Fuel Tank Quick-Connect Apparatus with Spring Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel tank connection systems using standard rubber hoses and clamps are costly, time-consuming, and fail to meet low emission standards, with inadequate locking force and resistance to cantilever loads, necessitating a more efficient and safer connection mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A tank connection apparatus featuring a stainless steel locking spring and secondary safety lock with an audible 'click' feedback, utilizing a multilayered HDPE corrugated pipe for spin welding, designed to provide quick and secure coupling while meeting LEV-III emission standards and resisting cantilever loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If standard rubber hoses and clamps are used for connection, then the connection can be made, but the locking force is insufficient and the process takes long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical clamp system with a spring-based locking mechanism. The spring element provides automatic locking force when the connection is made, eliminating the need for manual clamp adjustment and providing consistent locking force without time-consuming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the fuel tank connection is made. The spring force self-adjusts to provide adequate locking force without requiring external intervention or manual adjustment, making the system self-servicing during the mounting process.
2Reliability
If standard clamp system is used for mounting, then the connection can be established, but the locking force varies and adequate locking force cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of locking force delivery from manual mechanical adjustment to spring-based automatic force application. The spring mechanism maintains consistent locking force through its elastic properties, eliminating the variability inherent in manual clamp systems and providing reliable, repeatable mounting results.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multilayer rubber hoses are used to meet emission standards, then emission requirements are met, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multilayer construction for the connection apparatus, combining different materials to achieve both emission compliance and cost-effectiveness. The multilayer design allows for selective material placement where it is most needed for emission control, rather than requiring expensive multilayer hoses throughout the entire system.
4Strength
If typical rubber hoses with clamps are used, then connection is achieved, but resistance against cantilever loads and extension is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection apparatus into distinct functional segments: the spring locking mechanism for force application, the multilayer connection body for structural strength, and the corrugated pipe for flexibility. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high strength without excessive overall complexity.
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 apparatus ensures quick, safe, and durable connection of fuel tanks and filling lines, providing audible feedback and enhanced strength against cantilever loads, while meeting low emission standards at a lower cost.
Implementation Method 1
a locking spring (8) for attachment and locking of the coupling body (7) to the tank connector female housing (2)
Implementation Method 2
providing an audible feedback by means of a 'click' sound that occurs during spring locking
Implementation Method 3
combine/couple the tank connection apparatus with the multilayered plastic pipe by means of spin welding method
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention is a tank connection apparatus (1) providing connection of a tank filler pipe (11) with a fuel tank (12) in a fuel filling line of a vehicle, and it comprises: a coupling body (7) containing the mechanism components on its own body and providing connection between a corrugated connection pipe (10) and the tank connector female housing (2), a corrugated connection pipe (10) mounted in between the tank filler pipe (11) and the coupling body (7), and preventing cracking and/or breaking by extending in situations like accidents, a tank connector female housing (2) mounted to the inlet of the fuel tank (12), a locking spring (8) found on the coupling body (7) and fixing the coupling body (7) in the tank connector female housing (2) when the coupling body (7) is attached to the tank connector female housing (2). The tank connection apparatus (1) according to the invention also comprises a safety lock (9) attached to the safety lock slot (7.1) found on the coupling body (7) and fixing the locking spring (8) with regard to the axis of rotation, and thus preventing it from coming loose.