Siphon Priming Device Bung and Valve Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing siphon priming methods are hazardous, environmentally unfriendly, and restrict fluid flow, making them unsuitable for safe and efficient transfer of liquids from enclosed containers like gasoline cans.
Innovation Solution
A siphon priming device with a bung and unidirectional gate valve that creates an airtight seal, allowing pressure changes to control air flow and facilitate liquid transfer without restricting flow rates, using a bung and unidirectional gate valve to manage pressure and air flow within the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shaking is used to prime the siphon, then the siphon can be primed, but fluid is splashed around causing environmental and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a priming bulb as an intermediary device that allows priming of the siphon without direct handling or shaking of the fuel container. The bulb acts as a mediator to create the initial vacuum needed for siphoning, thereby preventing fluid splashing and associated safety hazards while maintaining priming capability
2Ease of operation
If an integrated gate valve is used in the siphon, then the siphon can be controlled, but the flow rate of the liquid is restricted increasing the transfer time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the integrated gate valve from the siphon tube entirely, extracting the flow restriction element from the system. Instead, a simple stopper or cap is used to control flow, which does not restrict the flow rate when open, thereby maintaining high transfer rates while still providing operational control
3Reliability
If a hand pump or lifting pump is used to prime the siphon, then the siphon can be primed safely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive priming bulb that can be easily manufactured and discarded if needed, rather than using complex mechanical pumps. This disposable-like approach provides safe priming capability without the complexity of hand pumps or lifting pumps, aligning with the principle of using simple, low-cost solutions for temporary functions
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
Enables safe, rapid, and efficient transfer of liquids by preventing air from escaping during pressure increase and allowing air in during pressure decrease, reducing environmental and safety concerns while maintaining high flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
Siphons are used to move liquids from a first container to a second container where the first container is located at a higher elevation than the second container
Implementation Method 2
the liquid must fill the siphon tube sufficiently to create a vacuum to draw the liquid out of the first container
Implementation Method 3
the unidirectional gate valve is configured to prevent air from exiting the first container when the pressure inside the first container is increasing or increased beyond ambient pressure external of the container, and to permit air to enter into the first container when the pressure inside the first container is decreased
Data Source
AI summary
A siphon priming device that may be releasably and sealingly connected with a first fluid container and usable to cause a liquid to be transferred from the first container into a second fluid container. Using the properties of the first container one may gently squeeze the container to initiate the siphon then remove the pressure and the siphon continues. The first container may comprise a liquid fuel can and the second container may comprise a fuel tank of a motorized vehicle, e.g., boat, car, ATV, cart, plane, motorcycle, etc. In use, the siphon priming device enables simple, rapid, and safe transfer of liquid fuel from a fuel can into a motorized vehicle.