Flexible Filler Pipe Nozzle for Safe Automatic Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic refueling systems face challenges in designing a nozzle that can supply liquid fuel reliably and efficiently to a vehicle's fuel inlet while preventing overfilling and ensuring electrical safety to avoid spark formation.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle with a flexible filler pipe made of hard plastic and an outer metal coil or series of metal rings, which is pressed into the tank pipe to adapt its shape and ensure safe grounding, allowing for efficient fuel delivery and overflow sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional nozzle with built-in overflow sensing functionality is used, then fuel delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to mechanical pressure-transmitting tubes and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the overflow sensing functionality from the nozzle body and relocates it to the filler pipe assembly. The sensor is positioned at the filler pipe opening rather than inside the nozzle, simplifying the nozzle structure while maintaining overflow detection capability. This extraction resolves the contradiction by reducing nozzle complexity without compromising fuel delivery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the filler pipe itself acts as the sensing element. The filler pipe's position and movement serve as the mediator between fuel flow and the sensing system, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pressure-transmitting tubes and separate sensors within the nozzle.
2Productivity
If the filler pipe is pressed quickly into the tank pipe, then refueling speed is improved, but the risk of misalignment or damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic insertion mechanism where the filler pipe is guided into the tank pipe with controlled movement. The system transitions from static alignment to dynamic insertion, allowing quick connection while maintaining reliability through guided motion and positional control during the pressing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a simplified guided insertion mechanism. The filler pipe follows a predetermined path or guide structure that ensures proper alignment during quick insertion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining connection reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical potential equalization is performed before refueling, then safety is improved, but refueling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs electrical potential equalization as a preliminary action integrated into the nozzle connection process. The grounding connection is established automatically when the nozzle connects to the vehicle, before fuel flow begins, ensuring safety without requiring separate waiting time. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by combining safety preparation with the connection operation itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical potential equalization function with the physical connection operation. The grounding path is integrated into the nozzle-filler pipe assembly, so that the act of connecting the nozzle simultaneously establishes both mechanical connection and electrical grounding, eliminating separate time requirements for safety preparation.
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
The solution enables quick and reliable fueling with reduced risk of spillage, effective overflow sensing, and safe electrical grounding, improving the efficiency and safety of the refueling process.
Implementation Method 1
any electrical potential differences between the vehicle and filling equipment must be equalized before the replenishment is started, to avoid spark formation in the vicinity of the fuel
Implementation Method 2
the filler pipe, which comprises firstly an inner fuel pipe of flexible hard plastic material... adjusts its shape to the inner shape of the tank pipe by bending of the filler pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device for automatic refueling of a vehicle that includes a nozzle having a flexible filler pipe with an open end. The filler pipe is inserted, with the open end first, into the tank pipe to deliver fuel through the open end into the tank pipe. An axial pressure is applied to the filler pipe to insert the filler pipe into the tank pipe. The filler pipe includes an inner fuel pipe of flexible hard plastic material, and an outer metal coil or a series of metal rings. The metal coil or metal rings are arranged to run in parallel to and outside of the inner fuel pipe. The metal coil is arranged to run in and along a recess in the surface of the inner fuel pipe and the metal rings are disposed in a series of annular recesses in the surface of the fuel pipe.