Fuel Cap Spring Cam Mechanism for Vibration Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cap assemblies for commercial vehicles fail to maintain a secure, airtight seal under harsh environmental conditions and vibrations, and may dislodge during collisions, leading to fuel loss and potential fires or explosions.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cap design featuring a spring mechanism that secures the cap to the fuel filler neck using cam pins and ramps, preventing removal due to vibrations and ensuring the seal remains in place during impacts, with a simplified and cost-effective manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fuel cap assembly is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the cap cannot maintain a secure seal under harsh environmental conditions and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cap assembly incorporates a dynamic spring-loaded cam mechanism that automatically adjusts to maintain sealing pressure. The spring (element 40) continuously applies force to the cam (element 38), which in turn maintains constant pressure on the seal (element 14) against the filler neck, allowing the system to adapt to vibrations and environmental changes while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cap assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the cap body (element 10), the spring mechanism (elements 36, 40), the cam (element 38), and the seal (element 14). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes
2Reliability
If a traditional fuel cap assembly is used, then manufacturing is cost-effective, but the cap may dislodge during collisions causing fuel loss and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded cam mechanism creates a dynamic locking system where the spring (element 40) continuously pushes the cam (element 38) against the filler neck, maintaining constant retention force. This dynamic system ensures the cap remains securely locked during collisions and vibrations without requiring complex additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism pre-applies retaining force to the cap assembly before any dislodging force is encountered. The spring (element 40) is pre-compressed to exert continuous pressure on the cam (element 38), which in turn applies preliminary anti-action force to prevent the cap from dislodging during collisions or vibrations
3Reliability
If existing fuel cap assemblies are used, then the design is straightforward, but they fail to maintain airtight seal under vibrations and extreme weather
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded cam mechanism creates a dynamic sealing system where the spring (element 40) continuously adjusts the cam (element 38) position to maintain optimal sealing pressure on the seal (element 14). This dynamic adjustment ensures the seal remains intact during vibrations and extreme weather conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism dynamically changes the contact pressure parameter between the seal and filler neck. The spring force (element 40) varies the cam position (element 38) to maintain optimal sealing pressure under different operating conditions, ensuring seal integrity without requiring a complex active control system
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 provides a secure, airtight seal that withstands environmental conditions and vibrations, preventing fuel loss and ensuring the cap remains locked during collisions, while reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned on the body, the cap adapted for engaging a filler tube opening, and the spring positioned on the cap body such that the spring hinders removal of the cap from the fuel filler neck
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fuel cap including a body and a spring positioned on the body that inhibits unintended removal of the cap from a fuel filler neck, the spring secured on the cap by a cam pin that is used to secure the cap on the cam ramp of a fuel filler neck.