Self-Closing Fluid Dispenser Hose Module for DEF
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) face challenges in maintaining climate control and durability in abusive fueling environments, with issues such as door damage, incomplete closure, and hose management problems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser with a hose module featuring multiple self-closing doors that automatically adjust to allow access and retraction of the nozzle and hose, including a housing with a boot for the nozzle and a system that provides tension-free hose extension and retraction, ensuring environmental sealing and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hinged door is used to enclose the DEF dispenser, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to significant abuse and damage to the door and no assurance of closure
Solution Approach 1:
The door mechanism is designed to automatically close itself without requiring manual intervention or external power. The spring-loaded linkage system stores energy when the door is opened and automatically releases it to close the door, making the system self-sufficient and reliable in abusive environments.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring-loaded linkage system is pre-installed to provide cushioning force that assists the door in closing automatically. This beforehand cushioning mechanism compensates for potential damage or abuse by ensuring the door returns to its closed position through stored mechanical energy.
2Reliability
If electrically-operated automatic doors are used, then the door closure reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and operational problems occur in abusive environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical actuation systems with a purely mechanical spring-loaded linkage system. This substitution eliminates the complexity of motors, sensors, and control circuits while maintaining automatic door closure functionality, making the system more suitable for abusive environments where electrical systems may fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical spring system provides self-service automatic door closure without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The spring stores energy during door opening and automatically releases it to close the door, ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions.
3Temperature
If the DEF dispenser is completely enclosed with only nozzle and hose accessible, then the climate control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the hose must always be under tension
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented with a removable panel that provides access to the hose spool. This segmentation allows the hose to be accessed and operated without compromising the sealed enclosure, eliminating the need for constant tension on the hose while maintaining climate control for the internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable panel acts as an intermediary element that provides access to the hose spool while maintaining the overall sealed enclosure. This intermediary structure allows hose operation without requiring the entire enclosure to be open or the hose to be under constant tension.
4Temperature
If interlocking brushes are used to protect the hose opening, then the climate control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the brushes hamper hose extension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the interlocking brushes from the hose opening design. Instead, it uses a removable panel that can be easily opened to access the hose spool, eliminating the hampering effect of brushes while maintaining thermal energy retention through the sealed enclosure design.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser hose module includes a housing adapted to enclose the fluid nozzle and at least a portion of a fluid hose within an interior volume of the housing. A first door located adjacent an exterior of the housing allows removal of the fluid nozzle when the first door is adjusted from a closed position to an open position. The first door automatically returns to the closed position from the open position when the fluid nozzle is returned to the boot. A second door adjacent the exterior of the housing automatically adjusts from a shut position to a retracted position when the first door is adjusted from the closed position to the open position. The second door allows access to the fluid hose in the retracted position and automatically returns to the shut position from the retracted position when the first door returns to the closed position.