Cap-free Fuel Tank Neck Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neck ends for vehicle fuel tanks lack effective protection against improper fueling, which can damage modern engines, particularly those with common-rail diesel injection systems, due to the risk of using gasoline instead of diesel fuel.
Innovation Solution
The neck end is designed with a locking mechanism that prevents the insertion of an incorrect fuel nozzle, utilizing clamping jaws or an inclined sliding surface to ensure only the correct nozzle can unlock and allow fueling, thereby minimizing the risk of improper fueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple closing mechanism with flaps is used, then the sealing function is achieved, but protection against improper fueling is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the diameter parameter of the outlet pipe as a distinguishing feature between gasoline and diesel nozzles. The locking mechanism is designed with specific dimensional parameters (opening width, clamping jaw positioning) that correspond to the diameter of diesel nozzles, creating a selective access system that prevents improper fueling through parameter matching rather than complex mechanical interlocks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary locking mechanism with clamping jaws that acts as a mediator between the nozzle and the filling opening. This intermediary element selectively engages with diesel nozzles of correct diameter while blocking gasoline nozzles, providing protection without requiring direct complex interaction between the nozzle and sealing flaps
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with clamping jaws is added, then protection against improper fueling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes parameter changes by designing clamping jaws with specific opening widths and positioning that correspond to the diameter parameters of diesel nozzles. The mechanism transitions from a simple flap closure to a parameter-selective system where the dimensional parameters of the locking elements match only the correct fuel type, providing protection while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the locking mechanism movable and responsive to the insertion force of the nozzle. The clamping jaws are designed to be displaceable, allowing automatic unlocking when the correct diesel nozzle is inserted, while remaining locked for incorrect nozzles. This dynamic response provides protection without requiring complex control systems
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
This design significantly reduces the risk of improper fueling, preventing damage to engines and reducing unnecessary repair costs and environmental impacts by ensuring only the correct fuel is used, and can be retrofitted to existing systems without major modifications.
Implementation Method 1
which is held against a sealing surface by the force of, in each case, a closing spring
Implementation Method 2
the locking element is embodied in such a manner that it can be unlocked as a function of the shape of the outlet pipe of the fuel nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A cap-free closable neck end for a filler neck of a tank of a motor vehicle, the cap-free closeable neck including an upper entry space forming an insertion region for a fuel nozzle and being surrounded by a side wall, a lower sealing flap arranged in the upper entry space and closing mechanism arranged above the lower sealing flap. The closing mechanism includes an upper filling opening and an upper cover, which in a closed state at least partially covers the upper filling opening and being embodied in such a manner that the upper cover is displaced by inserting an outlet pipe of a fuel nozzle into the upper entry space for releasing the upper filling opening so as to allow for the insertion of the outlet pipe through the upper filing opening and the lower sealing flap. When used for forming a protection against a filling with unsuitable fuel, the upper cover, in its closed state, is blocked by a locking element and wherein the locking element is embodied in such a manner that it is unlocked as a function of a type-specific shape of the outlet pipe of the fuel nozzle, only when the tank is filled with suitable fuel.