Fuel Cap Torque Mechanism Using Cantilever Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cap designs are complex and require multiple parts, including coil springs, which complicate the torque mechanism and make it difficult to confirm proper sealing without excessive torque.
Innovation Solution
A cap device with a simplified torque mechanism using cantilever springs that transmit rotational torque and provide a click sound when a preset torque is reached, eliminating the need for coil springs and reducing the number of parts, featuring a torque plate with a torque transmission rib and cantilever spring that deforms to accumulate spring force and restore the click unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coil spring and click mechanism are used in the torque mechanism, then the sealing torque can be transmitted reliably, but the number of parts increases and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coil spring and click mechanism into an integrated torque mechanism where the click mechanism is formed directly on the spring components. The first and second click engagement elements are incorporated into the spring assembly, eliminating the need for separate click mechanism parts while maintaining reliable torque transmission and sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring components serve multiple functions simultaneously: the first coil spring provides both torque transmission through its elastic deformation and sealing pressure through its compression, while the second coil spring with integrated click engagement elements provides both torque limitation through disengagement and audible feedback through the click sound. This multi-functionality reduces the overall part count while maintaining reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple engagement elements and coil springs are used, then the torque control is precise, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple engagement elements into integrated spring assemblies. The first click engagement element is formed as part of the first coil spring structure, and the second click engagement element is integrated into the second coil spring. This combining reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and assembly operations while maintaining precise torque control through the engineered spring geometries and engagement element configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple structure with fewer parts is used, then the manufacturing is easier, but the reliability of torque transmission may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves reliable torque transmission with fewer parts by designing spring components that perform multiple critical functions. The first coil spring transmits torque and provides sealing force simultaneously. The second coil spring with integrated click engagement elements provides torque limitation, audible feedback, and maintains engagement status. This multi-functional design maintains reliability while simplifying the overall structure and reducing part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring components are designed to self-regulate torque transmission through their elastic properties and integrated engagement elements. The springs automatically engage and disengage at predetermined torque levels through their own mechanical characteristics, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining reliable torque transmission and protection.
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 solution ensures a reliable and user-confirmed sealing torque without excessive parts, providing a clear click sound for proper closure and preventing over-tightening, while maintaining high sealing performance and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the first torque engagement element and the second torque engagement element is a cantilever spring that is elastically deformed by the rotation of the handle mechanism in the closing direction to transmit the rotational torque to the closer while accumulating a spring force
Implementation Method 2
The cantilever spring applies the accumulated spring force to restore the click unit from the released position to the initial position when the rotational torque applied to the handle mechanism is released
Implementation Method 3
the first click engagement element and the second click engagement element are disengaged and shift from an initial position to a released position to give a click sound
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cap has a cap main body, a cover with a handle, and a torque mechanism. The torque mechanism includes a torque transmission unit and click units. When the handle is rotated in a closing direction, torque is transmitted to a cantilever spring of the torque mechanism. The cantilever spring is deformed by rotation of the cover in the closing direction. After the spring is deformed by a predetermined amount, in response to rotation of the cover with respect to the cap main body by at least a preset angle, the click units make a click sound. When the user releases the handle, the spring force of the cantilever spring restores the click units to their initial positions. The cap device has a torque mechanism that has a simple structure and consists of a small number of parts.