Fuel Tank Joint Integrating Entry Restriction Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel tank joints require an independent pipe member to mount the entry restriction member, necessitating additional steps and complexity in assembly.
Innovation Solution
A fuel tank joint design with a tubular joint body that includes support portions formed integrally, allowing the entry restriction member to be inserted and supported without an independent member, using a tubular body with grooves, guides, and engagement hooks to secure the entry restriction member within the joint body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an independent pipe member is used to mount the entry restriction member in the joint body, then the entry restriction member can be securely mounted, but the assembly process becomes more complex and requires additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is integrated directly into the joint body structure, eliminating the need for a separate pipe member. The joint body now directly provides the support function that was previously performed by an independent component, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing assembly steps while maintaining mounting reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is extracted from the independent pipe member and transferred to the joint body itself. By forming the support portion as an integral part of the joint body, the patent removes the unnecessary intermediate component while preserving the essential support and mounting functions
2Reliability
If multiple steps are used to assemble the entry restriction member (arranging, inserting, fixing), then the entry restriction member can be securely fixed, but the assembly time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is pre-formed as an integral structure within the joint body, ready to receive and secure the entry restriction member in a single insertion action. This eliminates the need for sequential operations of arranging, inserting, and fixing, as the pre-configured support portion provides immediate securing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple assembly steps (arranging, inserting, fixing) are merged into a single insertion operation. The integrated support portion design allows the entry restriction member to be secured in one continuous motion, eliminating intermediate steps and reducing assembly time while maintaining fixing reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel tank joint includes a tubular joint body and an entry restriction member. The joint body includes a support portion. The entry restriction member includes a body tube, a groove, a guide, and an engagement hook. The body tube has opposite open ends in the flow direction of fuel. The groove extends upstream from the downstream end of the body tube and is engaged with the support portion. The guide is formed in part of the body tube that includes the downstream end of the body tube and guides the groove to the support portion by contacting the support portion when the body tube is inserted into the joint body. The engagement hook is formed in a downstream end section of the body tube and engaged with the support portion, from a downstream side, in a state in which the groove is engaged with the support portion.