RV Fill Port Coupling With Venturi Venting for Leak-Free Filling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for coupling pressurized water supplies to RV fresh water fill ports risk over-pressurization, leaks, and messy filling experiences due to inadequate sealing and pressure management.
Innovation Solution
A bayonet connector with a venturi tube and strategically positioned vent ports, along with a deflection shroud, provides a secure, leak-free connection and overpressure protection, ensuring efficient water transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional adapter is used to connect pressurized water supply to RV fill port, then water filling is enabled, but the RV fresh water tank and plumbing are at risk of over-pressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the coupling apparatus with pressure relief valve) between the pressurized water supply and the RV fill port. This intermediary component regulates the pressure by venting excess water through the pressure relief valve, preventing over-pressurization of the RV tank and plumbing while still enabling efficient water filling through the venturi tube design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of excess water pressure into a beneficial feature by designing the pressure relief valve to vent excess water in a controlled manner. The venturi tube creates a low-pressure zone that draws excess water through the pressure relief valve, transforming the potential harm of over-pressurization into a self-regulating pressure relief mechanism.
2Productivity
If a conventional adapter is used to connect pressurized water supply, then water filling is enabled, but leaks occur at the hose connection point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic hose connection interface from the system by eliminating the need for traditional hose adapters. The bayonet-style quick-connect mechanism provides a sealed connection that prevents water leakage at the hose interface, separating the pressurized water supply connection from the RV fill port connection through a controlled valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary valve assembly with integrated sealing mechanisms between the hose connection and the fill port connection. This intermediary component includes seals and gaskets that prevent water leakage at the hose connection point while maintaining efficient water flow to the RV tank.
3Reliability
If vent ports are added to prevent over-pressurization, then pressure control is improved, but water may spray onto the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful spray of vented water into a beneficial controlled discharge by positioning the pressure relief valve and vent ports to direct water flow away from the user. The venturi tube design creates a downward flow pattern that channels vented water into a collection area or directs it away from the user's hands and face.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing the pressure relief valve and vent port configuration to have specific directional flow characteristics. The vent ports are positioned and sized to create a controlled spray pattern that directs water flow in a safe direction, while the surrounding housing and deflection surfaces further control the local flow behavior to prevent user exposure.
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 apparatus ensures safe, efficient, and leak-free filling of RV fresh water tanks by preventing over-pressurization and minimizing water spillage, offering a user-friendly experience.
Implementation Method 1
The venturi tube is shaped to accelerate water flow from the inlet to the outlet, enabling efficient filling of the RV fresh water tank
Implementation Method 2
These vent ports are strategically sized and positioned to allow venting of excess pressurized water supplied by the garden hose, thereby preventing over-pressurization of the RV fresh water tank and associated plumbing
Implementation Method 3
The deflection shroud is positioned to redirect and decelerate water vented from the vent ports away from the user, minimizing the risk of splashing or spraying during operation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for coupling a pressurized water supply to a recreational vehicle (RV) fresh water fill port is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing with a bayonet connector adapted to engage the RV fill port, a venturi tube within the housing for accelerating water flow, and a plurality of vent ports fluidly connected to the venturi tube for venting excess pressurized water. A deflection shroud extends from the housing to redirect vented water away from the user. The vent ports have a combined flow capacity greater than the maximum flow rate of the water supply, ensuring leak-free operation. The invention may include features such as radially positioned vent ports, a deflection shroud, UV-resistant polymer construction, a sealing gasket, and a textured deflection shroud surface. An alternative embodiment describes a coupling device for transferring pressurized water to a gravity-filled tank, incorporating a passive overpressure prevention system.