Lockable Cap Assembly for Fuel Filler Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel filler pipe locking mechanisms lack a secure and efficient way to lock and unlock the cap, potentially allowing unauthorized access or theft, and may not prevent overtightening which can damage the cap or fuel tank inlet.
Innovation Solution
A lockable cap assembly for fuel filler pipes featuring a key-operated gear or elliptical cam mechanism that radially displaces locking tabs between engaged and released positions, allowing secure locking and unlocking of the cap, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring proper tightening to form a vapor-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the fuel filler pipe cap, then security against theft and unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the cap structure itself, where locking tabs are integrated into the cap body and engage with the filler pipe assembly. The key-operated gear mechanism is incorporated within the cap, combining the locking function with the existing cap components rather than adding a separate locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically engages when the cap is properly installed on the filler pipe. The locking tabs are positioned to automatically engage with the filler pipe assembly upon cap installation, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional manual operations.
2Reliability
If a key-operated locking mechanism is implemented, then prevention of unauthorized access is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The key-operated gear mechanism is pre-positioned within the cap structure, with locking tabs already configured to engage with the filler pipe assembly. The preliminary arrangement of these components ensures that the locking action is automatically initiated when the cap is installed, reducing the operational steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism allows for rapid engagement and disengagement of the cap. The gear mechanism enables the locking tabs to be quickly positioned into or out of engagement with a single key rotation, skipping through the locking action in one swift motion rather than requiring multiple steps.
3Reliability
If locking tabs are designed to engage securely with the filler pipe, then the reliability of the seal is improved, but the risk of overtightening and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are designed with predetermined engagement positions that prevent over-tightening. The gear mechanism includes stopping points or engagement limits that automatically prevent the cap from being tightened beyond the designed secure position, counteracting the harmful effect of overtightening before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates features that cushion or absorb excessive tightening force. The gear and locking tab design includes elements that yield or disengage if excessive force is applied, protecting the cap and filler pipe assembly from damage while maintaining secure sealing under normal tightening conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable assembly for a fuel filler pipe including a cap supported upon a unit mounted to the fuel filler pipe. The clip has at least one locking tab which is actuated by a key insertable portion incorporated into the cap and in order to lock or unlock the cap for removal from the outside part of the unit attached to the filler pipe. The key insertable portion can further include a rotatable component. The at least one locking tab further includes a pair of locking tabs which are radially displaced via the rotatable component so that the tabs displace in opposite directions. Other features include a sliding limiter component associated with each of the oppositely directed locking tabs.