Valve Assembly with Through-Hole Check Valve for Dusty Fuel Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fast fuel systems used in dusty environments face issues with contamination and clogging, which can lead to improper function and fuel starvation in equipment, as they lack effective mechanisms to handle unfiltered gas and particles during filling and emptying processes.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a check valve and breather check valve system that includes through holes in the sealing member, allowing limited gas return even if the filter becomes clogged, and a breather float valve to ensure continuous fuel flow by bypassing non-filtered gas, preventing vacuum creation and maintaining equipment safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is added to the breather valve to filter gas, then the contamination of fuel and system components is reduced, but the risk of fuel starvation increases if the filter becomes clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed with different functional zones: an outer peripheral sealing surface for sealing against the valve seat, and central through-holes for limited gas passage. This local differentiation allows the filter to protect against contamination while the through-holes provide a backup path to prevent fuel starvation if the filter clogs.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-holes in the sealing member serve as a pre-prepared backup pathway that activates beforehand when needed. If the filter becomes clogged, gas can immediately pass through the through-holes to prevent vacuum formation and fuel starvation, cushioning against the harmful effect of filter clogging.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a check valve is used to prevent backflow, then fuel spillage is prevented, but pressure buildup in the container cannot be relieved
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed to dynamically respond to pressure conditions. It remains closed during normal operation to prevent backflow and spillage, but automatically opens when excessive pressure builds up in the container, allowing pressure relief while maintaining spillage prevention during normal conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the breather valve is kept closed during filling to prevent contamination, then fuel contamination is reduced, but pressure buildup occurs in the container
Solution Approach 1:
The breather valve assembly includes a filter positioned at the gas inlet to the container. This local filtration capability allows the valve to remain closed during filling (preventing contamination) while the filter captures particles. The through-holes in the sealing member provide an additional local pathway for pressure equalization if needed.
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 valve assembly effectively prevents overfilling and pressure buildup while ensuring continuous fuel supply by allowing limited gas return through the check valve's through holes, even if the filter is clogged, thus maintaining equipment operation and safety in contaminated environments.
Implementation Method 1
the through hole(s) in the sealing member providing for a limited return flow route for gas returning to the internal chamber via the outlet when the check valve is in the check valve closed position
Implementation Method 2
a filter which is in gas communication with the breather check valve for filtering gas before the gas enters the internal chamber and container
Implementation Method 3
a breather check valve movable between a breather valve open position in which it provides fluid communication between the exhaust route and externally of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly may be used with a container for holding a fluid including a liquid and a gas. The valve assembly may have a chamber, inlet, and outlet. The chamber may provide an exhaust route for fluid from the container to the outlet. A check valve including a sealing member with a through hole may move between an open and closed position. In the open position, check valve may provide a main flow route for fluid leaving the internal chamber. The through hole may provide a limited return flow route for gas returning to the internal chamber when the check valve is closed. The valve assembly may include a breather check valve movable between a closed and open position in which it provides fluid communication between the exhaust route and externally of the housing. A filter may communicate with the breather check valve.