Circumferentially Adjustable Fuel Additive Transfer Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Capless fuel systems pose a challenge for introducing fuel additives due to their self-sealing mechanism, which prevents the use of standard fuel additive containers, leading to difficulties and potential hazards from spillage.

Innovation Solution

A pouring device with a circumferentially expandable mouth and fixed stem that forms a frictional seal with fuel additive containers of varying sizes, allowing for leak-proof transfer of additives into capless fuel systems, featuring a detachable design and unitary construction for ease of use and manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a standard fuel additive container is used with a capless fuel system, then the container can be easily removed and directed into the gas tank opening, but the self-sealing mechanism prevents introduction of the additive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of container removalVSAvoidprevention of substance introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (a adapter or funnel) that mediates between the standard fuel additive container and the capless fuel system. This intermediary has a first portion that engages with the container opening and a second portion that interfaces with the capless fuel system intake, allowing the additive to be transferred without requiring the container itself to fit the capless system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a device is designed to accommodate various container neck diameters, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different container sizesVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic, expandable mouth portion that can circumferentially enlarge to accommodate different container neck diameters. The mouth portion includes expandable elements (such as flexible lips or a collapsible structure) that can be compressed during engagement with smaller containers and expand during engagement with larger containers, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-size components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a container-engaging portion (mouth) and a fuel-system-interface portion (stem). The mouth portion is further segmented into expandable elements that can independently adjust to different diameters, allowing the device to handle various container sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a tight seal is achieved with containers of different sizes, then leakage is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak-proof sealVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the material properties of the mouth portion, specifically its flexibility and elastic modulus. The mouth portion is made from a flexible material that can deform to match the diameter of different container necks. By controlling the material's physical parameters (flexibility, tensile strength), the device achieves a tight seal across various container sizes through a single manufacturing process rather than requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the safe and efficient introduction of fuel additives into capless fuel systems, accommodating different container sizes without leakage, and is simple, economical, and easy to use, reducing environmental hazards and user difficulties.

Implementation Method 1

The mouth of the device includes a plurality of hinge points that permit circumferential enlargement of the aperture, thereby allowing the device to form a substantially leak-proof frictional engagement with the neck of containers having different diameters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

allowing the device to form a substantially leak-proof frictional engagement with the neck of containers having different diameters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9266707B2Circumferentially adjustable device for transferring fuel additives from containers into capless fuel systems

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 BAKER WILLIAM EDWARD

AI summary

Devices that assist in transferring liquid from commercially available fuel additive containers into capless fuel system intakes generally include an enlarged mouth portion and a narrower nozzle portion, with the mouth portion detachably engaging with an additive container, and the nozzle portion inserted into a capless fuel system intake, such that the capless fuel system's opening flap is held in the opened position. The mouth of the device includes a plurality of hinge points that permit circumferential enlargement of the aperture, thereby allowing the device to form a substantially leak-proof frictional engagement with the neck of fuel additive containers having different diameters. In this manner devices can be used with almost all additive containers, regardless of the type, size and/or manufacturer.