Ventilation Flow Rate Regulator for Pressurized Vehicle Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems for pressurized vehicle tanks, such as those in hybrid vehicles, face issues with high gas flow rates that can lead to corking of ventilation valves, hindering quick filling operations and fuel supply due to inadequate regulation of gas flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation flow rate regulator with a plunger having peripheral and non-central internal orifices, which applies a drag force to move the plunger and restrict gas flow through peripheral paths when the flow rate exceeds a threshold, forcing gas through smaller non-central internal orifices to regulate flow rates and prevent corking, and includes a return mechanism to reopen peripheral paths for complete depressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a regulator closes available peripheral paths by means of a movable member ending against a stop, then the flow rate is reduced compared to unrestricted ventilation, but the flow rate remains relatively high which does not allow high ventilation performances
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator divides the gas flow path into multiple separate orifices (first non-central internal orifice, second non-central internal orifice, and peripheral orifices) rather than using a single large opening. This segmentation allows precise control of flow rate while maintaining ventilation performance by distributing gas flow through multiple smaller paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator employs orifices with different characteristics: non-central internal orifices positioned closer to the axis of symmetry with smaller sections for primary flow control, and peripheral orifices with larger sections for additional flow paths. This local differentiation of orifice properties enables fine-tuned flow regulation.
2Reliability
If the plunger abuts against the stop to close peripheral paths, then flow rate is restricted to prevent corking, but ventilation performance is limited due to the relatively high remaining flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator segments the flow control into multiple orifices with different sizes and positions. The non-central internal orifices provide restricted flow paths that reliably prevent corking, while the combination of multiple orifices maintains adequate ventilation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator uses non-central internal orifices positioned asymmetrically closer to the axis of symmetry rather than uniformly distributed peripheral orifices. This asymmetric arrangement creates smaller effective flow areas that reliably prevent corking while maintaining ventilation function.
3Productivity
If a single large orifice is used for gas flow, then ventilation performance is high, but the flow rate is too high causing corking of ventilation valves
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator replaces a single large orifice with multiple smaller orifices (non-central internal orifices and peripheral orifices). This segmentation reduces the flow rate through each individual path to below the corking threshold while the combined effect of multiple paths maintains adequate ventilation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator creates local flow restrictions through non-central internal orifices positioned closer to the axis with smaller sections, while peripheral orifices provide additional flow paths. This local differentiation of orifice properties controls flow rate to prevent corking.
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 regulator effectively maintains gas flow rates below the corking limit of ventilation valves, ensuring proper depressurization and preventing valve clogging, allowing for efficient and rapid tank depressurization without complexity or high costs.
Implementation Method 1
By passing through orifices of the plunger, the gas applies a drag force on the plunger which causes movement of the plunger
Implementation Method 2
such as a spring or deformable ribs disposed within the ventilation line, which are compressed by the plunger during its movement caused by the drag force of the gas and which push back the plunger to its initial position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a ventilation flow rate regulator (1) for a pressurized vehicle tank (4), which comprises a plunger (10) adapted to be mounted in a ventilation line (7). The plunger (10) has at least one peripheral orifice (111) and at least one non-central internal orifice (112) which is closer to an axis of symmetry (A) of the plunger (10 than the peripheral orifice (111). The non-central internal orifice (112) has a section perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (A) which is smaller than any section of the peripheral orifice (111) perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (A).