Fuel Tank Cap Water Guide for Rainproof Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In straddled vehicles, water accumulation on the fuel filler cap can flow into the fuel tank when the cap is opened, leading to potential fuel contamination and issues during rainy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fuel filler cap design featuring a water guide with a band shape extending from the packing towards the connecting portion, which is arranged between the connecting portion and the fuel filler port, and a recess on the cap's upper surface to collect water, preventing it from flowing into the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap is exposed to the outside of the vehicle for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but water accumulates on the cap and may flow into the fuel tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water guide as an intermediary component between the cap and the fuel filler port. The water guide channels water away from the fuel filler port, preventing it from flowing into the fuel tank while allowing the cap to remain exposed for easy operation. This mediator structure resolves the contradiction by providing a dedicated path for water drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cap structure by providing a recess that separates the operating member area from the water accumulation area. This segmentation allows water to collect in the recess away from the fuel filler port, preventing water from flowing into the fuel tank while maintaining easy access to the operating member.
2Ease of operation
If the cap is opened to access the fuel filler port, then the ease of operation is improved, but water flowing down from the cap enters the fuel tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a water guide and recess structure that proactively prevents water from reaching the fuel filler port before the cap is opened. This preliminary water management structure ensures that even when the cap is opened for operation, water cannot flow into the fuel tank, thus protecting fuel integrity in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The water guide acts as an intermediary barrier that intercepts water flowing down from the cap and redirects it away from the fuel filler port. This mediator structure protects the fuel tank from water contamination while allowing the cap to remain accessible for operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If water accumulates on the cap, then the water can be collected in a recess, but the water may still flow toward the fuel filler port
Solution Approach 1:
The water guide serves as an intermediary structure that collects water in the recess and redirects it away from the fuel filler port. The water guide creates a controlled drainage path that prevents water accumulated in the recess from flowing toward the fuel filler port, thus protecting the fuel system while managing water accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dimensional change by creating a recess that adds a vertical dimension for water collection, and the water guide redirects water flow in a different direction (away from the fuel filler port). This dimensional approach allows water to be collected and diverted without interfering with the horizontal operation of the cap.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A cap (36) comprises a connecting portion (411) attached to a support (34) via a hinge (35). An operating member (37) is attached to the cap (36) and operable by a rider or person. A packing (38) is attached to a bottom surface of the cap (36). The packing (38) seals between the cap (36) and a fuel filler port (33) when the cap (36) is located in a closed position. A water guide (39) extends from the packing (38) towards the connecting portion (411). The water guide (39) has a band shape, and is arranged between the connecting portion (411) and the fuel filler port (33) when the cap (36) is located in an open position. An upper surface of the cap (36) is exposed to an outside of a vehicle (1). The upper surface of the cap (36) comprises a recess (361) extending towards the connecting portion (411). The operating member (37) is arranged in the recess (361).