Fuel Line Disconnect Tool with Slotted Handle and Adapters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for disconnecting fuel lines from fuel filters, such as the GM Fuel Line Tool, face difficulties in restricted spaces due to their design, making it challenging to access and manipulate the connection mechanism effectively.

Innovation Solution

A tool comprising a handle with a slotted head and semicircular flange adapters that can be positioned on opposite sides of the fuel line, allowing for easy manipulation and release from the fuel filter connection mechanism, even in tight spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional bifurcated arm tools are used to disconnect fuel lines, then the disconnection function can be achieved, but the tool cannot be effectively used in restricted spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability in restricted spacesVSAvoidtool structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into separate components: a handle member and interchangeable adapters. The adapters can be selected and attached based on the specific connection type, allowing the tool to access restricted spaces effectively while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle member serves as a universal component that can work with multiple adapter types. This multi-functional design allows a single handle to perform various disconnection operations by simply changing the adapter, reducing overall tool complexity while improving versatility in restricted spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If adapters are positioned on opposite sides of the fuel line, then access to connection mechanism is improved, but tool manipulation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to connection mechanismVSAvoidadapter positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slot at the head end of the handle acts as an intermediary structure that receives and coordinates the flanged adapters. This slot guides the adapters into proper positioning and allows the handle to manipulate both adapters simultaneously, simplifying the positioning process while maintaining access to the connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single handle is used to manipulate multiple adapters, then tool simplicity is improved, but control precision may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidmanipulation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The slot at the handle head provides a mechanical guide system that replaces the need for separate control mechanisms for each adapter. The slot's geometry automatically ensures proper adapter positioning and movement coordination, maintaining control precision while using a simple single-handle design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7404245B2Fuel line disconnect tool

Publication Date: 2008.07.29 LISLE CORP

AI summary

A fuel line disconnection tool includes a handle member with a hand grip end and a slotted opposite head end adapted to receive generally mirror image flanged adapters having semi-cylindrical tubular projections which enable placement of the adapters in the slot at the head end of the handle. The adapters may then be fitted about a fuel line and the handle attached thereto and manipulated to disengage the connection mechanism between the fuel line and fuel filter.