Capless Closure Assembly for Fuel Tank Filler Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank filler pipe closures do not efficiently allow for the insertion and removal of fuel-dispensing pump nozzles while maintaining a sealed environment, leading to potential fuel loss and safety issues during refueling.
Innovation Solution
A capless filler pipe closure system with pivotable flapper doors and torsion springs that open and close in response to the nozzle tip, ensuring a secure seal when not in use and allowing fluid communication during refueling, featuring a nozzle-insertion housing with outer and inner chambers and apertures, and an overflow-capture-and-drainage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional cap closure is used on the fuel filler pipe, then the sealing is maintained, but the ease of operation during refueling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system transitions from a static cap to dynamic flapper doors that automatically open and close based on nozzle insertion. The flapper doors are hinged and can pivot to accommodate the nozzle, providing both ease of operation and maintained sealing when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The flapper doors are spring-biased to automatically close after the nozzle is inserted or removed. The system self-regulates the opening and closing actions without requiring manual intervention, improving ease of operation while maintaining sealing reliability
2Ease of operation
If the filler pipe remains open for easy nozzle access, then ease of operation is improved, but fuel loss and safety issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper doors are positioned and spring-biased to close the filler pipe opening before refueling begins. This preliminary sealing action prevents fuel loss and safety issues, while still allowing quick nozzle access when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The flapper doors act as flexible closure elements that can seal the opening effectively. Their flexible nature allows them to conform to the opening and maintain a tight seal, preventing fuel loss while allowing easy access when opened
3Device complexity
If flapper doors are mounted on the same pin as door support, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into separate components: a door support pin for mounting the flapper door and a separate spring support pin for mounting the closing spring. This segmentation allows each component to be precisely manufactured and positioned independently, improving manufacturing precision and reliability
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
Ensures a secure and efficient refueling process by maintaining a sealed environment until the nozzle is inserted, minimizing fuel loss and enhancing safety through the use of spring-biased flapper doors and an effective overflow management system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased nozzle-actuated outer flapper door... Each door-closing spring is mounted on a spring-support pin that is included in the nozzle-insertion housing and separated from its companion door-support pin
Data Source
AI summary
A capless filler pipe closure is provided for a tank filler pipe. The capless closure permits a fuel pump nozzle to be inserted into the tank filler pipe without first removing a fuel cap from the outer end of the tank filler pipe.