Fuel Tank Vent Valve Assembly Single-Axis Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of vent valve assemblies with multiple valves and housing components is complex and time-consuming, requiring assembly from multiple directional axes, which complicates the process and increases the necessary floor space.
Innovation Solution
A vent valve assembly configuration with three housing components that assemble along a single directional axis, featuring a nonlinear vapor flow path and a secure inner cap joint, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced assembly time, with the third housing component attaching to the fuel tank without compromising the sealed joint, enabling a minimal height profile and higher fuel shutoff height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and housing components are integrated in a common housing, then the vent valve assembly provides comprehensive vapor pressure regulation functionality, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple separable components (first housing component, second housing component, third housing component) that can be assembled in a simplified sequence along a single axis, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the integrated functionality of multiple valves
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and housing components are integrated in a common housing, then the vent valve assembly provides comprehensive vapor pressure regulation functionality, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple separable components that can be assembled in a simplified sequence along a single axis, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the integrated functionality of multiple valves
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple housing components are combined into a single integrated assembly unit that attaches to the fuel tank as one component, reducing the number of separate assembly operations and attachment points while maintaining comprehensive vapor pressure regulation functionality
3Strength
If the third housing component is attached to the fuel tank, then the vent valve assembly is securely mounted, but the sealed joint integrity may be compromised by thermal expansion or contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed joint function is extracted from the third housing component and assigned to the inner cap, which forms a separate sealed connection to the second housing component. This isolation protects the sealed joint from thermal stresses associated with attaching the third housing component to the fuel tank
Solution Approach 2:
The inner cap acts as an intermediary component that creates the sealed joint between the second housing component and the vapor flow path. This intermediary isolates the sealed joint from thermal expansion or contraction of the third housing component attached to the fuel tank
4Ease of manufacture
If housing components are assembled from several directions along multiple directional axes, then all components can be properly positioned, but the assembly process becomes more complex and requires more floor space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of assembling components from multiple directions toward a central point, the design inverts the approach by enabling all components to be assembled along a single axis, simplifying the assembly process and reducing required floor space
5Length of moving object
If the vent valve assembly has a minimal height profile, then the liquid-vapor discriminating valve can be positioned higher in the fuel tank for higher fuel shutoff height, but the assembly of multiple components becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple components that can be compactly arranged along a single axis, enabling a minimal overall height profile while maintaining the functionality of multiple valves and simplifying the assembly process
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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces assembly time, and minimizes the overall height of the vent valve assembly, allowing for easier positioning of the liquid-vapor discriminating valve higher in the fuel tank, while maintaining the integrity of the sealed joint and reducing the required assembly space.
Implementation Method 1
the third housing component can be heat fused to the fuel tank
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A vent valve assembly includes a first housing component, a second housing component, and a third housing component, as well as a first valve and a second valve. The first, second, and third housing components are configured to assemble together along one directional axis with the second housing component, the first valve and the second valve between the first and third housing components and with the second valve laterally-spaced from the first valve. A vapor flow path directs vapor from the first valve to the second valve, thereby reducing an overall height of the vent valve assembly.