Fuel Cap Seal Assembly with Leaf Spring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cap assemblies for commercial vehicles fail to maintain an airtight seal under harsh environmental conditions and vibrations, and are prone to fuel leakage or discharge during sudden impacts, such as collisions.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cap design featuring a body with a seal that engages the inner diameter surface of a fuel filler neck, utilizing an O-ring or similar seal that is retained by leaf springs and cam pins, providing a secure and durable seal that withstands vibrations and impacts without requiring changes to the existing fuel filler neck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fuel cap assembly with multiple components is used, then the seal may provide basic sealing function, but the assembly fails to maintain airtight seal under harsh environmental conditions and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal, retaining structure, and cap body into an integrated assembly where the seal is positioned within a groove on the cap body and retained by deformation against the filler neck surface. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate retaining mechanisms while maintaining sealing reliability under vibration and environmental stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly incorporates dynamic retention through deformation of the cap body or seal structure that allows the seal to maintain constant contact pressure against the filler neck surface. This dynamic adaptation ensures the seal remains effective during vehicle operation, acceleration, and vibration without requiring additional active retention components.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then the seal may be retained securely, but the assembly becomes difficult to manufacture and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining function is merged into the cap body structure itself through integrated deformation features or groove designs that secure the seal during molding or assembly. This eliminates the need for separate retaining clips, screws, or complex locking mechanisms, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining secure seal retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap body structure performs its own sealing retention function through its geometric design and material deformation characteristics. The cap body's groove configuration and structural features automatically retain the seal without requiring external retaining components, making the assembly self-sufficient and easier to manufacture.
3Reliability
If a traditional seal assembly is used, then basic sealing is provided, but the seal is prone to fuel leakage during sudden impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is designed with pre-compression and deformation characteristics that allow it to absorb and accommodate sudden impact forces. The flexible seal material and compliant retention structure are positioned and configured beforehand to cushion against impact, preventing fuel leakage during collisions or sudden vehicle deceleration without requiring additional shock-absorbing components.
4Reliability
If multiple separate components are used in the fuel cap assembly, then the seal may be retained, but the material usage and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the seal, retention structure, and cap body into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate components such as retaining clips, separate mounting brackets, and additional fastening elements. This reduction in component count directly decreases material usage while maintaining effective seal retention through the integrated design.
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 design ensures a reliable airtight seal under various conditions, including extreme weather and vibrations, and allows for easy replacement and repair of the seal, reducing material usage and maintenance costs compared to prior art solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the seal sealingly engages an inner diameter surface of a fuel filler neck to seal the cap to the fuel filler neck
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fuel cap including a body and a seal positioned on the body, the cap adapted for engaging a filler tube opening, and the seal positioned on the cap body such that the seal sealingly engages an inner diameter surface of a fuel filler neck to seal the cap to the fuel filler neck.