Replaceable Fluid Container Docking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for replacing engine lubricating oil in vehicles are complex and expensive, requiring access to the engine sump and the use of tools, which is not efficient for periodic maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable fluid container system with a dock that allows for easy insertion, coupling, and decoupling without tools, featuring a fastening and guiding mechanism that enables non-destructive replacement and refilling of the container, maintaining fluid communication with the engine's circulation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to replace engine lubricating oil, then the oil can be drained from the engine sump, but the process becomes complex and expensive requiring access to the engine sump and use of tools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fluid storage system into a permanent reservoir integrated with the engine and a removable container that can be easily replaced. This segmentation allows the fluid replacement process to be simplified by removing and replacing the container without needing to access the engine sump or use tools, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fluid storage function from the engine itself by providing a separate removable container that can be docked with the engine. This extraction allows the container to be replaced independently without complex engine disassembly, improving ease of operation while reducing the complexity of the replacement process
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods are used to replace engine lubricating oil, then the oil can be drained from the engine sump, but hand tools and collection methods are required making the process expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The removable container is designed to be self-contained with its own fluid storage and delivery mechanisms. The container can be easily removed and replaced by the vehicle operator without requiring professional service, hand tools, or special collection methods, making maintenance cost-effective and simple
3Ease of operation
If a replaceable container system is implemented, then easy insertion and decoupling is achieved, but the container must maintain fluid communication with the engine's circulation system
Solution Approach 1:
The container includes pre-configured fluid communication pathways and connection interfaces that are prepared in advance. The inlet and outlet ports are positioned and configured to automatically align with the engine's circulation system when the container is docked, ensuring reliable fluid communication from the moment of insertion without requiring additional setup or adjustment
4Productivity
If the container is designed for periodic replacement, then maintenance can be performed efficiently, but seals and other disposable elements must not be damaged during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forcing the container onto the engine, the engine's docking structure actively receives and secures the container. The docking interfaces are designed with guiding features and positioning elements that automatically align the container correctly, preventing misalignment damage to seals and components while enabling efficient periodic maintenance
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A replaceable fluid container for an engine or a vehicle, comprising: a fluid reservoir, at least one fluid port adapted to couple with a fluid circulation system; and an actuator, configured to be operated between a first condition and a second condition, wherein the actuator is configured, in the first condition, to enable the fluid container to be inserted into and/or held in a dock, in a seated but undocked condition, and inhibit docking of the fluid container to the dock; and wherein the actuator is further configured, when operated from the first condition to the second condition with the fluid container being in the seated but undocked condition, to enable the fluid container to dock in an engaged condition with the dock, associated docks and associated methods of supplying a fluid to a vehicle or an engine and of decoupling a fluid container from a fluid circulation system of a vehicle or an engine.