Vehicle Fuel Cap Opening Mechanism with Internal Switch Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles with externally exposed fuel tanks require drivers to exit the vehicle and use a key or attendants for fuel cap opening, making refueling inconvenient and vulnerable to theft or arson since the fuel cap cannot be opened from inside the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular fuel cap opening/closing structure where a stopper is rotated by a switch inside the vehicle to discharge a fuel cap external device, which engages with an internal device, allowing the fuel cap to be opened via a handle without needing the key, utilizing an elastic member for reliable operation and dual locking to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fuel cap structure with key operation is used in commercial vehicles, then the fuel tank is protected from unauthorized access, but the driver cannot open the fuel cap from inside the vehicle requiring exit and key operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cap opening mechanism is divided into two independent systems: an internal switch-operated system that releases the external device, and an external key-operated system that provides security. This segmentation allows the driver to open the fuel cap from inside the vehicle while maintaining protection against unauthorized access through the external key requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
A fuel cable acts as an intermediary mechanism connecting the internal switch operation to the external fuel cap release. When the driver operates the switch inside the vehicle, the fuel cable transmits this action to rotate the stopper and discharge the external device, enabling fuel cap opening without direct external manipulation.
2Reliability
If the fuel cap structure requires external key operation, then security against theft and arson is improved, but refueling becomes impossible when the driver loses the key
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cap opening system is designed with multi-functionality to serve both security and convenience requirements. The internal switch provides a backup opening method when the key is lost, while the external key mechanism maintains security. This universal design ensures the system adapts to different operational scenarios without compromising security or convenience.
3Ease of operation
If a switch inside the vehicle is added to operate the fuel cap, then convenience of opening from inside is improved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cable and stopper mechanism are designed to automatically translate the internal switch operation into external fuel cap release without requiring additional complex components. The system uses the existing fuel cable infrastructure to transmit the opening action, and the stopper's rotational movement automatically discharges the external device, minimizing added complexity while achieving the convenience goal.
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 convenient and secure fuel cap opening from inside the vehicle during refueling, enhancing driver convenience and reducing risks of theft or arson by eliminating the need for keys and improving the vehicle's value with a more efficient fuel cap mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member configured to discharge the fuel cap external device in an axial direction
Implementation Method 2
a stopper which is operated when a fuel cable is pulled via operation of a switch provided inside the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
fuel cap opening is implemented via rotation of a fuel cap handle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular fuel cap opening/closing structure may include a stopper hinged to a fuel inlet to rotate when a fuel cable is pulled via operation of a switch provided inside a vehicle, a fuel cap external device configured to be held in place by the stopper, the fuel cap external device being discharged in a longitudinal direction of the fuel inlet via rotation of the stopper, a fuel cap internal device fitted inside the fuel cap external device to close the fuel inlet, the fuel cap internal device being engaged with the discharged fuel cap external device, and a fuel cap handle coupled to the fuel cap internal device and held in place by the fuel cap external device to rotate the fuel cap external device and cause the fuel cap internal device to be rotated, guiding opening of the fuel inlet.