Integrated Fuel Filler Cover Structure for Hidden Hinge Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel adapter cover structure requires a separate bridge member to hide the fixing portion, which increases the number of components and complicates the design.
Innovation Solution
The fuel adapter cover structure integrates a cover portion with the oil supply port side recessed portion's flange, allowing the fixing portion to be hidden from the outside, eliminating the need for a separate bridge member and reducing component count, while an embankment shaped portion enhances rigidity and assembly ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate bridge member is used to cover the fixing portion, then the fixing portion can be hidden from the outside, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion is integrated into the fuel adapter cover as a single continuous piece, merging the function of covering the fixing portion with the existing structural components. This eliminates the need for a separate bridge member while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of hiding the fixing portion from the outside.
2Device complexity
If a separate bridge member is arranged to cover the fixing portion, then the fixing portion is hidden, but the design becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion is designed as an integrated continuous structure that combines multiple functions into one component, reducing design complexity while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of hiding the fixing portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, covers the fixing portion for aesthetic purposes, and integrates with the fuel adapter cover assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall design.
3Device complexity
If the cover portion is integrated with the flange, then the number of components is reduced, but the structural rigidity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion is formed as a continuous integrated structure with the flange, creating a unified component that reduces part count while maintaining structural integrity through the continuous material connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel adapter cover is divided into functional regions (cover portion, flange, recessed portion) that are integrated into a single piece, allowing each region to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall structural rigidity of the assembled component.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fuel adapter cover structure of a vehicle which can hide a fixing portion for fixing a hinge to a body and can reduce the number of components. A fuel adapter cover structure of a vehicle includes: an oil supply port side recessed portion, a first cover portion, a second cover portion, and a hinge storage portion. The oil supply port side recessed portion has an oil supply port side flange. The hinge storage portion stores a hinge supporting a fuel lid. The first cover portion and the second cover portion are continuous to the oil supply port side flange. By the first cover portion and the second cover portion, a first rivet and a second rivet which support the hinge on a vehicle-body are covered from the outside.