Clip-Mounted Tank Ventilation Component for Intake Pipe Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for influencing tank ventilation in fuel tanks connected to internal combustion engines are complex and costly, requiring expensive materials and labor-intensive welding processes, and lack efficient mechanisms for regulating fuel vapor supply and ventilation duration.

Innovation Solution

A functional component with a main body featuring a flow channel and clip connection for mounting on an intake pipe, allowing for tool-free, cost-effective assembly using a clip connection that eliminates the need for separate coupling elements and expensive materials, with options for Venturi nozzles or valves to control fuel vapor supply and ventilation duration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If welding is used to mount tank ventilation components to the intake pipe, then reliable connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmounting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functional component is divided into a modular design with a mounting portion that can be separately attached to the intake pipe. This segmentation allows the functional component to be mounted without welding the entire assembly, reducing mounting complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the dedicated mounting portion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mounting portion acts as an intermediary element between the functional component and the intake pipe. This intermediary structure enables attachment through alternative methods (such as clamping or flanged connections) instead of direct welding, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If expensive materials are used for tank ventilation components, then durability and performance are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the functional component have different material requirements. The mounting portion can be made from less expensive materials suitable for structural attachment, while only the critical functional areas require high-performance materials. This local differentiation reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining component durability where needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The functional component utilizes composite material construction, combining materials with different properties in specific regions. This allows the structure to achieve required durability and performance characteristics while reducing overall material cost by using cost-effective materials in non-critical areas and premium materials only where necessary for functionality and longevity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate coupling elements are used to connect the functional component to the intake pipe, then connection flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting portion integrates the coupling function directly into the functional component structure. Instead of using separate coupling elements, the mounting portion combines attachment features, sealing surfaces, and structural support in a single integrated element, reducing the total number of components while maintaining connection flexibility and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution enables simple, time-efficient, and cost-effective mounting of tank ventilation components, preventing unintended loosening and ensuring reliable sealing, while allowing for precise control of fuel vapor supply and ventilation duration, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of tank ventilation systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one flow channel for guiding fluid from an inlet side to an outlet side is formed in the main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

at least one component adapted to create a clip connection of the functional component to an intake pipe is formed on the main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

For sealing between the main body and the intake pipe, a sealing element, for example, a sealing ring, is disposed in particular on the intake pipe and/or on the main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS10947937B2Functional component for influencing tank ventilation and arrangement of a functional component for influencing tank ventilation on an intake pipe

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 VOLKSWAGEN AG

AI summary

A functional component for influencing a tank ventilation of a fuel tank, functionally connected to an internal combustion engine, having a main body, wherein at least one flow channel for guiding fluid from an inlet side to an outlet side is formed in the main body, wherein at least one component for creating a clip connection of the functional component to an intake pipe is formed on the main body. The invention also relates to an arrangement of a functional component for influencing a tank ventilation of a fuel tank, functionally connected to an internal combustion engine, on an intake pipe.