Fuel Tank Valve Spring Inclination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valve designs for fuel tanks, such as WO-2010-064475-A, face issues with the positive pressure spring becoming inclined, which affects the urging force and opening responsiveness of the valve due to its partial insertion into the positive pressure valve, leading to inconsistent valve operation.
Innovation Solution
The valve device incorporates an outer circumferential portion with plural opening portions on the valve element and ribs on the valve case's inner circumference to limit the radial movement of the positive pressure spring, ensuring it remains concentric with the valve case's axial center, thereby suppressing the inclination of the spring and maintaining consistent urging force, even when the valve element is inclined.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the positive pressure spring is partially inserted into the positive pressure valve to be held by spring holding ribs, then the spring is supported in a predetermined range, but the spring becomes inclined when the valve is inclined, affecting the opening responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ribs on the inner circumference of the valve case as an intermediary structure between the spring and the valve case. These ribs engage with grooves on the spring to prevent radial movement and inclination of the spring, while not interfering with the valve element's sliding motion. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing spring stability without affecting valve responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the support function by separating the axial support (provided by the valve case ends) from the radial support (provided by the ribs). This segmentation allows the spring to be supported in both directions independently, preventing inclination while maintaining the ability of the valve element to slide freely for responsive operation.
2Force
If the positive pressure spring is disposed without inclination with respect to the axial center of the valve case, then the urging force is consistent, but the spring becomes inclined when partially inserted into the positive pressure valve
Solution Approach 1:
The ribs act as an intermediary constraint that maintains the spring's concentric position with the valve case axial center. By engaging with grooves on the spring, the ribs prevent radial displacement and inclination, ensuring the spring remains properly positioned to exert consistent urging force on the valve element throughout its operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds radial constraint through the ribs and grooves engagement, creating a new dimension of control. While the spring naturally wants to incline due to partial insertion, the radial engagement with ribs constrains it in the radial direction, maintaining axial alignment and consistent force 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
This configuration enhances the opening responsiveness and precision of the valve element by maintaining the predetermined valve opening pressure, ensuring the valve operates smoothly and accurately, regardless of inclination.
Implementation Method 1
a positive pressure spring inserted into an inner side of the outer circumferential portion of the valve element, disposed to abut on the valve element at an one end thereof while abutting on the other end side of the valve case at the other end thereof, and configured to urge the valve element toward the valve seat of the valve case
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment relates to a valve device. The valve device includes: a valve case; a valve element slidably disposed within a valve chamber defined in the valve case; and a positive pressure spring configured to urge the valve element toward a valve seat in the valve case. The valve element includes an outer circumferential portion having a predetermined length extending along an inner circumference of the valve chamber. The outer circumferential portion includes plural opening portions. And, ribs project from the inner circumference of the valve chamber to enter into the opening portions, thereby limiting movement of the positive pressure spring in a radial direction.