Fuel Tank Cap Retention Structure to Prevent Cap Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank caps are prone to being forgotten or lost after removal, as they are designed as separate parts that require manual handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
A fuel tank cap design that includes a seal cap unit with a locking cap body and a detaching-proof unit featuring a ring sleeve member and a connection member, which securely attaches the cap to the vehicle body, preventing detachment and loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fuel tank cap is designed as a separate part that can be removed for refueling, then the refueling operation can be performed, but the cap may be forgotten or lost after removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel tank cap with a retention mechanism that attaches to the vehicle body. The cap assembly includes a cap body for sealing the fuel tank opening and a retention member that secures the cap to the vehicle body, creating an integrated system that prevents loss while maintaining refueling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member is pre-installed on the vehicle body near the fuel tank opening. This preliminary placement ensures that when the cap is removed for refueling, it can be immediately reattached or securely held in place, preventing forgetfulness or loss before the refueling operation completes.
2Reliability
If the fuel tank cap is securely attached to prevent detachment, then the cap cannot be lost, but the refueling operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank cap system is divided into distinct functional components: a cap body for sealing the fuel tank opening and a retention member for securing the cap to the vehicle body. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and understandable.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member acts as an intermediary between the cap body and the vehicle body. It provides the attachment function without requiring direct integration between the cap and vehicle, simplifying the overall design while ensuring secure retention.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cap structure is simplified for easy manufacture, then production cost decreases, but the cap may detach and be lost
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cap system into a cap body and a retention member, each component can be manufactured using simple, cost-effective processes. The retention member can be separately attached to the vehicle body, allowing for straightforward production while ensuring reliable retention functionality.
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 integrated design ensures that the fuel tank cap remains securely attached to the vehicle body, reducing the likelihood of it being forgotten or lost during refueling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient wall extends obliquely from an end of the outer ring wall adjacent to the handheld wall, and is engaged resiliently with the engaging groove
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel tank cap includes a seal cap body and a detaching-proof unit. The cap body has a handheld wall and a surrounding wall that extends from the handheld wall and that is formed with an engaging groove. The detaching-proof unit includes a ring sleeve member and a connection member. The ring sleeve member has an outer ring wall that surrounds the surrounding wall, and a resilient wall that extends the outer ring wall and that is engaged resiliently with the engaging groove. The connection member is connected to the ring sleeve member to be connected to a cap installation portion of a vehicle body.