Roll Over Valve Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll over fuel valves do not effectively manage pressure differentials within fuel tanks, particularly during extreme conditions such as under pressure or over pressure scenarios, which can lead to fuel tank collapse or over-pressure issues.
Innovation Solution
A Roll Over Valve (ROV) with a Holding Pressure Function (HPF) and Under Pressure Relief (UPR) function, featuring a float chamber and disk chamber in flow communication through an intermediate path, utilizing a pressure holding member and an under pressure bleed valve with a movable member responsive to pressure differentials to control fluid flow, ensuring safe pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional roll over vent valve is used, then basic fuel flow control is achieved, but pressure differential management during extreme conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two independent chambers: a float chamber for basic flow control and a disk chamber for pressure management. The float chamber handles normal operation while the disk chamber with its pressure holding member and underpressure bleed valve specifically manages pressure differentials. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability and adaptability to different pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve housing integrates multiple functions into a single device: the float chamber provides basic fuel flow control, the disk chamber provides pressure holding capability, and the underpressure bleed valve provides underpressure relief. This multi-functionality allows the valve to adapt to various operational conditions including normal flow, overpressure, and underpressure scenarios, enhancing both reliability and versatility.
2Reliability
If pressure holding member and underpressure bleed valve are added, then pressure differential management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The underpressure bleed valve is nested within the disk chamber, with the movable member positioned inside the aperture of the pressure holding member. The float chamber and disk chamber are nested within the same valve housing, sharing common structural elements. This nesting approach allows multiple pressure management functions to be integrated in a compact arrangement, improving pressure differential control while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate flow path serves as an intermediary connection between the float chamber and disk chamber, allowing pressure equalization and fluid communication without requiring direct mechanical coupling. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall structure by using fluid pressure as the coupling mechanism rather than complex mechanical linkages, thereby improving pressure differential control while keeping device complexity manageable.
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 valve effectively manages pressure differentials by allowing fluid flow to relieve under pressure, prevent over-pressure buildup, and maintain equilibrium, ensuring the safety and integrity of the fuel tank across various operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
whereby the spring biassing together with buoyancy forces acting on the float member tend to press the membrane strip into sealing engagement with the outlet aperture
Implementation Method 2
a pressure holding member axially displaceable within the disk chamber to selectively facilitate fluid flow into or out of said fluid outlet port
Implementation Method 3
an under pressure bleed valve that is displaceable between a sealed position wherein the under pressure bleed valve is sealed, and an open position wherein the under pressure bleed valve is open, providing passage of fluid therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for a fuel tank is provided, comprising a housing configured with a float chamber and a disk chamber being in flow communication through an intermediate flow path. The disk chamber is configured with a fluid outlet port from the intermediate flow path and a valve outlet and a fluid inlet port is sealable by a sealing member of a float member axially displaceable within the float chamber to selectively facilitate fluid flow to or from the float chamber via the valve. The fluid outlet port is sealable by a pressure holding member axially having an under pressure bleed valve displaceable between a sealed position wherein the under pressure bleed valve is sealed, and an open position wherein the under pressure bleed valve is open, providing passage of fluid therethrough.