Support Arm Cover Structure for Rainproof Gas Filling Nozzles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas filling devices for vehicles face issues with rainwater infiltration through moving parts, leading to malfunctions and hindering the filling process, and the heavy filling nozzle is burdensome for workers.

Innovation Solution

A gas filling device with a support arm mechanism featuring an upper cover with a first bent portion and a lower cover with a second bent portion, including guides and a rotatable design, combined with a mechanical winding device, to prevent rainwater ingress and facilitate easy assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the support arm mechanism is made freely extendable to reduce work burden, then ease of operation is improved, but rainwater can get in through moving parts causing malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a waterproof film or coating on the support arm mechanism to prevent rainwater infiltration while maintaining the freely extendable movement capability. This flexible protective layer allows the mechanism to remain operational in outdoor environments without compromising the ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a waterproof seal or protective cover as an intermediary element between the moving parts and the external environment. This intermediary component blocks rainwater from reaching the moving parts while allowing the support arm to extend and retract freely, thus maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the filling nozzle is made sturdy to withstand high pressure, then strength is improved, but the work of removing and connecting becomes heavy and burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestrengthVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a support arm mechanism that provides mechanical support to counterbalance the weight of the heavy filling nozzle. The support arm acts as a counterweight system, reducing the burden on the worker during removal and connection operations while maintaining the strength required to withstand high pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a self-service support mechanism where the support arm automatically positions and supports the filling nozzle during operations. This eliminates the need for manual handling of the heavy nozzle, making the operation easier while the nozzle itself remains sturdy for withstanding high pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a support mechanism is introduced to support the filling nozzle, then ease of operation is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the support arm mechanism into modular components that can be independently assembled and maintained. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity by allowing each component to perform a specific function, making the system easier to operate while keeping the structural complexity manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic support arm mechanism that can adjust its position and orientation based on operational needs. This dynamic design simplifies the overall structure by using movable joints and flexible connections, allowing the support arm to adapt to different positions without requiring a complex fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4671600A1Gas filling device
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 TOKYO TATSUNO CO LTD
  • EP4671600A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4671600A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4671600A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

[OBJECT] To provide a gas filling device that can effectively prevent the infiltration of rainwater with a simple structure. [SOLUTION] A gas filling device 1 of the present invention including: a filling mechanism for transporting gas from a gas supply source through a gas pipe; a main body housing 2 having the filling mechanism therein; a filling hose 3 connected to an outlet of the gas pipe of the filling mechanism; and a support arm mechanism 6 for supporting, via a wire 5, a filling nozzle 4 provided at a tip of the filling hose 3, wherein the support arm mechanism 6 including: an upper cover 6A having a first bent portion6AA formed downward along its entire periphery; and a lower cover 6B having a second bent portion 6BA formed upward, wherein the second bent portion 6BA is located on an inner surface of the first bent portion 6AA.