Fuel Supply Guide Structure for Easier Tank Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transferring fuel from a fuel supply tank to a fuel tank is a difficult operation due to the weight of the fuel supply tank, making it cumbersome for operators.

Innovation Solution

A fuel supply guide with a body member that is attachable and detachable, supported by a support member, allowing it to shift between usage and storage positions, and equipped with guide grooves and locking mechanisms to facilitate easy placement and secure positioning of the fuel supply tank.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the fuel supply tank is manually lifted and transferred to the fuel tank, then the fuel transfer operation can be completed, but the operator experiences heavy workload and difficult operation due to the weight of the fuel supply tank

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fuel transfer operationVSAvoidweight of fuel supply tank
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A body member is introduced as an intermediary component between the fuel supply tank and the fuel tank. This body member includes a placement portion that receives the fuel supply tank and a support portion that supports the fuel tank, acting as a mediator to facilitate the transfer operation without requiring the operator to directly handle the heavy fuel supply tank

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The body member is designed to be movable between a storage position and a usage position. When in the usage position, the body member is configured to receive and support the fuel supply tank, enabling easy transfer. The movable nature allows the system to adapt between different operational states, reducing the operator's workload during fuel transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a fixed support structure is used to hold the fuel supply tank, then the tank can be securely positioned, but the device complexity increases and the storage space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure positioning of fuel supply tankVSAvoidcomplexity of support structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The body member is designed as a movable component that can shift between a storage position and a usage position. When in the usage position, it provides secure support for the fuel supply tank through its specific structural configuration. When moved to the storage position, it clears the operational area. This dynamic design allows the system to provide reliable support only when needed, avoiding permanent structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The body member is divided into distinct functional portions: a placement portion for receiving the fuel supply tank and a support portion for supporting the fuel tank. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure simple and movable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4286598B1Fuel feeding guide and work machine
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4286598B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4286598B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4286598B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To ease work of transferring a fuel from a fuel supply tank (54) to a fuel tank (T1), a fuel supply guide (55) to be used to supply the fuel by using the fuel supply tank (54) to the fuel tank (T1) having a tank body (T1A) for storing the fuel and a fuel supply port (T1a) on the upper side of the tank body (T1A) includes a support member (56) provided on an upper portion of the fuel tank (T1), and a body member (57) projecting from the support member (56) in a direction away from the fuel supply port (T1a) as the body member extends upward and projecting higher than the fuel supply port (T1a). The body member is capable of receiving the fuel supply tank (T1a) by an upper portion thereof to support the fuel supply tank (T1a).