Fuel Filler Port Closing Device Segmented Cover Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closing devices for fuel filler ports risk allowing mud or debris to enter the fuel passage when the fueling nozzle is inserted, as the open-close mechanism can be rotated towards the fuel tank, potentially contaminating the fuel.
Innovation Solution
A closing device with a first open-close mechanism that includes a first cover rotating towards the upstream side, engaging with a second engagement element to prevent mud from entering the fuel passage, and a second open-close mechanism that opens and closes a second opening, allowing for simultaneous operation with the first cover, reducing contamination risks and enabling downsizing of the fuel passage forming portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the open-close member is rotated toward the fuel passage side to open the fuel passage, then the fueling operation can be performed, but mud or debris adhering to the surface may enter the fuel passage causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The filler port closing device is divided into two separate cover mechanisms: a first cover for closing the fuel passage opening and a second cover for closing the filler port opening. This segmentation allows each cover to be optimized independently - the first cover can be designed to prevent contamination while the second cover provides overall protection, resolving the contradiction between ease of fueling operation and prevention of fuel passage contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The first cover acts as an intermediary component between the fuel passage and the external environment. By positioning the first cover to close the fuel passage opening separately from the main filler port cover, it serves as a protective mediator that prevents mud and debris from entering the fuel passage during the fueling operation, while still allowing the fueling nozzle to access the filler port
2Device complexity
If a single cover mechanism is used for the filler port, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent contamination while enabling simultaneous operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is segmented into two independent cover mechanisms with distinct functions: the first cover mechanism for the fuel passage opening and the second cover mechanism for the filler port opening. This segmentation increases reliability by providing dedicated protection for the fuel passage, preventing contamination while allowing simultaneous operation during fueling, at the cost of increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The two cover mechanisms are designed to operate independently and simultaneously - the first cover can be opened or closed regardless of the state of the second cover. This dynamic independence allows the fuel passage to be protected (first cover closed) while the filler port remains accessible (second cover open), improving reliability without requiring a overly complex interconnected mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a closing device for a filler port. This closing device for the filler port comprises a fuel passage forming portion configured to include a first engagement element; a first open-close mechanism configured to include a first cover that is opened toward an upstream side; and a second open-close mechanism configured to open and close a second opening and include a second cover that is opened toward the upstream side. The first open-close mechanism further comprises a disengagement portion located on the upstream side of a second engagement element when the second engagement element is engaged with the first engagement element, and configured to disengage the second engagement element from the first engagement element when receiving a force in a closing direction from the second cover.