Refueling Gun Detection Flap with Retractable Protrusion Detector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing erroneous refueling prevention devices are prone to malfunctions due to foreign objects adhering to the taper surfaces used as detectors, allowing small-diameter refueling guns to be inserted, which can cause incorrect refueling.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flap and switch mechanism where the protrusion detector is hidden until the refueling gun is inserted, preventing foreign objects from adhering and allowing or restricting the insertion based on the gun's diameter through a contact relationship, using a first and second biasing member to ensure accurate detection and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the protrusion detector is exposed to detect the refueling gun diameter, then the detection function is available, but foreign objects can adhere to the detector causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion detector is preliminarily positioned in a retracted state behind the flap before refueling operation begins. This preliminary positioning prevents foreign object adhesion while maintaining the capability to perform detection when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion detector transitions from a static exposed position to a dynamic retracted/exposed mechanism controlled by the flap position. The detector is dynamically retracted behind the flap when not in use and exposed only when the flap is pushed open by a refueling gun
2Reliability
If the flap is kept closed to protect the protrusion detector, then foreign object adhesion is prevented, but the refueling gun cannot be inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The flap acts as an intermediary between the protrusion detector and the refueling gun. It protects the detector from foreign objects while allowing the refueling gun to push it open for detection, mediating between protection and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flap is preliminarily positioned in a closed state to protect the detector before refueling begins. This preliminary protective action is automatically removed when a refueling gun is inserted, allowing both protection and operation to coexist
3Ease of operation
If the switch allows large turn amount for small diameter guns, then insertion is allowed, but erroneous refueling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The switch provides feedback on the turn amount of the flap, which corresponds to the diameter of the inserted refueling gun. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect the gun diameter and prevent erroneous refueling by comparing the detected diameter with the required diameter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An erroneous refueling prevention device restricts or allows insertion of a refueling gun into a refueling passage depending on an outer diameter of the refueling gun. The device includes a flap (4) configured to open or close the refueling passage by a turn of the flap about a first turn pivot (4i); and a switch (6) configured to be unlocked from the flap (4) by a turn of the flap (4) to a half-opened state, and to turn about a second turn pivot (6c). The switch (6) includes a protrusion detector (6d) configured to, in response to the turn, project to a position where the protrusion detector faces the refueling passage. The switch (6) restricts or allows a turn (4) of the flap from the half-opened state to a fully-opened state, depending on a turn amount of the switch to be determined by a contact relationship between the protrusion detector (6d) and the refueling gun.