Sealing Element for Filler Flap Liner

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing filler and/or charger flap liners for motor vehicles are complex and costly to mount, with inadequate sealing solutions that require additional sealing means, especially between the outer side part and the outer wheel arch.

Innovation Solution

A filler and/or charger flap liner with a swelling foam sealing element that is arranged radially outside the openings of the outer side part and outer wheel arch, providing a reliable sealing action without the need for absolute sealing from the bearing elements, and using a web-like or U-shaped configuration to minimize material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional sealing means are used between the outer side part and outer wheel arch, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and mounting cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidmounting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function with the filler/charger flap liner itself by integrating a sealing element directly into the liner structure. This eliminates the need for separate additional sealing means between the outer side part and outer wheel arch, thereby maintaining sealing reliability while reducing device complexity and mounting cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filler/charger flap liner is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component covering the opening and as a sealing element. The integrated sealing element enables the liner to provide both bearing support and sealing action, reducing the need for separate sealing components and simplifying the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional sealing arrangements are used requiring absolute sealing from bearing elements, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing actionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cost-effective sealing element made from swelling foam material that provides reliable sealing without requiring expensive precision-engineered absolute sealing mechanisms. The bearing elements are designed to provide functional sealing rather than absolute sealing, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate sealing performance for the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element utilizes swelling foam material that changes its physical parameters (expands) after installation to create the sealing effect. This parameter change approach allows for simpler, less expensive bearing elements that don't need to maintain absolute sealing precision, as the foam expansion compensates for gaps and irregularities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional sealing elements are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but material consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing actionVSAvoidmaterial consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is designed with a web-like configuration that concentrates sealing material only where needed - specifically in the region radially outside the openings of the outer side part and outer wheel arch. This local quality approach ensures reliable sealing action while minimizing material consumption by avoiding unnecessary sealing material in non-critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element is configured as a web-like structure that segments the sealing function into discrete zones rather than using a continuous solid form. This segmentation reduces material consumption while maintaining sealing effectiveness at the critical interfaces between components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution simplifies and cost-effectively achieves reliable sealing between the outer side part and outer wheel arch, eliminating the need for additional sealing means and reducing material consumption while ensuring a dry space is maintained.

Implementation Method 1

The sealing element of one embodiment is a swelling foam element. As a result, a reliable sealing action is achieved with favorable costs and simple mounting.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling: Intumescent Materials

Data Source

PatentUS11260745B2Filler and/or charger flap liner having a seal arrangement

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A filler and/or charger flap liner (3) is provided with a seal arrangement. The filler and/or charger flap liner (3) is to be arranged in an opening (6) of an outer side part (4) and in an opening (7) of an outer wheel arch (5). The filler and/or charger flap liner (3) is to be arranged with a first bearing element (8) on an edge of the opening (6) of the outer side part (4) and is to be arranged with a second bearing element (9) on an edge of the opening (7) of the outer wheel arch (5). An at least partially circumferential sealing element (10) is arranged radially outside the openings (6, 7) of the outer side part (4) and the outer wheel arch (5).