Fuel Device Discriminating Portion Nozzle Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The varying nozzle diameters for different fuels across countries, such as the 1 mm difference between AdBlue and gasoline nozzles in Japan, pose a challenge in accurately discerning the correct nozzle size to prevent incorrect fuel supply, leading to potential errors in fuel delivery.
Innovation Solution
A fuel device with a discriminating portion featuring a first and second opening, an operation member, and an abutting member to guide and prevent small-diameter nozzles from being incorrectly inserted, utilizing inclined guide faces and a conical guard to differentiate between compatible and incompatible nozzle diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nozzle diameters are made different for different fuel types, then fuel supply accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the fuel device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discriminating portion is configured beforehand with specific opening sizes (first opening for small-diameter nozzles, second opening for large-diameter nozzles) to preliminarily guide and sort nozzles before they enter the fuel supply system. This preliminary discrimination action prevents incompatible nozzles from proceeding further, thereby ensuring fuel supply accuracy without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The discriminating portion is segmented into multiple functional regions: a first opening specifically sized for small-diameter nozzles, a second opening for large-diameter nozzles, and an abutting member that provides physical guidance. This segmentation allows the system to handle different nozzle types through dedicated pathways, improving reliability while keeping each segment's structure relatively simple.
2Reliability
If a discriminating mechanism is added to prevent incorrect nozzle insertion, then fuel supply reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discriminating portion utilizes the physical dimensions of the nozzles themselves to guide them into the correct opening. The first opening and second opening are sized to accommodate small-diameter and large-diameter nozzles respectively, allowing the nozzles to self-select their appropriate pathway based on their own dimensions. The abutting member provides passive mechanical guidance without requiring active sensing or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The discriminating mechanism changes the spatial parameters of the opening sizes to match the nozzle diameter parameters. The first opening has a size parameter optimized for small-diameter nozzles, while the second opening has a size parameter optimized for large-diameter nozzles. This parameter matching creates a passive discrimination system that improves reliability without adding complex active control mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the discrimination opening is made smaller to prevent incorrect nozzle insertion, then measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single small discrimination opening, the system segments the opening into two distinct pathways: a first opening sized for small-diameter nozzles and a second opening sized for large-diameter nozzles. This segmentation maintains high discrimination precision for each nozzle type while providing adequate insertion space for each, thereby preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting member is positioned to provide preliminary mechanical guidance and alignment as the nozzle approaches the discriminating portion. This preliminary action ensures that nozzles are properly oriented and positioned before reaching the discrimination openings, making insertion easier while maintaining the precision of the discrimination mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel device FS includes a discriminating portion 50, an operation member, an abutting member 57 and an open/close member 70. The discriminating portion 50 includes an discrimination opening GL formed of a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is an opening corresponding to an external diameter of a small-diameter nozzle FNS. The second portion is an opening having a shape corresponding to an external diameter of a large-diameter nozzle FNL compatible with the fuel device. The operation member 51 of the discriminating portion 50 guides the small-diameter nozzle intended to insert into the second portion to be inserted into the first portion. The abutting member 57 prevents a tip of the small-diameter nozzle from passing the first portion. The open/close member 70 is caused to enter an open state by the large-diameter nozzle passing through the second portion of the discrimination opening GL.