Intake Line Clip Mounting for Fuel Tank Venting Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assembling functional components on the suction line of a combustion engine are complex, costly, and prone to unintentional loosening, particularly when using valves and venturid jets for fuel ventilation.

Innovation Solution

A clip connection system is used to securely attach functional components, such as valves or venturid jets, directly to the intake line without additional connection elements, allowing for simple, tool-free assembly and ensuring a secure, non-solvable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If welding is used to attach functional components to the intake line, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a clip connection system (mechanical fastening system). The clip (44) engages with the clip receptacle (54) to provide a secure mechanical connection that eliminates the need for welding, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If additional connection elements are used to attach the functional component, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functional component (10) directly with the clip connection means (42) integrated into its structure. The clip (44) and clip receptacle (54) are formed as integral parts of the functional component and intake line respectively, eliminating the need for separate connection elements and enabling tool-free, rapid assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clip connection system is designed to be self-installing without requiring additional tools or auxiliary connection elements. The clip (44) automatically engages with the clip receptacle (54) when the functional component is positioned on the intake line, enabling quick assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple clip connection is used without additional securing features, then the assembly is simple and cost-effective, but the connection is prone to unintentional loosening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a locking mechanism that prevents unintentional loosening before it can occur. The clip (44) features a locking tab (44b) that engages with a corresponding feature in the clip receptacle (54) to prevent the clip from disengaging, thereby providing preliminary protection against loosening while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If expensive materials are used for the intake line to ensure quality, then the overall quality is high, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall qualityVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different material qualities to different components based on their specific requirements. The functional component (10) is manufactured from high-quality plastic suitable for its specific function, while the intake line (12) can be made from cheaper plastic since it serves as a structural carrier. The clip connection system enables this differentiation without compromising overall assembly quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3557038B1Arrangement of a functional component for influencing a tank ventilation on an intake line
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3557038B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3557038B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP3557038B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a functional component for influencing the venting of a fuel tank (14) functionally connected to an internal combustion engine, comprising a base body (32), wherein at least one flow channel (66, 72) for guiding fluid from an inlet side (68, 74) to an outlet side (70) is formed in the base body (32), and wherein at least one means (42) for forming a clip connection of the functional component (10) to an intake line (12) is formed on the base body (32). The invention also relates to an arrangement of a functional component (10) for influencing the venting of a fuel tank (14) functionally connected to an internal combustion engine at an intake line (12).