the container to prevent overfilling while maintaining filling speed
2Reliability
If means for quickly shutting off fluid flow are included to prevent overfilling, then overfilling prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve is a self-actuating device that automatically responds to fluid level changes without external control. The float mechanically triggers the shut-off valve through buoyancy forces, eliminating the need for sensors, controllers, or complex automation systems while maintaining reliable overfill prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve utilizes hydraulic principles where the float responds to fluid level changes through buoyancy. This hydraulic mechanism provides simple, reliable automatic shut-off based on fluid pressure and level, avoiding complex mechanical or electronic control systems
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 system effectively prevents overfilling by automatically stopping fluid flow when the predetermined level is attained, minimizing spillage and ensuring accurate filling, while maintaining a low-pressure area above the piston to facilitate operation without a spring bias.
Implementation Method 1
a float control module, said float control module comprising said inlet port, said inlet port interconnected with an outlet port in said float control module
Implementation Method 2
wherein when the fluid level is above a preset level in said container, the float control module blocks the flow of fluid through said inlet port to said outlet port causing a fluid pressure difference between the first chamber and the second chamber which moves the piston away from said seat
Data Source
AI summary
A combination float control module and fluid flow control valve for use in high pressure, high flow rate refueling systems.