Vacuum-Actuated Fluid Evacuation Valve with Break-Away Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing fluids from reservoirs in vehicles and industrial equipment often result in spills, environmental contamination, and exposure to toxic chemicals due to the need for manual handling and lack of a fail-safe system for preventing fluid escape during drainage.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-actuated check-valve assembly, housed in a donut and designed to replace the manufacturer's drain plug, which remains closed until a vacuum is applied, ensuring spill-proof fluid removal and featuring a multi-tiered U-groove for safety-seal breakage in case of valve severance, allowing for efficient and safe fluid extraction without the need for permanent hose attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravity-based drainage is used to remove fluids from reservoirs, then the system is simple and requires no additional equipment, but fluid spills and environmental contamination occur due to uncontrolled drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receptacle as an intermediary component between the reservoir and the ground/environment. The receptacle captures draining fluids, preventing direct contact with the environment. The break-away groove design allows the receptacle to detach safely after filling, eliminating the need for manual removal and preventing overflow spills.
Solution Approach 2:
The break-away groove is pre-designed into the receptacle structure to provide a controlled failure mode. When the receptacle becomes overfilled or experiences excessive pressure, the groove allows the receptacle to break away at a predetermined weak point, preventing catastrophic failure and environmental contamination while maintaining safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum evacuation systems with hoses are used to remove fluids, then fluid spillage is reduced, but the system complexity increases and requires hose attachment and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle with break-away groove design serves itself by automatically detaching when full or when pressure builds up. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for technicians to manually attach and disconnect hoses during fluid removal operations, reducing system complexity in operation while maintaining spill prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the hose attachment requirement from the fluid removal process. By using a receptacle that can be placed directly under the drainage point and automatically detaches via the break-away groove, the system removes the need for complex hose connection and disconnection operations.
3Device complexity
If manual drain plug removal is used for fluid evacuation, then no additional equipment is needed, but technician exposure to toxic chemicals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle acts as an intermediary that captures fluids during drainage, positioning the technician away from direct exposure to toxic chemicals. The break-away groove mechanism allows the receptacle to be disposed of or emptied remotely, further reducing technician exposure to hydrocarbons and benzenes in used fluids.
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 solution effectively prevents spills and environmental damage, reduces technician exposure to hazardous fluids, and increases productivity by eliminating the need for manual hose attachment and minimizing the time required for fluid exchange, while ensuring safety in case of valve damage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to seal the ball against the seat when no external force is applied
Implementation Method 2
a spring configured to create an opening between the ball and the seat when an external force is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A device for removing oils, fuels and other fluids from reservoirs is disclosed that works in conjunction with engine-powered devices via a vacuum-actuated valve containing a multi-tiered U-groove. The U-groove allows a disconnection of the valve bolt shaft from the threaded end that fits inside the reservoir, trapping and holding the fluid in the reservoir.