Rupture Diaphragm Fuel Isolation for Simple Reliable Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel release mechanisms in vehicles are complex and costly, requiring intricate designs and additional quality assurance measures, which increase expenses.
Innovation Solution
A fuel-isolation system featuring a rupture diaphragm and an actuator, such as a thermal or wax actuator, to control the release of fuel by breaching the diaphragm, allowing for a reliable and cost-effective activation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fuel release mechanisms are used, then fuel containment and release can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and costly with intricate designs and additional quality assurance measures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from a complex valve mechanism and implements it through a simple rupture diaphragm that is integral to the valve body. The diaphragm is a separate, simple component that provides the sealing barrier without requiring complex actuation mechanisms, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rupture diaphragm is merged with the valve body to form an integral structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and their associated actuators. This integration simplifies the release mechanism by combining the sealing function directly into the valve body, reducing the number of parts and quality assurance requirements.
2Reliability
If existing fuel release mechanisms are used, then fuel containment and release can be achieved, but installation and quality assurance expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture diaphragm is integrated into the valve body as an integral component, which simplifies manufacturing and installation processes. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for sealing components and reduces quality assurance requirements, making the system easier and more cost-effective to manufacture while maintaining reliable fuel containment.
3Device complexity
If a simple activation mechanism is used, then cost and complexity are reduced, but reliable fuel containment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture diaphragm is designed as a simple, disposable sealing element that is integral to the valve body. Once the diaphragm ruptures to release fuel, it cannot be reused, but this simplicity in design reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable containment until activation. The diaphragm's simple structure ensures predictable failure mode for reliable activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rupture diaphragm utilizes a thin film structure that provides effective sealing in its intact state but can be easily breached by the actuator plunger. This thin film approach maintains reliable fuel containment while allowing for simple activation, as the diaphragm's flexible nature enables it to seal effectively yet rupture predictably when actuated.
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 provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective method to control fuel release, ensuring timely activation with minimal complexity and reduced installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator is a thermal actuator
Implementation Method 2
the actuator is a wax actuator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A fuel-isolation system (20) includes a valve body (30) that defines a flow passage (36) that extends from an inlet (32) to an outlet (34), a rupture diaphragm (38) in the flow passage (36) and fluidly sealing the inlet (32) from the outlet (34), and an actuator (40) situated adjacent the rupture diaphragm (38). The rupture diaphragm (38) is integral with the valve body (30). The actuator (40) includes a plunger (40a) that is configured to move and cause breach of the rupture diaphragm (38) and thereby fluidly connect the inlet (32) and the outlet (34).