Capless Filler Neck Dual Flap Delayed Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capless filler necks with delayed-closing closure flaps often allow fuel to spill into the environment when the filler pipe is partially withdrawn, as the lower closure flap closes prematurely, preventing further fuel from flowing into the tank.
Innovation Solution
The upper closure flap is designed to swivel independently and exert a force on the lower closure flap via a pressure region, keeping the lower flap open for a longer period by using a first and second swiveling path mechanism, ensuring fuel can continue to flow into the tank even after the filler pipe is partially withdrawn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lower closure flap is configured as a sealing flap to close immediately after filler pipe withdrawal, then sealing reliability is improved, but fuel spillage into the environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper closure flap is designed to preliminarily act on the lower closure flap by exerting a lifting force on its free end before the filler pipe is fully withdrawn. This preliminary action delays the closing of the lower closure flap, ensuring it remains open long enough to allow any remaining fuel to flow into the tank rather than spilling into the environment through the venting system.
2Speed
If the lower closure flap closes immediately upon filler pipe withdrawal, then the closing speed is improved, but fuel flow time into the tank is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The upper closure flap exerts a lifting force on the free end of the lower closure flap during the withdrawal process, preliminarily delaying its closing action. This extends the duration during which fuel can flow into the tank, ensuring complete fuel transfer even when the filler pipe is partially withdrawn.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower closure flap is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to remain open against the closing force for an extended period. The flap's ability to maintain an open position while subjected to opposing forces (spring closing force and upper flap lifting force) creates a dynamic equilibrium that prolongs the fuel flow time.
3Device complexity
If the upper closure flap directly contacts the lower closure flap, then the structure is simplified, but the lower closure flap cannot remain open long enough to prevent fuel spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The upper closure flap acts as an intermediary element that indirectly influences the lower closure flap's position. By exerting a lifting force on the free end of the lower closure flap rather than directly contacting it, the upper flap mediates the delay in closing, extending the open duration without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex linkage mechanisms.
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
This design prevents fuel from spilling into the environment by maintaining the lower closure flap open long enough for any remaining fuel to flow into the tank, even with reduced pumping power, thereby ensuring ecological safety.
Implementation Method 1
the upper closure flap and the lower closure flap are able to be pushed open by the insertion of a filler pipe into the pipe section against a restoring force
Implementation Method 2
the lower closure flap remains opened for longer... sufficient in order to reliably permit the quantity of fuel to run off downwards into the tank
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a capless filler neck having an upper closure flap 2 and a lower closure flap 3, which are arranged in a pipe section 1. The two closure flaps 2, 3 must be able to seal independently of one another. In known capless filler necks, this has the effect that, when the filler pipe 4 of a fuel nozzle is still partially inserted, the lower closure flap 3 is already closed, whereas the user still has the impression that tank filling can be carried out. As a result, fuel collects between the two closure flaps 2, 3. The invention prevents this in that the lower closure flap 3 is opened or held open by the upper closure flap 2 or by an actuating element even when the filler pipe 4 is no longer in contact with the lower closure flap 2.