Compact Vent Valve Using Sliding Float and Extracting Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing float valves used in fuel tanks are bulky and prone to allowing liquid fuel to pass into the venting line, especially in tanks with limited height, increasing the risk of fluid leakage during venting operations.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve apparatus with a sliding float and extracting means that creates an extended flow path using concentric or spiral-shaped walls, preventing liquid from reaching the outlet orifice by utilizing buoyancy and secondary floats to close the valve before liquid reaches the central area, and incorporating a collection and discharge chamber to manage droplets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional float valves with baffles are used to prevent liquid carryover, then liquid separation is improved, but the device height increases making it unsuitable for tanks with limited vertical space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal sliding arrangement. The float moves horizontally along the wall member rather than vertically, allowing the extracting means and float to overlap in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change enables compact vertical profile while maintaining effective liquid separation and float operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The float is positioned within the space defined by the wall members, with the float sliding along the inner surface of the wall member. This nested arrangement allows the float to occupy the same vertical space as the extracting means, reducing overall valve height while maintaining functional separation between components.
2Length of moving object
If the valve is made shorter by reducing float height, then vertical space is reduced, but the risk of liquid passing through before valve closure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended flow path created by the wall members forces the vapor stream to traverse a longer horizontal distance before reaching the outlet orifice. This preliminary action allows the float to close the outlet before liquid can reach it, even in a compact vertical configuration. The flow path extension compensates for the reduced valve height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the flow path in the horizontal dimension rather than increasing vertical height. The wall members create a labyrinthine path that lengthens the distance liquid must travel horizontally, providing adequate response time for the float to close the outlet orifice before liquid arrival.
3Length of moving object
If the float is slotted into the wall member for sliding movement, then vertical space is reduced, but the mechanical guidance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float features a slot that receives the wall member, creating a simple sliding guidance mechanism. This slot-and-guides arrangement provides mechanical guidance with minimal complexity, allowing the float to move horizontally along the wall member while maintaining a compact vertical profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism is segmented into simple components: the wall member acting as a guide rail and the float slot acting as a receiving feature. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component while maintaining overall simplicity, avoiding the need for complex mechanical guidance systems.
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 reduces the risk of liquid outflow into the vapor storage canister, allows for compact placement within the tank, and operates as both a Roll-Over Valve and Fill Limit Vent Valve, ensuring efficient venting and preventing liquid ingress during vehicle tilting or rolling.
Implementation Method 1
a float (209) equipped with a closure element (210) capable of closing off the outlet orifice (204)
Implementation Method 2
extracting means (208) comprising at least one wall member (212) extending substantially across the main chamber (202) and being adapted for extracting droplets present in a vapour stream
Data Source
AI summary
A valve apparatus for use in a liquid tank, includes a casing, an extractor, and a float. The casing defines a main chamber, the main chamber having an inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice. The extractor includes at least one wall member extending substantially across the main chamber and being adapted for extracting droplets present in a vapour stream coming from the liquid tank and entering the main chamber via the inlet orifice. The float includes a closure element capable of closing off the outlet orifice(s), the float being slidably mounted along the at least one wall member.