Fuel Supply Nozzle Guide with Sequential Restriction Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fueling operators often misrecognize the restriction of nozzle insertion in fuel supply apparatuses, leading to excessive insertion and potential breakage of the stopper, which can be prevented by increasing the stopper's radially inward protrusion but results in interference with smooth fueling operations.
Innovation Solution
A fuel supply apparatus with a nozzle guide featuring first and second projections protruded from the end opening circumferential wall to restrict nozzle insertion, where the first projection narrows the nozzle guide path diameter and the second projection further restricts insertion, allowing the operator to recognize sequential restrictions without interfering with the nozzle opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stopper is protruded further inward in the radial direction to prevent excessive insertion, then the reliability of preventing excessive insertion is improved, but the area of the nozzle opening covered by the stopper increases, interfering with smooth fueling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The single stopper structure is segmented into two separate projections: a first projection that provides initial insertion restriction and a second projection that provides secondary restriction. This segmentation allows each projection to be optimally positioned without excessive radial protrusion, preventing both excessive insertion and interference with the nozzle opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The first projection acts as an intermediary element that provides early feedback to the operator during insertion. By placing this intermediate restriction point before the second projection, the system gives the operator multiple opportunities to recognize the insertion limit, thereby preventing excessive insertion without requiring the final stopper to protrude deeply into the nozzle opening.
2Device complexity
If a single stopper is used to restrict nozzle insertion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operator may misrecognize the restriction and excessively insert the nozzle, causing stopper breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle guide structure is segmented to include two projections instead of a single stopper. While this increases structural elements, each projection is simpler in form (outward protrusions from the cylindrical wall), and together they provide more reliable insertion restriction feedback to prevent misrecognition by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The two projections provide sequential visual and tactile feedback during insertion, analogous to using different signals or indicators. The first projection gives an initial signal that insertion is restricted, and the second projection provides a confirmatory signal, making the insertion limit unmistakably clear to the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to suppress excessive insertion of a fueling nozzle during fueling. A nozzle guide configured to form a nozzle guide path that guides a fueling nozzle is placed inside of a filler neck main body configured to include a fuel passage that introduces a fuel supplied from the fueling nozzle toward a fuel tank. This nozzle guide comprises a first projection for nozzle restriction provided on a nozzle guide end opening portion at an end of the nozzle guide path along a nozzle guide direction and protruded from an end opening circumferential wall of the nozzle guide end opening portion to narrow at least part of a diameter of the nozzle guide path; and a second projection for nozzle restriction provided on a downstream side of the first projection along the nozzle guide direction and protruded from the end opening circumferential wall to narrow at least part of the diameter of the nozzle guide path.