Vibration-Resistant Fuel Tank Coupling Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank filling systems in vehicles, particularly agricultural and construction machines, face challenges with loose connections and leaks due to vibrations, leading to inefficient refueling and potential downtime.
Innovation Solution
A coupling unit with a first and second coupling element, featuring a plug connection and positive locking elements, ensures a secure and leak-proof connection between the corrugated pipe and the tank or filling neck, using a threaded section with a seal and radial sealing rings to maintain tightness even during vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a corrugated pipe is directly connected to the filler neck and tank neck using simple seals, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection becomes loose under vibrations and leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a first coupling element with a locking mechanism for the filler neck, a second coupling element with a locking mechanism for the tank neck, and the corrugated pipe connecting them. Each component performs a specific function (sealing, locking, flexible connection), allowing the system to maintain reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements act as intermediary components between the rigid filler neck/tank neck and the flexible corrugated pipe. These intermediaries provide threaded connections for secure mounting, sealing surfaces for leak prevention, and locking mechanisms for vibration resistance, bridging the gap between the rigid mounting points and the flexible conduit.
2Reliability
If a threaded connection with locking elements is used to secure the corrugated pipe, then the connection resistance to vibrations is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the coupling elements: threading for secure attachment, sealing surfaces for leak prevention, and integrated locking mechanisms for vibration resistance. By combining these functions into single components rather than separate parts, the manufacturing process is simplified while maintaining high reliability and vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to automatically engage and secure the corrugated pipe in place without requiring additional fastening operations. The spring-loaded or cam-actuated locking mechanisms self-adjust to accommodate variations in pipe diameter and installation tolerances, reducing the skill level and time required for assembly while ensuring reliable vibration resistance.
3Loss of substance
If the corrugated pipe is made from multi-layer diffusion-resistant plastic, then the loss of fuel substance is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated pipe is constructed from multiple layers of plastic materials, each layer providing specific properties: an inner diffusion-resistant layer to prevent fuel penetration, intermediate structural layers for mechanical strength and corrugation formation, and an outer protective layer for abrasion and UV resistance. This composite structure prevents fuel loss through diffusion while optimizing the balance between performance and manufacturing cost by selecting materials and layer thicknesses based on functional requirements rather than using expensive materials throughout.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a permanent, vibration-resistant connection that prevents leaks and allows easy separation for repair, ensuring efficient fueling of both main and additional tanks, reducing downtime in self-propelled harvesters and other machinery.
Implementation Method 1
a seal being provided between the neck and the second coupling element, adjacent to this screw-in thread
Implementation Method 2
radial sealing rings to maintain tightness even during vibrations
Implementation Method 3
The second coupling element is screwed into the tank neck or the filling neck via a threaded section
Implementation Method 4
the first and second coupling elements can be coupled to one another via a plug connection and can each be locked to one another in this position via at least one positive locking element
Data Source
AI summary
The device has corrugated pipes (4, 6) connected with filling connecting pieces and/or tank connecting pieces (7, 8) at ends by a coupling unit (9). The coupling unit includes a coupling element (10) that is associated to the corrugated pipes, and another coupling element (11) that is associated to the filling connecting pieces and/or the tank connecting pieces. The coupling elements are coupled with each other by a plug connection, and locked relative to each other in a position by a form-fit locking element (26).