Fuel Gauge Cap Axial Rotational Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel gauge caps lack an efficient and secure assembly mechanism that allows for accurate fuel level detection and display, while also ensuring the cap remains securely closed.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cap design featuring an outer shell with protrusions and an assembly component with L-shaped slots, enabling axial and rotational engagement, followed by automatic locking, which supports a detection mechanism for sensing fuel levels and displays the information through an indicator needle and dial, ensuring secure closure and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional assembly mechanism is used for fuel gauge caps, then the structure is simple, but the assembly is not secure and may allow disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly mechanism is divided into distinct functional elements: axial joining features for initial positioning, rotational engagement features for securing, and locking members for final fixation. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The axial joining features perform the preliminary action of positioning and initially securing the components together before the rotational engagement and locking features are activated. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and prevents misassembly
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the cap remains closed securely, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly mechanism transitions through dynamic states: initial axial movement for joining, followed by rotational movement for engagement, and final locking. This dynamic sequence allows the mechanism to adapt its configuration during assembly, providing security at each stage while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to automatically engage and secure the assembly in the locked position once the rotational movement is completed. This self-locking feature eliminates the need for additional manual locking operations, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring secure closure
3Reliability
If axial and rotational engagement is used for assembly, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process requires multiple movements
Solution Approach 1:
The axial joining and rotational engagement features are merged into a coordinated assembly sequence where both actions contribute to the same secure connection objective. The features work together in a single assembly operation rather than requiring separate steps, reducing overall assembly time while maintaining connection strength
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cap operable to close an opening of a fuel tank. The fuel cap includes an outer shell having a protrusion and a shell locking member. The fuel cap includes a detection mechanism for sensing a level of fuel within the tank. The fuel cap further includes an assembly component engageable with the outer shell to support the detection mechanism on the outer shell. The assembly component defines a groove operable to receive the protrusion. Additionally, the assembly component includes a component locking member. The outer shell and the assembly component are engageable with one another by a relative axial movement followed by a relative rotational movement about an axis. Once engaged, the outer shell and the assembly component are fixed against disengagement by engagement of the shell locking member and the component locking member.