Asymmetric Blocking Element for Fuel Tank Misfuelling Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles lack effective mechanisms to prevent misfuelling, where the wrong type of fuel is accidentally filled into the fuel tank, potentially damaging engines and incurring substantial costs for removal.
Innovation Solution
A misfuelling prevention device comprising a tubular element, an elongated support element, and a blocking element is inserted into the fuel tank's filler neck, with the blocking element positioned to prevent the incorrect fuel nozzle from being inserted, ensuring only the correct nozzle can fill the tank without disturbing the internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a filling pipe of a gasoline pump nozzle is used, then it can be inserted into a filler neck of a Diesel engine vehicle, but it cannot be inserted into a filler neck of a gasoline engine vehicle due to diameter mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an asymmetric blocking element with a specific geometry that creates a one-way insertion mechanism. The blocking element has a tapered shape with a smaller diameter at one end and a larger diameter at the other end, allowing insertion in only one orientation. This asymmetric design enables the filling pipe to be inserted into Diesel vehicle filler necks while preventing insertion into gasoline vehicle filler necks, resolving the adaptability-ease of operation contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inner diameter of the filler neck is made large enough to accommodate both Diesel and gasoline nozzles, then both can be inserted, but misfuelling cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is pre-installed in the filler neck before the filling operation begins. This preliminary action creates a mechanical barrier that selectively allows or prevents insertion based on the nozzle type. The blocking element is positioned in advance to intercept the filling pipe attempt, enabling the system to maintain a large inner diameter for adaptability while ensuring reliability by preventing misfuelling through the pre-positioned barrier.
3Reliability
If a blocking element is added to prevent misfuelling, then misfuelling is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and installed in the filler neck. This segmentation allows the blocking function to be added without redesigning the entire filler neck assembly. The blocking element can be produced using standard manufacturing processes and installed as a discrete part, minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable misfuelling prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A misfuelling prevention device, a fuel tank and a vehicle are described. The misfuelling prevention device includes an elongated support element arranged inside a tubular element. A first end of the elongated support element is coupled to the tubular element and a second end of the elongated support element and a central section of the elongated support element are arranged such that they are spaced apart from an inner surface of the tubular element. A blocking element is arranged at the second end of the elongated support element, thereby preventing misfuelling.