Filler Pipe Grounding Structure for Better Sealability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fueling devices face challenges in achieving high sealability between the filler pipe and the cover member due to the placement of the earth member, which interferes with the sealant contact area.
Innovation Solution
An earth structure for the filler pipe is designed with an annular seal part between the filler pipe and the cover member, where the earth member is mounted on the filler pipe's outer surface and extends longitudinally, contacting the cover member downstream of the seal part, ensuring the cover member is grounded without passing through the seal area, and includes a conductive opening and closing member with an urging member for electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the earth member is mounted on the outer surface of the filler pipe and extends along the longitudinal direction, then the sealability is improved by not passing through the seal part, but the electrical connection path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first earth member and second earth member are merged into a single continuous earth member structure that extends along the longitudinal direction of the filler pipe. This merging simplifies the overall configuration compared to having separate grounding elements, while still maintaining the advantage of not passing through the seal part.
Solution Approach 2:
The earth member serves multiple functions: it provides electrical grounding for the cover member, maintains structural integrity along the filler pipe, and enables electrical connection without compromising the seal part. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 configuration enhances sealability between the filler pipe and the cover member, prevents electrification of the cover member, and simplifies the design and assembly process while maintaining the structural integrity of the cover member.
Implementation Method 1
the cover member is made of a conductive material, and the earth member contacts the cover member downstream of the seal part
Data Source
AI summary
An earth structure for a filler pipe includes a filler pipe; a tubular cover member in which an upstream end of the filler pipe is inserted and which defines a fueling port; an annular seal part interposed between the filler pipe and the cover member; and an earth member which is mounted an outer surface of the filler pipe and extends along a longitudinal direction of the filler pipe. The cover member is made of a conductive material, and the earth member is in contact with the cover member on a downstream side of the seal part. Since it is not necessary to dispose the earth member so as to pass through the seal part, the sealability between the filler pipe and the cover member improves.