Capless Fuel Nozzle Passive Stop for Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern capless fueling systems face alignment issues with the filler pipe, leading to premature fuel shut-offs due to misalignment, and existing solutions like elongated nozzles and torsional springs are costly and complex, making them unsuitable for mass production.
Innovation Solution
A capless nozzle with a passive limiting stop is introduced to guide the filler pipe, limiting its travel direction and ensuring proper alignment, thus eliminating premature fuel shut-offs and alignment issues without adding complex or expensive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an elongated nozzle is used to guide the filler pipe, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into distinct functional segments: a guide portion with a predetermined angle to direct the filler pipe, and a stop portion with a stop surface to limit insertion depth. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring an overly complex elongated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion acts as an intermediary element between the filler pipe and the filler canal, providing a predetermined angle that naturally guides the pipe into proper alignment. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall design by using geometric guidance rather than complex mechanical alignment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If a torsional spring is used to bias pivoting doors, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stop portion provides a passive mechanical stop that automatically limits the travel of the filler pipe through its stop surface. This self-limiting mechanism eliminates the need for active components like torsional springs, reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining precise alignment control.
3Ease of operation
If the filler pipe is allowed to pitch upward or downward, then ease of insertion is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates causing premature fuel shut-offs
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion is designed with a predetermined angle that dynamically adapts to the filler pipe insertion motion. This angular guide structure allows the pipe to be inserted easily while simultaneously constraining it to follow the correct alignment path, preventing upward or downward pitching that would cause misalignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A capless nozzle for a vehicle fuel filler canal, includes a conical portion; and a non-conical portion having a stop formed therein configured to limit travel of a filler pipe in one direction when the pipe is inserted in the filler canal.