Washer Reservoir Filler Neck Mounting Without Extra Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing a washing fluid reservoir filler neck on a motor vehicle hood latch support are complex and require additional fastening elements, which increases costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A filler neck is designed with an attachment portion that engages with a keyhole-shaped opening on a plastics-based fixing portion, allowing for simple installation through insertion and sliding or rotation, and includes a resilient locking tab and support ribs for stable fixation without additional fastening elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional fastening elements are used to install the filler neck, then the installation stability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidfastening element quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the filler neck and hood latch support into a single integrated component. The filler neck is formed as an integral part of the hood latch support, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements. This merging of components achieves stable installation while reducing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hood latch support is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the hood latch mechanism and simultaneously serves as the filler neck mounting structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated fastening elements, as the structural component itself provides the mounting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Weight of moving object

If the filler neck is made from plastics material, then the weight is reduced, but the strength under impact forces may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiller neck weightVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite material structure where the filler neck and hood latch support are made from plastics material with potential glass fiber reinforcement. This composite approach maintains lightweight properties while enhancing strength and impact resistance through the reinforced plastic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates curved and rounded transitions in the filler neck structure, avoiding sharp corners and stress concentration points. The smooth, continuous contours of the plastic component distribute impact forces more effectively, enhancing strength while maintaining the lightweight plastic material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS12522181B2Arrangement of a separate functional element of a washer water reservoir on a fixing portion of a structural component

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 VOLKSWAGEN AG

AI summary

An arrangement of a separate functional element of a washing fluid reservoir on a corresponding a fixing portion of a structural component of a motor vehicle, wherein the fixing portion is at least partially formed from a plastics material, and wherein an opening is formed in the fixing portion in such a manner that an insertion portion of the functional element can be brought into a final installation position by insertion and sliding and/or rotation in a direction transverse to the depth direction of the opening, wherein, in the final installation position, the functional element is positively fixed in relation to the structural component, as viewed in the depth direction of the opening.