Pivoted Body Flap Cover Element for Vehicle Filling Access

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional windshield washing systems in vehicles face manufacturing complexity and accessibility issues when the filler neck for the wash water container is not readily accessible, especially when the front flap is designed to be actuated only in a workshop, leading to increased manufacturing outlay.

Innovation Solution

A filling apparatus featuring a pivoted body flap with a pivotable cover element that allows for easy access to the filler neck, reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling simple filling of the wash water container without requiring the entire body flap to be opened, with a push-push mechanism for locking and unlocking the cover element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the filler neck is placed below a service flap that is actuated only in a workshop, then the design requirements of body elements are maintained, but the filler neck becomes not readily accessible and manufacturing outlay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing outlayVSAvoidaccessibility of filler neck

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The body flap is segmented into a main flap portion and a separate cover element that can be independently actuated. This allows the filler neck to remain positioned under the main flap for design compliance, while the cover element provides independent access to the filler opening, resolving the contradiction between maintaining design integrity and ensuring accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element acts as an intermediary component between the user and the filler neck. It provides a simplified access mechanism that does not require actuating the entire service flap, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining the filler neck's concealed position under the main flap for design compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a visible individual flap is provided in body elements for filler neck access, then the filler neck becomes accessible, but design and manufacturing requirements are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of filler neckVSAvoiddesign and manufacturing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The body flap is segmented into a main flap portion and a separate cover element that can be independently actuated. This allows the filler neck to remain positioned under the main flap for design compliance, while the cover element provides independent access to the filler opening, resolving the contradiction between maintaining design integrity and ensuring accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element is designed with localized functionality specifically for filler access, while the main body flap maintains its original design aesthetic. This local differentiation allows the filler access function to be added without compromising the overall design and manufacturing requirements of the body elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the entire body flap is actuated for filling, then the filler neck is accessible, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to filler neckVSAvoidtime required for filling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The body flap is segmented into a main flap portion and a separate cover element that can be independently actuated. This allows the filler neck to remain positioned under the main flap for design compliance, while the cover element provides independent access to the filler opening, resolving the contradiction between maintaining design integrity and ensuring accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring full actuation of the body flap, only the cover element needs to be actuated to access the filler neck. This partial action principle reduces the operational complexity and time required for filling, as users only need to open the small cover element rather than the entire service flap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11535198B2Filling apparatus for a vehicle, and vehicle having such a filling apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

A filling apparatus for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a body flap, which forms an outer skin of the vehicle, at least in some sections, and is designed to be pivoted between a first position and a second position which is different from the first position. The body flap has an opening. A device opens and closes the opening by way of a pivotable cover element which is provided at the opening. A filler neck or a container, which is arranged in relation to the opening such that the filler neck or the container, or the container via the filler neck, can be filled with a fluid via the opening when the body flap is in the first position.