Magnetic Ring Adaptor for DEF Port Mis-Fueling Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diesel exhaust fluid containers and ports lack effective mechanisms to prevent mis-fueling between diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and diesel fuel, posing safety and environmental risks due to the similarity in refilling interfaces and lack of distinct magnetic components.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a conduit with stepped outer diameters and a magnetic ring with complementary inner diameters, secured by an adaptor, along with an o-ring for a fluid-tight seal, to ensure accurate fuel dispensing and prevent cross-contamination, aligning with ISO 22241 standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple refilling interface is used for diesel exhaust fluid containers, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of mis-fueling between DEF and diesel fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating a non-circular conduit cross-section with flat sides at specific angles. The first flat side and second flat side are positioned at different angular orientations, creating an asymmetric geometry that prevents rotation to incorrect positions. This asymmetric shape allows the refilling operation to be simple (maintaining ease of operation) while ensuring the conduit can only be connected in the correct orientation (improving reliability and preventing mis-fueling).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a magnetic component system. A magnetic ring is positioned within the conduit, and a magnetic sensor detects the position of this ring. This intermediary magnetic system acts as a mediator between the physical connection and the control system, providing an additional layer of verification to ensure correct orientation and prevent mis-fueling, thereby improving reliability without complicating the basic refilling operation.
2Reliability
If magnetic components are added to prevent mis-fueling, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the magnetic ring to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The magnetic ring not only provides a detectable element for the magnetic sensor to verify correct orientation, but also acts as a physical barrier or guide within the conduit. This multi-functionality allows the magnetic component to improve reliability while minimizing the addition of separate dedicated parts, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the magnetic component integration with the existing conduit structure. The magnetic ring is positioned within the conduit and the magnet is embedded in the port assembly, combining these magnetic elements with the structural components rather than adding them as separate external additions. This merging approach improves reliability through magnetic verification while avoiding a proportional increase in overall device 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
This configuration effectively prevents mis-fueling by ensuring the magnetic ring is securely locked within the conduit's grooves, providing a reliable and efficient fluid port system that adheres to safety standards, reducing the risk of accidental fuel mix-ups.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic ring in direct physical contact with the outer surface of the conduit; and an adaptor threaded onto the conduit, wherein the magnetic ring is held in direct physical contact with the outer surface of the conduit by the adaptor
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid container includes a tank, a magnetic ring, and an adaptor coupled to the tank via an o-ring seal. The magnetic ring includes two half-ring portions that, when assembled, form a full magnetic ring. The fluid container can be used to store DEF or other fluids. Assembling the fluid container includes positioning the magnetic ring within a groove formed in an outer surface of a conduit of the tank, and threading the adaptor onto the conduit to lock the magnetic ring in place.