Tank Venting Pipe Whistle Opening Prevents Liquid Backflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid tanks for vehicles, such as those containing SCR liquid, face challenges with backflow through the degassing pipe due to excessive liquid inlet pressure during filling, as none of the previous solutions provide a reliable method to regulate the liquid level effectively, leading to potential overflow and safety issues.

Innovation Solution

The degassing pipe is configured with a 'whistle' opening that extends into the tank, causing a sudden increase in internal pressure when the liquid reaches a specific level, which immediately closes the filling pipe valve, preventing backflow by blocking liquid entry into the degassing pipe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the degassing pipe outlet is placed laterally on one side of the tank to save space, then the space above the tank is reduced for other equipment or passenger compartment, but liquid backflow occurs in the degassing pipe due to excessive liquid inlet pressure during filling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace above tankVSAvoidliquid backflow
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the degassing pipe to prevent liquid backflow. The check valve allows gas to escape during filling while blocking liquid from entering the degassing pipe, thus resolving the backflow issue without changing the lateral outlet configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the pressure parameter dynamics by using a check valve that responds to pressure differential. When liquid inlet pressure exceeds gas pressure, the check valve closes to prevent backflow, automatically adapting to pressure changes during filling operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a closing valve is added to the filling pipe to prevent backflow, then liquid backflow is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid backflow preventionVSAvoidvalve system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The check valve in the degassing pipe operates automatically based on pressure differential without requiring external control mechanisms. The valve self-regulates by opening when gas pressure exceeds liquid pressure and closing when the reverse occurs, eliminating the need for complex controlled closing valves in the filling pipe

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the liquid level regulation is delayed due to slow gas pressure increase, then the filling process continues, but liquid backflow occurs in the degassing pipe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling speedVSAvoidliquid backflow
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The check valve acts as an immediate response intermediary that prevents backflow the moment liquid pressure exceeds gas pressure, without waiting for gas pressure to build up or for delayed level regulation mechanisms to activate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the slow mechanical level regulation system with a pressure-responsive check valve that provides instantaneous backflow prevention through automatic pressure-driven operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration effectively prevents backflow by ensuring the filling pipe closes promptly at the maximum liquid level, maintaining safety and preventing overflow during filling operations.

Implementation Method 1

causing a sudden increase in internal pressure when the liquid reaches a specific level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3216641B1Tank with venting pipe
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3216641B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3216641B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a liquid reservoir with a degassing pipe (200) comprising a tank (1) consisting of a side wall (1c) connected perpendicularly to upper (1s) and lower (1i) walls, capable of containing a liquid (9) up to a predetermined maximum level (10"). This tank (1) also includes a filling pipe (3) having a lower portion (3b) connected to the side wall (1c) and equipped with a shut-off valve (6). A degassing pipe (2') has a lower end (2b') also connected to the side wall (1c) at approximately said predetermined maximum level (10"), and an upper end (2a) connected to an upper portion (3a) of the filling pipe (3). The lower end (2b') extends into the tank by means of a blind end (20) parallel to the upper (1s) and lower (1i) walls and provided with a "whistle" opening (21) arranged opposite the lower wall (1i) of the tank (1).