Pivoting Vehicle Filler Neck for Leak-Proof Offset Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield washer fluid filling systems in vehicles face issues with inconsistent alignment and sealing between the filler neck and the container due to manufacturing variations, leading to potential leaks and damage to underlying components.
Innovation Solution
A filling apparatus with a pivotable filler neck and a movable container opening that allows for centering and sealing through a bearing system, enabling rotational and translational movements to compensate for manufacturing offsets, using a centering cone and a sealing ring to ensure a watertight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the filler neck and container are designed as separate components with fixed positions, then the manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but manufacturing variations cause inconsistent alignment and sealing leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The filler neck is designed to be pivotable relative to the container, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the filler neck to automatically align with the container opening despite manufacturing tolerances, achieving reliable sealing without requiring high manufacturing precision while maintaining simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing allows the filler neck to change its angular position parameter, enabling it to compensate for misalignment caused by manufacturing variations. By changing the orientation parameter of the filler neck, the system adapts to different alignment conditions and ensures proper sealing
2Reliability
If the filler neck is made pivotable to compensate for alignment issues, then sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional bearing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing is introduced as an intermediary element between the filler neck and the container. This bearing serves as a mediator that enables relative rotation while maintaining the connection, allowing the filler neck to adjust its position for reliable sealing without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing performs multiple functions: it supports the filler neck, enables rotational movement for alignment compensation, and maintains the mechanical connection between the filler neck and container. This multi-functionality achieves reliable sealing without adding excessive complexity
3Ease of operation
If visible individual flaps or covers are provided in vehicle body elements for filler access, then the filler neck becomes accessible, but design and manufacturing requirements are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filler neck is integrated directly into the vehicle body flap structure, merging the filler access function with the existing body element. This eliminates the need for separate visible covers or flaps, maintaining the aesthetic design and manufacturing simplicity of the body elements while providing filler accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
A filling device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, includes: a vehicle body flap which forms at least part of a skin of the vehicle and is designed to pivot between a first position and a second position that differs from the first position, the vehicle body flap having an opening; a container for storing a fluid; and a filler neck which is mounted on the vehicle body flap such that the filler neck can pivot along with the vehicle body flap relative to the container between the first position and the second position and is connected to the opening. When the vehicle body flap is in the first position, an end portion of the filler neck is partially inserted into an opening portion of the container such that the container can be filled with fluid via the opening and the filler neck. A bearing is provided to support the opening portion of the container or the end portion of the filler neck in a starting position and allow the opening portion or end portion to move from the starting position to a compensating position within one or more specified degrees of freedom such that an offset of the other portion when the end portion is inserted into the opening portion is compensated by the movement of opening portion or end portion into the compensating position.