Elastomer Fuel Cap Coupler for Variable Tank Inlet Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cap assemblies for mobile fuel distribution systems face challenges in securely mounting to fuel tanks with varying inlet flange diameters, requiring multiple sized caps and limiting flexibility and efficiency in refueling operations.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cap assembly kit with cylindrical couplers made of elastomer, featuring interchangeable couplers with different inner diameters and adjustable hose clamps, allowing secure mounting to various fuel tank sizes without the need for multiple fuel cap sizes, ensuring a reliable seal and fluid connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sized fuel cap assemblies are used to accommodate different fuel tank inlet flange diameters, then adaptability to various fuel tank sizes is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cap assembly is designed with a universal coupling mechanism that can accommodate multiple fuel tank inlet flange diameters. The coupling includes a coupling body with a coupling bore that receives the pipe stub, and an outlet port with an adjustable or removable coupling component that adapts to different flange sizes. This allows a single fuel cap assembly design to serve multiple fuel tank configurations, eliminating the need for maintaining multiple sized caps in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate components: a fixed coupling body that receives the pipe stub, and an adjustable or removable coupling component at the outlet port that interfaces with the fuel tank inlet flange. This segmentation allows the adaptable portion to be modified or replaced without replacing the entire fuel cap assembly, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Device complexity
If a single fuel cap assembly design is used for all fuel tank sizes, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various fuel tank inlet flange diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates adjustable parameters such as removable coupling components with different outer diameters or adjustable clamping mechanisms that can be configured to match different fuel tank inlet flange diameters. This allows a single base design to adapt to various sizes by changing specific dimensional parameters of the coupling components rather than requiring completely different assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling acts as an intermediary component between the fixed pipe stub and the variable fuel tank inlet flange. This intermediary element absorbs the dimensional variation, allowing the fuel cap assembly to interface with different flange sizes through the coupling's adaptive geometry or interchangeable components.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable hose clamps are used to secure the coupling to the pipe stub, then ease of installation and removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hose clamps provide a dynamic fastening solution that allows the coupling to be easily installed and removed from the pipe stub. The clamps can be adjusted during installation to secure the coupling in place, and can be quickly released for removal. This dynamic fastening mechanism simplifies field installation and maintenance operations compared to permanent or complex fastening systems.
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
Enables flexible and secure mounting of fuel cap assemblies to different fuel tank sizes, improving refueling efficiency and reducing the need for multiple fuel cap sizes, while maintaining a secure seal and fluid connection.
Implementation Method 1
A cylindrical coupler (32) is provided and comprises an elastomer. The cylindrical coupler (32) defines an internal passage (58) extending therethrough with a first end (40A) and an opposing second end (40B).
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cap assembly according to an example of the present disclosure includes a fuel cap and a pipe stub that extends from the fuel cap and defines a first internal passage. A sensor element and a fuel tube are adjacent to each other and both extend from the fuel cap through the first internal passage. A cylindrical coupler is composed of an elastomer and defines a second internal passage that extends between an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port has a first inner diameter and the pipe stub is receivable into the inlet port. The outlet port has a second inner diameter that differs from the first inner diameter.