Integrated Ratchet Closure for Urea Tank Torque Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container closures with ratchet functions for motor vehicle tanks, such as those used for urea solutions, are bulky and expensive due to their complex design and space-consuming components like adsorber chambers and ratchet mechanisms, which occupy valuable installation space and are not optimized for efficient torque and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A container closure with a ratchet device integrated within the container socket, featuring a handle part and socket part coupled by serrations and a spring element, where the spring element is designed as an elastic extension of either part, allowing the handle to rotate further after overcoming initial resistance, and the ratchet mechanism is completely housed within the socket, with a seal to prevent liquid escape, and a gas-permeable membrane for ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ratchet mechanism with compression spring and multiple components is used, then torque limitation and easy opening are achieved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ratchet mechanism, spring element, and closure cap into a single integrated component. The ratchet teeth are formed directly on the closure cap, and the spring element is built into the ratchet mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the torque limitation and easy opening functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure cap serves multiple functions: it closes the container opening, provides torque limitation through the ratchet mechanism, and enables easy opening through the same ratchet mechanism. The single component performs what previously required multiple separate parts, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If adsorber chambers and ratchet mechanisms are added to the closure cap, then functional performance is improved, but installation space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism is nested within the closure cap structure. The spring element is positioned inside the ratchet mechanism, and the ratchet teeth are formed on the inner surface of the closure cap. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the closure assembly while maintaining all functional components.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex ratchet mechanism with multiple parts is used, then torque control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet teeth are formed directly on the closure cap through injection molding or similar manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for separate ratchet components. The spring element is integrated into the ratchet mechanism during the same manufacturing process. This reduces the number of parts to manufacture, assemble, and quality-check, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining precise torque control.
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 design minimizes installation space, allows for adjustable torque and extended service life, and ensures reliable operation while maintaining an attractive appearance, with the ratchet mechanism and spring elements providing a simple and functional connection that prevents over-tightening and easy opening.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, with the handle part being able to be rotated further relative to the socket part in the screwing-in direction when the socket part is blocked in the screwing-in direction, after overcoming a first ratchet resistance due to the force of the spring element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
According to the invention, a container closure for a tank for a liquid reducing agent, for use in a motor vehicle in a device in which nitrogen oxides produced by the combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine are reduced to nitrogen and water in the presence of the liquid reducing agent, is provided with a container nozzle that can be closed by a lid, wherein the lid has a handle for screwing in and out.from the container nozzle and is provided with a nozzle part and with a ratchet device, via which the handle part and nozzle part are coupled by means of adjacent toothing in such a way as to include at least one spring element, that when the nozzle part is blocked in the direction of rotation, the handle part can be rotated further relative to the nozzle part in the direction of rotation after overcoming a first ratchet resistance due to the force of the spring element, characterized in that the spring element is formed integrally with the handle part or the nozzle part.