Capless Refueling Valve Assembly Sealing Above Spring Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Capless refueling systems face challenges in preventing moisture entry through slot openings, leading to potential corrosion and increased complexity due to the need for a separate spring bracket to support the primary shut-off valve.

Innovation Solution

A capless refueling system design that eliminates slot openings by sealing above the spring pin, using a multi-stage valve assembly with a lower body portion and independent cover, featuring surface face grooves and detents for locking, and a fuel pipe with a stepped geometry and bayonet projections for secure attachment, which reduces complexity and moisture ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If slot openings are used in the fuel pipe for attachment of the PSV, then the PSV can be securely retained, but moisture can enter through the slot openings causing corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure retention of PSVVSAvoidmoisture entry through slot openings

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the slot openings from the fuel pipe structure, extracting the harmful feature that allowed moisture entry. The PSV retention mechanism is repositioned to engage with features on the PSV body itself rather than requiring openings in the fuel pipe, thereby eliminating the moisture intrusion pathway while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a seal element as an intermediary component between the fuel pipe and the PSV assembly. This seal element fills the gap that previously allowed moisture ingress through the slot openings, acting as a barrier that prevents harmful moisture entry while allowing the PSV to remain securely retained through its engagement features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a separate spring bracket is used to support the primary shut-off valve, then the valve can be properly supported, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport of primary shut-off valveVSAvoidnumber of components including spring bracket

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spring support function directly into the PSV body structure. The spring is mounted to engage with features integrally formed on the PSV body itself, eliminating the need for a separate spring bracket. This consolidation maintains proper valve support while reducing the total component count and simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PSV body is designed with multi-functional features that serve both as the valve housing and as the mounting structure for the spring. The same structural elements that provide valve support also serve as spring mounting surfaces, eliminating the need for dedicated spring brackets and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8720721B2Capless refueling system

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A capless refueling system is provided which utilizes snap-in attachment of a multi-stage valve assembly within a fuel pipe. The valve assembly includes a lower body portion and a cover independent from the lower body portion. The lower body portion and the cover are configured to be lockingly adjoined to one another. The cover is adapted to be adjoined to the fuel pipe. The system is sealed at a position above the primary shutoff valve thereby eliminating the need for a spring pin support bracket.