Diesel Exhaust Fluid Cap Assembly with Ventilation Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) cap assemblies for vehicles face challenges in user convenience during urea solution injection, particularly when using a bottle filled with the solution, as it is difficult to measure the amount injected, leading to potential overflow and contamination due to crystallization of the urea solution.
Innovation Solution
A diesel exhaust fluid cap assembly with a body having a tapered portion, flange portion with through holes, and a membrane member that allows air flow, enabling convenient injection without the need for separate assistance devices and minimizing contamination by sealing the system effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate injection assistance device (such as a funnel) is used to inject urea solution, then the injection process becomes more controlled and overflow is prevented, but the device complexity increases and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly integrates the ventilation membrane, sealing flange, and injection guidance features into a single unified component that attaches to the filler neck. This eliminates the need for separate funnels or assistance devices while maintaining controlled injection and preventing overflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly automatically provides ventilation control through its integrated membrane and maintains proper filling levels through its structural design, eliminating the need for users to manually monitor or control the injection process with external devices.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the DEF cap seals the DEF supply system completely, then contamination is prevented, but pressure buildup occurs during urea solution recovery or injection
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation membrane is a flexible thin film that selectively allows air molecules to pass through while maintaining the seal against liquid urea solution and foreign substances. This enables pressure equalization without compromising contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane functions as a porous barrier that permits gas flow while blocking liquids and particles, allowing the system to vent pressure during filling and recovery operations while maintaining a sealed environment that prevents contamination.
3Stress or pressure
If air flow is allowed through the DEF cap membrane, then pressure is equalized, but the risk of foreign substances entering the DEF tank increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane acts as a selective barrier that permits air molecules to pass through for pressure equalization while its material properties and structural design block larger foreign substances, dust, and contaminants from entering the DEF tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane's porous structure allows gas permeability for ventilation while the pore size and material composition prevent infiltration of liquid droplets, particles, and other harmful contaminants, achieving selective filtration.
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 enhances user convenience by allowing easy and controlled injection of DEF without additional devices, preventing overflow and contamination, and maintaining system integrity during urea solution use.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane member coupled to the flange portion to cover the through holes and allowing air flow
Data Source
AI summary
A diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) cap assembly for a vehicle includes: a body having a first opening and a second opening arranged at an opposite side of the first opening, the second opening configured to be opened and closed; a flange portion protruding radially outward between the first opening and the second opening of the body, and having a plurality of through holes and a flange gasket configured to be sealably coupled to a mounting subject on which the flange portion is mounted; and a membrane member coupled to the flange portion, and configured to cover the plurality through holes and allow air flow.