Spill Prevention Plug With One-Way Valve for Leak-Free Hose Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spills and leaks during fluid transfer from tanker trucks are common, leading to resource loss and environmental impact, and existing plugs are ineffective in preventing fluid leakage when removed for transfer operations.
Innovation Solution
A spill prevention plug with a cam-lock dust plug body, a brass bushing, a spring-loaded one-way valve, and a cam-lock fitting that allows fluid flow only under suction, preventing positive pressure fluid flow, along with a protective cage and end plug for additional safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple plug is used to plug the hoses, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but fluid may leak from the hose when the plug is removed prior to fluid transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The plug incorporates a dynamic one-way valve mechanism that automatically opens under suction pressure to allow fluid transfer while closing under positive pressure to prevent leaks. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability during both plugged and transfer states without requiring complex manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve is self-actuating based on pressure differential, opening automatically when suction is applied and closing when positive pressure occurs. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems while maintaining leak prevention reliability.
2Reliability
If a one-way valve is added to allow fluid flow during transfer, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve uses a simple diaphragm or flapper mechanism that responds dynamically to pressure differentials. This dynamic design achieves reliable leak prevention with minimal structural complexity, as the valve automatically adapts to suction and positive pressure conditions without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism changes its flow state based on pressure parameter changes - remaining closed under positive pressure and opening under suction pressure. This parameter-driven behavior provides reliable leak prevention while maintaining simple device structure through passive pressure-responsive operation.
3Productivity
If the plug is removed prior to fluid transfer, then fluid transfer can occur, but fluid may leak from the hose during the removal time
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve is pre-configured in the plug to automatically activate during fluid transfer operations. This preliminary action ensures that the valve opens before fluid flow begins and closes immediately when transfer stops, preventing fluid loss during the entire transfer process without requiring plug removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve maintains continuous leak prevention throughout the fluid transfer process by remaining closed during non-transfer periods and opening only when suction is applied. This continuous protective action eliminates fluid loss during transfer operations while maintaining productivity.
4Reliability
If a brass bushing is used instead of standard material, then corrosion resistance and spark prevention are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brass bushing is applied locally at the threaded aperture interface where corrosion and spark risks are highest. This localized use of premium material provides enhanced reliability at critical contact points while minimizing overall manufacturing cost compared to using brass throughout the entire plug structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug combines brass bushing material with standard plug body material, creating a composite structure that leverages the superior corrosion and spark resistance of brass at critical interfaces while maintaining cost-effectiveness through selective material application.
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
Effectively prevents spills and leaks by allowing fluid flow only under suction, protecting against positive pressure and providing a secure seal, even if the one-way valve fails, thus minimizing resource loss and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
A one way valve is provided that has a first end and a second end. The first end of the one way valve engages the bushing from the exterior side of the plug body. The one way valve is movable between an open position in which fluid flows through the one way valve from the interior side of the plug body to the exterior side of the plug body and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the one way valve.
Implementation Method 2
The one way valve is spring loaded
Data Source
AI summary
A spill prevention plug is provided. A plug body has an interior side and an exterior side with a threaded aperture that extends from the interior side to the exterior side of the plug body. The interior side of the plug body is removably attachable to a hose. A bushing threadingly engages the threaded aperture. A one way valve with a first end and a second end is provided with the first end of the one way valve engaging the bushing from the exterior side of the plug body. The one way valve being movable between an open position in which fluid flows through the one way valve from the interior side of the plug body to the exterior side of the plug body and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the one way valve. An adapter for connection to a pump engages the second end of the one way valve.