Fuel Filler Tether Vertical Pivot Axis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel filler structures in vehicles often have tethers that pivot about a horizontal or inclined axis, which can hinder the free movement of the filler tube cap during refueling, and do not seamlessly integrate with the vehicle's wheel well design.
Innovation Solution
A fuel filler structure featuring a tether that pivots about a vertical axis, integrated with a vehicle body panel and filler housing, allowing the filler tube cap to move freely and providing a design that complements the wheel well's shape, with a direct electrical grounding connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tether pivots about a horizontal or inclined axis, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the filler tube cap cannot move freely during refueling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pivot axis from horizontal or inclined to vertical, representing a dimensional reorientation that enables the filler tube cap to move freely in and out of the fuel filler structure during refueling while maintaining structural simplicity
2Shape
If the filler housing is designed to integrate with wheel well structure, then aesthetics are improved, but the design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the filler housing with a specific shape that blends with the wheel well structure in the local area where they interface, while the rest of the housing maintains its functional simplicity for cap retention and fuel access
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel filler structure includes a vehicle body panel, a filler housing, a filler tube cap and a tether. The vehicle body panel defines a fuel filler opening. The filler housing has an outboard side and an inboard side. The outboard side is installed to the vehicle body panel at least partially surrounding the fuel filler opening and is dimensioned to receive and surround a portion of a fuel filler tube. The filler tube cap is configured to removably attach to the fuel filler tube at least partially within the filler housing. The tether is attached at a first end to the filler tube cap and is attached at a second end to the filler housing for pivoting movement about a vertical axis.